The third segment of Raw began with Peyton Royce and Billie Kay in the ring. The Women's Tag Team Champions had not defended their titles at Money in the Bank, but that did not stop them wittering away in their typically annoying manner about what great champions they were and how well they had carried the titles since winning them at Wrestlemania. They had fun taking jabs at the former champions, particularly Sasha Banks, who in their version of events had been so embarrassed in defeat that she had chosen to go home and cry about it.
"I don't find that funny. I don't find it funny at all," Renee Young said on commentary.
The crowd seemed to agree, as there was barely any kind of reaction at all from them. That changed when Evolution's music began to play. Although they booed, some of the crowd got to their feet, looking towards the stage. It was a sign of respect for the powerful new faction, showing that everyone knew business was about to pick up.
As ever, the four Evolution ladies were impeccably dressed and made up. Despite Charlotte failing to win the Money in the Bank match the previous night, all of them looked smug and content with life, particularly Alexa, who had her Raw Women's Championship over her shoulder. She looked like exactly what she was: the person at the top of women's wrestling.
Leading the way down the entrance ramp, Alexa felt incredibly pleased with the reaction their entrance had received. People realised that Evolution was already a big deal, and was only going to grow stronger with time. For the first time in a long time, she actually felt excited about the creative direction she was being given. A lot of faith had been put in her to lead the group, and she wanted to make the most of the opportunity. Being back in top sure felt good after being plagued by injury problems for the past year.
As Evolution entered the ring, the IIconics took refuge in a corner, looking wary and unsure as to why they had been interrupted by Alexa's group. They were not going to have to wait long to find out, for Alexa went over to the corner closest to the timekeeper's area and was handed a microphone.
"That's enough mindless babbling from the two if you," Alexa said to the IIconics as Evolution's music faded out. "You're out here talking about being great Tag Team Champions, when the truth of the matter is you've had no serious challenge since the night you won them. That's going to change at the next pay-per-view, Stomping Grounds, because I talked with Shane McMahon earlier, and he granted a match between the IIconics and any two members of Evolution, and those tag team titles of yours will be on the line."
Peyton and Billie looked nervously at each other, not liking what they were hearing.
"I have decided that the two people you will be facing are Charlotte Flair," Alexa announced, pausing to wait out the inevitable boos, while Charlotte treated the crowd to a 'Wooo'.
"And Sonya Deville," Alexa finished, smiling at that part of her announcement. "What all this means is that after Stomping Grounds is over, Evolution will not only have one champion, we will have three."
Alexa's smugness was promptly brought to an end by Becky Lynch's music hitting. Despite no longer being Raw Women's Champion, she was able to use the new wildcard rule to appear. The fans certainly seemed to be happy she was there, giving the Smackdown Women's Champion a loud response as she limped out onto the stage, her knee heavily bandaged after Mickie's sledgehammer attack at Money in the Bank.
Becky looked furious, and certainly sounded it when she launched right into Alexa. "Bliss, that's twice now you've screwed The Man out of the Raw Women's Championship, and last night you had that little flunky of yours Mickie James try and cripple me in the process. I admit my knee is pretty banged up tonight, but I can walk, and that means she didn't get the job done. It also means I'm going to kick your arse like never before, right here tonight!"
"Actually, no, you're not," Alexa snapped back over cheers for Becky. "I beat you for this championship, and I beat you again at Money in the Bank, in the rematch you never should have been given. I have nothing left to prove against you. However, if you're so keen to have a match tonight, you can have one." Alexa walked up to Sonya and slapped her on the back. "Against this woman!"
Sonya quickly put her hair up, signalling that she was ready to square up.
"Let me just tell you exactly who this is," Alexa said, keeping her hand on Sonya's back, both of them facing Becky up on the stage. "This is Sonya Deville. This is the future of women's wrestling in WWE. You see, that's one of the key things about Evolution. WWE is always evolving, and we have the absolute hottest prospect already locked down. At Stomping Grounds, Sonya will win her first championship in WWE, but before that, tonight..."
Alexa was interrupted by Peyton Royce smashing her in the back of the head with a forearm. Simultaneously, Billie Kay had done the same to Sonya, knocking them both down. Heels or not, the IIconics were cheered enthusiastically for their actions.
Charlotte and Mickie reacted quickly to the attack, but not quickly enough to catch the IIconics, who scooted out of the ring on the entrance side.
While Raw went to commercial, the women got into position for the six woman tag team match that was going to take place instead of the Becky – Sonya match that had almost been made. Alexa would be the one to stand at ringside, while her three teammates competed. Thanks to her recent concussion issues, Alexa was going to be used sparingly for a while. In any event, it worked well with her image as the leader of Evolution.
Becky went on to win the match by tapping out Mickie, handing Evolution their first defeat, and giving some momentum to the IIconics ahead of their championship defence at the upcoming pay-per-view.
From Evolution's point of view, the notable positive to take from the match was an impressive performance from Sonya, who had spent several minutes beating the crap out of first Billie Kay and then Peyton Royce. It showed that she was now going to be booked as the real deal, not someone who stood at ringside most weeks, as she had done back on Smackdown.
Mentoring someone was a job Alexa hadn't done since her time in NXT, where it was expected that every roster member worked with a less experienced recruit in training. The coaches down in Orlando considered it a key skill that needed to be developed, and had taught Alexa how to do it.
That had been a long time ago, though. Alexa had been on the main roster for several years, and only now was she being asked to mentor someone for the first time since her call up.
On the plus side, she could not have asked for a more talented, committed and pleasant woman to work with than Sonya Deville. Calling her the future of the women's division was as true off screen as it was on it.
Now that they were a few weeks into their time in Evolution, Alexa had decided to take Sonya aside in catering for a chat over a cup of coffee.
"So, how are you finding being a part of Evolution so far?" Alexa asked once they were settled at a table.
Sonya sipped her hot coffee, then smiled. "When I was first told about what was going to happen, naturally I was excited, but I also felt sad. I knew Mandy wasn't coming to Raw. We've been together ever since we got called up to form Absolution. I knew I would miss her so much, and I really do."
Sympathetically, Alexa nodded her understanding. "A team breaking up can be so hard. I've seen people suffer with it before. You've shown absolutely no sign of letting it get to you though."
"It hasn't been getting to me," Sonya was happy to report. "Although I've missed Mandy, I've focused everything I have on Evolution. I appreciate you, Char and Mickie for how welcoming and kind you've been. I honestly do feel like a part of the group."
"You are a part of the group," Alexa said, leaving no room for doubt. "We're all very pleased with the dedication and professionalism you've shown. Speaking purely for myself, I can also say I can't wait to see you develop even further in the ring as well. You weren't used well on Smackdown. That's going to change now that you're over here with us."
"Thanks, Lexi," Sonya said sincerely.
"You're welcome. I'm sorry we've not had a one on one chat like this before now to be honest. Anyway, I want you to know that you can always come to me if you need anything. You can always ask anything you need to ask."
Sonya took a rather hesitant-looking drink from her coffee cup, giving Alexa the distinct impression that there was already something she had on her mind.
"Tell me what you're thinking," Alexa encouraged.
"It's just that I don't really have a finisher," Sonya explained. "They've had me use the kick to the side of the head, but it's never really been put over as a finish. It doesn't even have a name."
"Hmm," Alexa said thoughtfully. "I can understand why they gave you the kick to use. You have an MMA background, and your striking attacks are impressive. What you could maybe do is use a different kind of kick? One that looks more like a finish."
"Any ideas?" Sonya asked, open to suggestions.
Alexa drank her coffee for a minute, taking time to think. One idea did come to mind. "What about something like the Brogue Kick that Sheamus uses? If you wanted to vary it up a bit you could hit the opponent in the chest with it instead of in the head."
"That might not be a bad idea," Sonya said thoughtfully. "If I hit people hard and it sends them flying backwards off their feet, that might look pretty badass."
"Sounds like a plan. I'll have a word with Mickie and Charlotte, and you can practice on us next time we have a chance."
"Thanks, Alexa," Sonya said, beaming. "I'm loving all this so much. I can't even tell you how much I'm looking forward to Stomping Grounds. It'll be my first big pay-per-view match. I'm so hyped."
"You'll do an amazing job," Alexa said with a smile. "I don't even know who I'm facing there yet. Before we get that far, I'm down at the WWE Centre on Friday for the opening ceremony."
"I know! That's going to be so much fun!" Sonya exclaimed. "It's going to be such a cool place for the fans, and for us. I don't know about you, but I genuinely do love meeting my fans. It still seems crazy to me that there are people out there who I've never met who want nothing but the best for me. Like, that's so humbling."
Alexa nodded, thinking that Sonya probably had no idea how much her popularity and fan base was about to explode.
What Alexa wasn't going to discuss with her new teammate was the other thing she was looking forward to on Friday: the date with Seth Rollins. The third time was hopefully going to be the charm, she thought, mentally crossing her fingers.
A/N: Thank you to everyone who left a review last time!
Looks like Sonya is finally getting a push now that she's in Evolution, and she's loving every minute of it.
Next time, the opening of the WWE Centre, and Alexa and Seth's third date. Do you think it is going to go well this time, or will it be another flop?