Former WWE Women’s Champion Melina Perez recently opened up about her deeply emotional experience at WWE Evolution 2, the all-women’s premium live event held last month. In an exclusive interview with SoCal Val’s “The Velvet Ropes” for WrestlingNews.co, Melina called for WWE to establish Evolution as a yearly tradition, describing it as the ultimate showcase for women’s wrestling—“the women’s WrestleMania.”

Melina, a legend of WWE’s women’s division, attended the event amid a mix of nostalgia and admiration for the current roster. She shared that the atmosphere backstage was a “beautiful” reunion filled with friends from different eras alongside new faces she had only previously seen on television. “It just felt beautiful going up to everybody, reunions everywhere, and then meeting new faces and faces that I’ve seen on TV and never really talked to,” Melina said. She admitted to holding back tears throughout the day, underscoring the emotional impact the event had on her[1][3].

WWE Evolution first debuted in 2018 as a groundbreaking all-women’s PPV event, but the successor show happened only years later, in 2025. Melina lamented the long gap between the two iterations and stressed the importance of making Evolution an annual fixture. “It’s a shame that it’s the second… the first was a long time ago, and now it’s a beautiful thing to finally see Evolution 2,” she stated emphatically. According to her, Evolution deserves to be treated as WWE’s premiere women’s event and equated it to WrestleMania for the female performers. “I hope on everything, there needs to be an annual one. This is the women’s WrestleMania. It should be treated as such,” she asserted[1][3].

Melina also praised the modern WWE women’s roster, highlighting their crucial role in bringing the show to life. She emphasized that the event’s success rests squarely on their shoulders and encouraged the current Superstars to take immense pride in their contributions. “They contributed to such an amazing show, and it wouldn’t be anything if it wasn’t for them. It’s like they have to understand that it’s not anybody, it’s them. They made this show happen, and I hope they take so much pride in this,” Melina commented[1].

The event featured both legends and rising stars, further bridging WWE’s storied history with the present. According to sources close to WWE and Fightful’s podcast “In The Weeks,” legends like Trish Stratus were heavily involved in the buildup, showcasing the respect and continuity within the women’s division. Mark Wheeler, who trained with Trish Stratus ahead of Evolution, shared insights on how such collaborations enriched the event’s narrative and significance[1].

Melina’s plea for an annual Evolution event aligns with voices throughout the wrestling community that see the show as a milestone for women’s sports entertainment. Given WWE’s growing focus on its women’s division—as seen on flagship shows like Raw and SmackDown and developmental promotions—elevating Evolution to an annual spectacle could serve to further legitimize and spotlight women’s wrestling on the grandest stage[1][3].

Though WWE has yet to announce plans for future Evolution events, the momentum generated by this second all-women’s premium live event and Melina’s passionate endorsement could encourage WWE officials to reconsider its scheduling. The company’s history shows responsiveness to fan and talent enthusiasm, especially when it aligns with expanding brand reach and storytelling opportunities.

Additionally, in a candid YouTube interview with Ten Count Media, Melina revealed her excitement about potentially returning to future Evolution events, mentioning dream matchups against top names like Trish Stratus, Rhea Ripley, Bayley, or Charlotte Flair. This openness signals that WWE’s female veterans remain eager contributors to the ongoing evolution of women’s wrestling[2].

With backstage positivity radiating from Evolution 2 and compelling endorsements from iconic figures like Melina, WWE Evolution stands poised to become not only an annual event but a landmark that could redefine the landscape for women’s wrestling worldwide.

Backstage Source Insight:

According to a WWE insider who spoke with Fightful on condition of anonymity, “There is strong internal support for making Evolution a yearly event. The talent love it, and it brings an opportunity to showcase past legends alongside today’s women’s roster in a unique setting. It fits WWE’s direction to elevate the women’s division further.” However, the insider cautioned that official announcements depend on calendar logistics and broader creative planning within WWE[1].

What WWE Evolution Means for Women’s Wrestling

• A Platform for Legends and New Stars: Evolution allows WWE to honor its history while showcasing emerging female talent, creating full-circle moments that resonate with fans and performers alike.

• The Women’s WrestleMania: Melina’s phrase encapsulates the prestige the event holds and suggests a paradigm where women’s wrestling commands a flagship event on par with WWE’s biggest shows.

• Empowering the Current Roster: The event’s success hinges on the current stars acknowledging their critical role, fostering pride and investment in women’s wrestling’s future.

• Fan and Talent Demand: Increasing interest and demand could push WWE to institutionalize Evolution, capitalizing on a growing market segment and progressive brand image.

As WWE fans eagerly await further details, Melina’s heartfelt testimony and call-to-action highlight the growing significance of Evolution within professional wrestling. With the talent, history, and fanbase aligned, making WWE Evolution an annual event could be the logical next step in showcasing the best in women’s wrestling year after year.