Tommy Dreamer Expresses Frustration Over WWE Evolution 2025 Match’s Weak Build

Dreamer Criticizes lack of Hype for Trish Stratus’ Evolution 2 Match

WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus returned to “SmackDown” last Friday, setting up a confrontation with reigning WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton at the all-female Evolution 2 PLE. While Stratus is celebrating 25 years in the wrestling business, veteran Tommy Dreamer believes the build-up to her championship match has been underwhelming.

During an appearance on “Busted Open Radio,” Dreamer expressed his disappointment with the lack of fanfare surrounding Stratus’ return and her upcoming bout. “I feel she needed a bigger buildup,” Dreamer stated, drawing a parallel to the significant hype surrounding matches like Goldberg versus Gunther.

dreamer also touched upon the current character of Tiffany Stratton. Despite being portrayed as a babyface,Stratton’s promo delivery frequently enough carries a condescending tone,which Dreamer feels alienates potential fans. He offered a suggestion for a more impactful promo Stratton could have delivered to acknowledge Stratus’ legacy.

“I was blessed to be on the apron when we tagged together,” Dreamer envisioned for Stratton’s promo, “and I know that to become the best, I need to beat the best. If you accept to wrestle me at Evolution 2,a show that you helped pioneer,and along with so manny women,helped me stand before you,as our champion.”

According to Dreamer, such a promo would have fostered a connection with the audience for Stratton and provided the necessary respect for Stratus, a pioneer who paved the way for current female talent in WWE.

Evolution 2 is scheduled to emanate from the State Farm Arena in atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, July 13.

If quoting this article, please credit the “Busted Open Radio” podcast and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

How does DreamerS critique of the Rhodes vs. Gunther build exemplify the broader issue of short-term booking in modern professional wrestling?

Dreamer’s Critique: A Lack of Storytelling for a Historic Event

Tommy Dreamer, a veteran of professional wrestling known for his hardcore style and outspoken nature, recently voiced his disappointment regarding the build-up to a key match at WWE Evolution 2025. Speaking on his “House of Hardcore” podcast, Dreamer lamented the perceived lack of compelling narrative leading into the contest, arguing it diminishes the impact of what should be a significant event. the specific match in question, a clash between Cody Rhodes and Gunther for the intercontinental Championship, has been criticized by fans and now, a respected figure within the industry.

The Core of the Complaint: Missing Emotional Investment

Dreamer’s primary concern isn’t the wrestlers themselves – both Cody Rhodes and Gunther are highly regarded for thier in-ring abilities. Instead, he focuses on the absence of a strong storyline. He argues that without a compelling reason for fans to emotionally invest in the match,it risks falling flat despite the talent involved.

Here’s a breakdown of his key points:

Insufficient Character Growth: The feud hasn’t adequately explored the motivations of either competitor. What drives Rhodes to pursue the Intercontinental championship at this stage in his career? What’s Gunther’s perspective on facing a star like Rhodes?

Lack of Personal Conflict: There’s been minimal personal animosity displayed. A truly memorable rivalry often stems from a genuine dislike or a deeply rooted conflict between the participants.

Missed Opportunities for Storytelling: Dreamer pointed to several missed opportunities to weave a more intricate narrative,such as referencing Rhodes’ family history or Gunther’s dominance as Ring of Honor champion.

Reliance on in-Ring Skill Alone: While impressive wrestling is crucial, Dreamer emphasized that it’s not enough. “You need to make people care,” he stated on his podcast. “The wrestling is the payoff, not the reason to watch.”

Comparing to Past WWE evolution Events & Builds

WWE Evolution events are designed to showcase the evolution of wrestling and its stars. The original Evolution pay-per-views (2001-2003) were built around the rise of a new generation of talent. the 2023 revival aimed for a similar impact, focusing on women’s wrestling. However, Dreamer believes the 2025 build lacks the same level of purposeful storytelling.

Consider these past examples:

1. Evolution 2001: Focused on the emergence of The Hardy Boyz, Edge & Christian, and Dudley Boyz, with intense tag team rivalries. The build was centered around escalating chaos and innovative match types.
2. Evolution 2003: Featured a highly anticipated Kurt Angle vs.Brock Lesnar match, built on a clash of amateur wrestling prowess and brute strength, with weeks of intense promos and physical confrontations.
3. Evolution 2023: The focus on Rhea Ripley’s dominant championship reign and the rise of new female stars was heavily emphasized through consistent booking and compelling storylines.

The current Rhodes vs. Gunther build, according to dreamer, doesn’t reach these heights.

The Impact of Short-Term Booking on Long-Term Investment

Dreamer’s criticism touches on a broader issue within modern professional wrestling: the trend of short-term booking. The emphasis on immediate gratification and weekly ratings can sometimes come at the expense of long-term storytelling.

The “Hot Shotting” Problem: Quickly cycling championships without a clear narrative purpose can devalue titles and diminish fan investment.

Lack of Continuity: Storylines are frequently enough abruptly dropped or altered, leaving fans feeling disconnected.

* The Importance of Patience: Building a truly compelling feud requires time and consistent effort. Rushing the process can result in a lackluster product.

Potential remedies: How WWE Could Still Salv