WWE Hall of Famers Trish Stratus & Lita do battle with Mickie James & Alicia Fox at the start of the first-ever all-women's pay-per-view: Courtesy of WWE Network.
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UNIONDALE, N.Y. — WWE Evolution kicked off with a blast from the past, as Trish Stratus & Lita defeated Mickie James & Alicia Fox in a remarkable showcase by the two WWE Hall of Famers. Trish & Lita, who provided one of the very first sparks of the Women’s Evolution, used uncanny teamwork to take down two fellow pioneer Superstars.
Historical significance and good vibes aside, the result extended a skid for Alexa Bliss, who was subbed out of this match for Alicia due to an injury but was a constant presence in Fox & Mickie’s corner. The Goddess made much of Trish & Lita’s veteran status before the match — there was a hearing-aid jab — but the Hall of Famers caught fire and forced the involvement of Alexa, who tripped Lita off the top rope to disrupt a potential moonsault and gave her squad the advantage.
Mickie & Alicia wisely focused on overwhelming Lita, but a fresh Trish got her squad right back in the thick of it with a Stratusfaction bulldog to Mickie. A last-ditch interference from Alicia went south when Lita dropped her with a Twist of Fate and administered a two-for-one Moonsault to Mickie and Alicia, and a Chick Kick from Trish to James brought the match to a close.
The Attitude Era may be back for one night only, but there was something larger at work than just nostalgia. Stratus debuted in the same building as a valet 18 years ago. That she returned, victorious, in the opening match of an all-women’s pay-per-view wasn’t just a trip down memory lane. It was a sign of how far the Women’s division has come … and, maybe, that Trish & Lita have a little more in them.