Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg’s NBA Summer League run is expected to be over in Las Vegas.

The Mavericks will shut down the rookie for the rest of the exhibition tournament after just two games, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.

Flagg, who was the No. 1 overall pick coming out of Duke in June, scored 31 points for Dallas in the 76-69 loss to No. 2 pick Dylan Harper and the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, July 12.

‘I think it’s a new environment, new setting,’ Flagg said after the game on Saturday. ‘They want to see me be aggressive and do that type of stuff.’

It was a stronger performance for Flagg compared to his Summer League output against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, July 10. The 6-foot-9 forward admitted after the game on Thursday that he wasn’t entirely pleased with his performance as he adjusted to the pace and play of the NBA game.

He scored 10 points in the first half but went scoreless in the second half, shooting 0-for-9 from the field during the final two quarters of play against the Lakers. Flagg finished the game shooting 5-for-21 from the field.

Who is Cooper Flagg?

Flagg joins the NBA after spending just one season at Duke. 

As a freshman, Flagg started all 37 games that he played in and averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 30 minutes per game. 

He won the Wooden Award and the Naismith Award.

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner denied No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz a three-peat at Wimbledon, winning the latest edition of tennis’ best rivalry in four sets – and avenging his loss to Alcaraz at the French Open.

After dropping the opening set, Sinner took control of the match behind his overpowering serve to win his fourth career Grand Slam title, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

Two-time defending champion Alcaraz of Spain was no match for the Italian’s serve, which only seemed to get better as the match progressed. In the end, Sinner was able to prevent the kind of comeback Alcaraz staged at the French.

‘I had a very tough loss in Paris, but at the end of the day it doesn’t really matter how you win or you lose the important tournaments, you have to understand what you did wrong, try to work on that. That’s exactly what we did,’ Sinner said after the match.

‘We tried to accept the loss and just kept working and this is for sure one of the reasons why I hold this trophy right here.’

For Sinner, it was his first Wimbledon title and his first Grand Slam victory on anything other than a hard court – after he won the 2024 and 2025 Australian Open and 2024 U.S. Open. He becomes the first Italian to win the men’s singles title at Wimbledon.

‘We would never have thought we would be in this position back in the days when I was young,’ Sinner said he discussed with his coaches before the match. ‘This was only a dream of the dream because it was so far away where I’m from.

‘I’m just living my dream, so it’s amazing.’

Look back as USA TODAY followed all the action from Centre Court.

Live score: Men’s Wimbledon final

Sinner finishes off Alcaraz in four sets

A brilliant backhand service return down the line gave Sinner an early service break in the fourth set at 2-1. And he never let Alcaraz have an opening to break back.

The two-time defending champion tried to rally the Centre Court crowd behind him, but each time Sinner was able to combat the pressure.

Sinner was able to keep his foot on the accelerator throughout the final set, holding serve to close out the match. His last serve came off his racket at 137 mph, his fastest of the final.

Sinner gains the upper hand after winning third set

Could sweet revenge be in the cards for Jannik Sinner?

Looking to reverse the outcome of their classic French Open final, Sinner took the third set against Alcaraz with a powerful array of shotmaking. On his third break point of the set, Sinner came through with the winner he needed – helping him take control of the match with a two sets to one lead.

With the score even at 4-all and Alcaraz serving, Sinner crushed a forehand winner to put himself in position for the break. He capitalized when Alcaraz slipped on a deep baseline return, putting away the easy backhand volley into the open court.

Sinner then locked down the set with a couple powerful overhead shots and a service winner to close out the set 6-4.

Sinner did not have an ace in the first two sets, but he powered in six during the third.

Sinner evens the match with strong second set

These two tennis titans could be headed for second consecutive instant classic in a Grand Slam final.

After taking the opening set, Alcaraz couldn’t keep the momentum going at the start of Set 2. Sinner bounced back to record a service break in the opening game and – unlike in the opening set – he didn’t let Alcaraz come back.

Showing some uncharacteristic emotion, the usually mild-mannered Sinner gestured after several key points during the set. He closed it out with some great athleticism to win the final point on a cross-court stunner.

Alcaraz takes first set

Carlos Alcaraz rallied from an early deficit to win the final four games and take the opening set against Jannik Sinner.

After both players held serve their first two times, Sinner recorded the match’s first service break in the fifth game, winning the final four points with some aggressive returns.

But Alcaraz battled back to even the set at four games apiece thanks to a pair of unforced errors by Sinner on his serve.

Alcaraz broke Sinner once more to take the set, as Sinner double-faulted at deuce and Alcaraz hit an amazing return that just barely cleared the net for the clinching point.

Sinner, Alcaraz take the court

There’s a slight delay, but we’re now just moments away from the start of the gentlemen’s singles final at Wimbledon.

Alcaraz will serve first.

Matthew McConnaughey, Prince William, Princess Kate on hand

Among the celebrities spotted in the crowd: Actors Keira Knightley and Matthew McConnaughey, and recording artist Seal. There’s a royal presence in the audience as well.

What time is the Wimbledon men’s final?

The 2025 Wimbledon men’s final between No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner and No. 2 seed Carlos Alcaraz is scheduled for Sunday, July 13 at 11 a.m. ET (4 p.m. in London).

What TV channel is the Wimbledon men’s final on?

ESPN is televising the 2025 Wimbledon men’s final between No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner and No. 2 seed Carlos Alcaraz at 11 a.m. ET, following the women’s doubles final.

Is there a live stream of the Wimbledon men’s final?

You can live stream the match between No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner and No. 2 seed Carlos Alcaraz on the ESPN app, Disney+, ESPN+  and Fubo, which carries the ESPN family of networks and is offering a free trial.

Odds to win 2025 Wimbledon men’s final

Although No. 2 seed Carlos Alcaraz was favored to beat No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner on Friday night, according to BetMGM, the odds have flipped as the match has drawn closer. The latest odds Sunday morning now have Sinner as the favorite by a small margin.

• Carlos Alcaraz -102
• Jannik Sinner -115

What is the weather forecast for Wimbledon men’s final?

The Weather Channel is forecasting mostly cloudy skies for the afternoon of Sunday, July 13, with a temperature of 81 degrees at the start of the match and winds around 5 mph out of the Southeast.

Wimbledon men’s final prize money

The winner of the 2025 Wimbledon men’s singles championship will take home $4.07 million (£3,000,000) in prize money. The runner-up earns $2,060,989 (£1,520,000).

Path to the Wimbledon men’s final

How No. 1 Jannik Sinner reached the final

• First round: Defeated Luca Nardi 6-4, 6-3, 6-0
• Second round: Defeated Aleksandar Vukic 6-1, 6-1, 6-3
• Third round: Defeated Pedro Martinez 6-1, 6-3, 6-1
• Fourth round: Defeated No. 19 Grigor Dimitrov 3-6, 5-7, 2-2, retired
• Quarterfinals: Defeated No. 10 Ben Shelton 7-6 (7-2), 6-4, 6-4
• Semifinals: Defeated No. 6 Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 6-4

How No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz reached the final

• First round: Defeated Fabio Fognini 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1
• Second round: Defeated Oliver Tarvet 6-1, 6-4, 6-4
• Third round: Defeated Jan-Lennard Struff 6-1, 3-6, 5-3, 6-4
• Fourth round: Defeated No. 14 Andrey Rublev 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4
• Quarterfinals: Defeated Cameron Norrie 6-2, 6-3, 6-3
• Semifinals: Defeated No. 5 Taylor Fritz 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6)

How many Grand Slam finals has Jannik Sinner made?

Wimbledon 2025 marks the fifth Grand Slam final for Sinner. He won the 2024 and 2025 Australian Open and the 2024 US Open but lost in the final of the 2025 French Open to Alcaraz.

How many Grand Slam finals has Carlos Alcaraz made?

This is Carlos Alcaraz’s sixth Grand Slam singles final. He has won his five previous major finals, capturing the 2022 US Open, the 2024 and 2025 French Open and the past two Wimbledon titles in 2023 and 2024.

Carlos Alcaraz vs. Jannik Sinner: Head-to-Head

Wimbledon 2025 marks the 13th meeting between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Alcaraz has dominated the rivalry, winning eight of the 12 previous contests, including the past five. Their most recent meeting was a five-set thriller in the final of the French Open last month, when Alcaraz rallied from two sets down to win Roland Garros crown.

The duo has met four times total in Grand Slam tournaments. In addition to the 2025 French Open, Alcaraz beat Sinner in the semfinals at Roland Garros in 2024 and the quarterfinals of the 2022 US Open. Sinner won their first Grand Slam meeting in the fourth round of Wimbledon in 2022. — Ellen J. Horrow

Carlos Alcaraz’s career record, prize money

Jannik Sinner’s career record, prize money

Who has the most Wimbledon men’s singles titles?

Roger Federer has the record for most men’s singles titles in the history of the event, winning all of his championships in the Open Era (since 1968). He won the Wimbledon championship eight times during his storied career, with his first victory coming in 2003 and last in 2017. That included a run of five consecutive titles at the tournament from 2003-07. — Jacob Camenker

A total of 9 men have won Wimbledon at least four times. Most titles (*-amateur era; ^-amateur and Open era):

• Roger Federer: 8
• Novak Djokovic: 7
• Pete Sampras: 7
• *-William Renshaw: 7
• Bjorn Borg: 5
• *-Laurence Doherty: 5
• *-Reginald Doherty: 4
• ^-Rod Laver: 4
• *-Anthony Wilding: 4

What surface is Wimbledon played on?

Wimbledon generally produces faster tennis and more volleys than the other majors, and balls do not bounce nearly as high. The surface can also be slippery at times, especially compared to hardcourts.

‘You have to be more focused on the footwork here,’ Carlos Alcaraz told The Athletic after winning his second Wimbledon men’s singles championship in 2024. ‘Moving on grass is the key to everything on grass. I can’t slide as I do on clay or on a hard court.’ — John Leuzzi

Where is Wimbledon held?

• Location: All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club (London)

The 138th edition of the Wimbledon Championships is being held at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club on Church Road in London. It is the 103rd time that the Grand Slam event has been held on Church Road, a streak that dates back to 1922.

The Grand Slam event hasn’t always been held at the All England Club on Church Road, however. From 1877 through 1921, the Wimbledon Championships were held at the former All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club location on Worple Road in London. — John Leuzzi

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

The early prognosis for Seth Rollins’ injury: ‘Doesn’t look good.’

WWE chief content officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque addressed Rollins’ injury during his press conference following Evolution. He said it’s ‘a little bit inconclusive’ of what injury Rollins suffered on Saturday, July 13, but the outlook is not good. Levesque expects to get an answer on Monday, July 14 when Rollins sees a doctor.

‘Will get an MRI and hope for the best,’ Levesque said. ‘See where we can go with that.’

What happened to Seth Rollins?

It’s a gloomy update one day after Rollins appeared to suffer a devastating injury during a televised match. Rollins faced LA Knight at Saturday Night’s Main Event, and during the match he attempted a moonsault in the ring and his knee buckled. He immediately went down and grabbed his knee as he backed into the corner of the ring, with the referee and Paul Heyman checking in on him.

A ringside doctor eventually came and talked with Rollins. After the brief discussion, Rollins got back to his feet and LA Knight hit the BFT to set up the pin for the win. It came off as a quick adjustment to the ending.

After the match, people inside the arena took video of Rollins getting help leaving the ring, and one video on social media showed Rollins’ clearly frustrated, with the wrestler barking expletives as he was assisted.

While the extent of Rollins’ injury is still unavailable, it likely is a major injury for ‘The Visionary’ and could potentially mean some big changes to storylines. Rollins is Mr. Money in the Bank, able to cash it in for a championship opportunity at any time, and there was speculation he would do it at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Plus, he is still riding the momentum of his WrestleMania 41 victory, and was leading a stable with Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed and Heyman. The menacing group was also involved in storylines with Jey Uso, Sami Zayn and Penta.

Seth Rollins injury history: Constant knee injuries

The injury is just the latest one to affect Rollins’ knee, as its something that’s plagued his WWE career.

In November 2015, Rollins tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) and meniscus in his right knee during a live event in Ireland. He required surgery, and was forced to vacate the WWE World Heavyweight Champion as he missed seven months. Rollins then re-tore the MCL in the same knee in January 2017, but didn’t miss much time.

He tore the meniscus in his left knee in January 2024. Even though he was injured, Rollins still appeared in WWE as World Heavyweight Champion while taking part in the build-up to WrestleMania 40. He wrestled both nights of the event despite the injury, and was instrumental in the Cody Rhodes vs. The Rock and Roman Reigns storyline. He missed two months of action following the event.

ATLANTA — As Matt Holliday’s eldest sons navigated their way through amateur baseball, rising from decent prospects to potential first-round picks, the difference between father and sons became apparent in their public appearances:

Jackson and Ethan were simply different physical specimens than their father, a seven-time All-Star who at 6-4 and 240 pounds still looks like he could bat cleanup – or be an edge rusher – for somebody.

But now, there is an undeniable link between the OG Holliday and Ethan: Son will follow in father’s footsteps as a Colorado Rockie.

MLB DRAFT TRACKER: Every pick from 2025’s first round

Ethan Holliday’s draft day didn’t begin as anticipated Sunday night, with the Washington Nationals opting for his Oklahoma prep shortstop cohort, Eli Willits, as the No. 1 overall pick, followed by collegiate arms Tyler Bremner and Kade Anderson by the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners.

But any semblance of a slide turned into serendipity.

The Rockies did not hesitate to snag Holliday with the fourth overall pick, opting for a shortstop who stands eye to eye with his father yet posseses an athleticism that allows him to patrol shortstop.

Ethan is also taller and projected to be stronger than older brother Jackson, and although he did not equal Jackson’s 2022 feat by becoming the first overall pick, he has the ceiling to light up Coors Field.

Holliday batted .661 with 19 home runs and 64 RBIs for Stillwater High School this season, earning consensus as the No. 1 pick yet not separating himself to the extent an organization’s whims or the vagaries of bonus pool allocation might get a club like Washington to switch up.

Yet there’s a certain family tradition he’s now happy to inherit.

Matt Holliday mashed in Denver, hitting 130 home runs in six seasons, with a .936 OPS and a 131 adjusted OPS, meaning that with altitude factored in he was still approaching elite offensive production. He provided one of the more iconic moments in franchise history, sliding home just ahead of the throw (or not – the play would be a lightning rod for eventual replay review) – to score the winning run in a one-game playoff against the San Diego Padres in 2007.

The Rockies would advance to their only World Series weeks later; Ethan Holiday was just seven months old.

‘Man, this is a really incredible opportunity,’ Ethan Holliday said in an MLB Network interview shortly after the Rockies selected him. ‘I’m so driven by faith, so grateful. I don’t even know what words to put to this. The Rockies organization, I’m just so thankful to them.

‘That just adds such a cool thing, knowing everyone in the organization since I was born.’

Eventually, the Rockies faded and traded Holliday to Oakland, and he went on to have seven All-Star campaigns with the Cardinals. He finished up with a final, partial season in Colorado, by which time young Jackson and Ethan were familiar sights in Matt’s clubhouses.

Now, it will seem like déjà vu in Denver, with a thinner, perhaps more athletic and potentially potent Holliday back in town.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

The women of WWE took center stage – and delivered. For the first time in seven years, Evolution took place as WWE held the event dedicated to its stacked women’s division. 

With such a talent roster, seven matches took place rather than the typical five. There was a no-holds-barred match and a battle royal for a title opportunity, but plenty of gold was up for grabs. The top prizes in the division – the WWE Women’s Championship, Women’s World Heavyweight Championship and Women’s NXT Championship – were all on the line, as well as the Intercontinental and Tag Team titles.

The night was full of epic performances and there were shining stars, but nothing topped the crazy ending that completely changes the landscape of the women’s division.

Watch: WWE Evolution post show

Women’s World Championship match: Iyo Sky (c) vs. Rhea Ripley

A fast start got the main event going, and the opponents gave each other props for how quickly they were dealing hits. There was a pause where both said they respected each other before continuing the battle, and Sky had the first real opportunity to get rolling, diving outside of the ring with a moonsault. Sky was feeling the ride she was on before Ripley caught her and threw her onto the edge of the announcer’s table and then the barricade.

Ripley’s power emerged and she was getting frustrated with how Sky was getting back up to everything she was throwing at her, even trying the submission route.

Sky worked her way out of it and soon enough, she was emoting and riding the wave. Sky went to the top turnbuckle but Ripley met her and tried to launch her, but Sky landed on her feet to avoid a catastrophic ending. After a back-and-forth sequence, Sky executed a poisionrana to perfection, but the pin attempt wasn’t enough.

The Over the Moonsault was there for Sky to attempt, and Ripley pushed her to ruin her balance. Then came a Razor’s Edge into a powerbomb from Ripley to the champion. A win looked possible, but Sky kicked out at the last moment. After she couldn’t believe it, Ripley tried to end it for good with a Riptide that Sky got out of. Sky then tried for a kick, but Ripley moved out of the way and the referee got hit. Sky was shocked, and she got hit with a Riptide by Ripley. However, the referee was out and Ripley’s pin attempt wasn’t counted.

A frustrated Ripley hit Sky with a Razor’s Edge again and then took the fight into the crowd, throwing the champion against chairs and railings. Ripley climbed some equipment and attempted a big powerbomb, but Sky realized what was happening. The genius of the Sky went higher and flew high to take out Ripley in the spot of the night.

The action got back into the ring after Sky hit a powerbomb on Ripley. Sky hit her finisher as the referee got back in the ring, but Ripley stunningly kicked out. The champion couldn’t believe it, and dragged Ripley toward the turnbuckle. Ripley bounced her head on the steel. She climbed up and hit a Spanish fly to take both stars out.

Naomi cashes in Money in the Bank briefcase

Caution.

Naomi came out with her Money in the Bank briefcase. She cashed it in and made it a triple threat match. She hit Sky with the briefcase and then threw Ripley out of the ring. She hit her finisher on the champion and pinned Sky to win the championship and steal the spotlight.

Analysis: Proceed with caution in the women’s division.

After a spectacular main event match, the night ends in a stunner as Naomi cashes in and captures the gold. Sky and Ripley put on another thriller that was another five-star caliber match, proving they are without a doubt in an elite class of wrestling. There were too many great spots to highlight, and it was the perfect way to end the night.

But the night belongs to Naomi. She really got bullied in the no holds barred match, and given the result, it felt like the cash-in would happen at the earliest, SummerSlam. But she saw her window and made the most of her opportunity. It’s a reminder of how quickly Money in the Bank can catapult someone, and Naomi did it in the best fashion.

The entire women’s division has been flipped on its head, and with Naomi now the Women’s World Champion, there’s no telling what’s going to happen next. The women struck gold.

Battle royal for championship match at Clash in Paris

To no surprise, Nia Jax wasted no time eliminating people, and she almost had Kelani Jordan, but the former gymnast took a page out of Kofi Kingston’s book and did a handstand to get herself back in the ring.

Slowly the field started to clear, most notably the NXT stars getting out of the match. Women’s United States Champion Giulia was eliminated by Zelina Vega, getting payback for taking her title away. The Secret Hervice was doing all it could to protect Chelsea Green, and Nikki Bella solved some part of the problem by eliminating Alba Fyre, and then eliminating Piper Niven with Stephanie Vaquer.

Green was the recipient of Vaquer’s Devil’s Kiss, and it led to her elimination, making the final four Lash Legend, Jax, Bella and Vaquer. When Bella tried to eliminate Jax, Legend came through with a big kick to take out the WWE Hall of Famer in a stunning move. Legend then picked Jax up in an amazing spot, and got her outside of the rope. Her and Vaquer worked together to eliminate Jax and leave it to the final two.

Vaquer hit a 619 and tried the frog splash, and Legend caught her. She tried to throw her over the rope, but went on the side alongside her. They were tangled and Vaquer was in position for the Devil’s Kiss. She hit her patented move and tossed Legend out of the ring, securing her title opportunity at Clash in Paris.

Analysis: ‘La Primera’ is truly living to her nickname, as the rising star will get the chance for main roster gold in Paris. It was an easy choice to put Vaquer in the role, as her popularity is skyrocketing as much as her talent is. Any other person winning would have caused mass outrage. The only possible option was Bella, but her loss puts her an intriguing spot to see whether she’ll continue in WWE, and what avenue she can go through.

The battle royal MVP was easily Legend, who showed so much promise in the bout and could suddenly find herself in the main roster soon.

No-holds-barred match: Jade Cargill vs. Naomi (with Bianca Belair as special guest referee)

No time was wasted between heated rivals, getting the fight going before Cargill could get in the ring. Cargill threw Naomi against the barricade, and soon afterward, Naomi recovered by delivering shots with a kendo stick. Anything that could be brought into the ring was used, from a chain, garbage can and even a camera. Cargill was leaning against the announcer’s table and Naomi dropkicked her and broke a monitor.

Naomi unleashed a brutal assault on Cargill, sending her through a table and taunting her by wiping blood with her opponents hair. Ms. Money in the Bank was cooking and set Cargill up on a table. But as she got to the top turnbuckle, Cargill got up and hit her with a chair. She then climbed up and executed a flying Jaded from the top rope in a crazy spot. It sent Naomi through the table, and Belair counted the pin as Cargill got another victory over her rival.

Analysis: What a match that was building toward becoming an instant classic, and instead, it comes to an abrupt end. This easily was one of the most brutal women’s no holds barred matches, with any possible weapon used. It was refreshing to see it actually be used since it hasn’t happened much recently.

While it was going great, and the finish was a major spot, it came rather quickly and so sudden, and it’s likely a fault of creative not giving much time. This had the potential to be a much more menacing battle but the finish felt extremely rushed. It’s a disappointment because Naomi and Cargill did so well. But give credit to the competitors for putting up a high-quality match in such little time.

Cargill is now 2-0 against her arch rival, and she continues building toward her title opportunity at SummerSlam. She’s riding all the momentum, but it feels like it’s only a matter of time before Naomi ruins it all, and gets the last laugh.

WWE Women’s Championship match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Trish Stratus

The veteran and youngster tried to feel each other out in the early stages, taking the safe approach to the match. Stratus showed she still has plenty in the tank with a spectacular hurricanrana out of the ring, and used that to get to her signature skillset. When Stratus attempted her chop, Stratton dodged it and gave her a taste of her own medicine.

Being a sensational athlete, Stratton executed a swanton beautifully, just slightly different than the Prettiest Moonsault Ever. Later, Stratton tried it, but this time Stratus got her knees up to block it. Stratton then countered it with a Stratisfaction. But the pin attempt didn’t work to stun the champion.

Stratus tried a Lita-esque moonsault, but Stratton returned the favor and got her knees up. She got up, picked Stratus up and catapulted her on the mat. Then Stratton attempted her finisher, and this time it landed. She pinned Stratus to retain the title.

After the match, Stratus got a standing ovation from the crowd as she stood in the ring by herself, hinting that possibly could be the final ride for the WWE Hall of Famer.

Analysis: Stratus indeed, still has it. The decorated star hung around with Stratton and delivered plenty of nostalgia, and she could be a full-time wrestler if she wanted to. While it’s enough to be a champion, there wasn’t a chance she’d take down Stratton. The current champion has taken on any and all challengers, and has put up a stellar performance each time. In a moment that could have been seen as a passing of the torch, Stratton gracefully takes it.

If this is it for Stratus, she went out with a bang.

Fatal four-way tag team match for WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Sol Ruca and Zaria vs. The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane)

The Kabuki Warriors were feeding off the crowd to start and it got them an early advantage, but Rodriguez came into the fold and completely overpowered anyone that got in her way, showcasing how challenging it would be to dethrone the champions. Then Zaria got the chance to show her stuff to a bigger audience, and the NXT stars teed off on Alexa Bliss.

It was only a matter of time before Flair got in the ring, and Bliss tagged her in and the crowd went crazy. The decorated star cleared the field, and that’s when the chaos unfolded.

There were finishers being done everywhere, from Flair’s spear to Sol Ruca’s Sol Snatcher. Thanks to an accidental spear from Zaria to Sol Ruca, it paved the way for the champions. Rodriguez and Perez cleared the field, and all that was left was Sol Ruca in the ring. Rodriguez picked her up and threw her down on the mat and got the pin to retain the gold.

Analysis: Multiple-tag team matches always turn into a massive frenzy, and that’s what we got in a wild one. There were several fun spots, and the moves that needed to happen were executed to a tee. Every team had a good reason to win, but the champions needed to retain to strengthen what’s going with The Judgment Day.

Now the relationship between Rodriguez and Perez strengthens, and it will make for a quality story with the gold in the mix.

NXT Women’s Championship match: Jacy Jane (c) vs. Jordynne Grace

The challenger flexed her muscles out of the gate, and it looked like it could be quick work for Grace to take the title. But Jayne didn’t back down and held her own in delivering a solid attack. It didn’t last long before Grace’s power was overwhelming. The only way Jayne was able to avoid falling into a deep hole was just moving out of any big shots Grace tried.

Jayne was yelling at Grace any time she tried any move, and it seemed to only fuel Grace to countering what would happen next. Grace went to the top turnbuckle, but Jayne met her to take her down and followed it with a running knee. The pin attempt didn’t work.

Fallon Henley brought the NXT title in the ring to help Jayne, and Blake Monroe stopped it from being used as a weapon. The championship made it in, but Jayne couldn’t use it. The referee got distracted and Monroe had the title in her hands, but when Grace bounced off the turnbuckle, the stunner happened. Monroe hit Grace in the back, and Jayne capitalized with a massive hit to the face. She got the pin, and Monroe delivered the championship to Jayne before walking away.

Analysis: What transitional champion? It felt like Jayne would be giving up the title now that Grace was in the title scene, but instead we have the makings of a potential massive feud. Jayne keeps the title, and her reign still gets a chance to develop her character.

But the bigger story is the development between Grace and Monroe. It felt like we’d get a softer version of Monroe in WWE with her charm being all we’ve seen. Instead, Monroe is going heel, something she’s incredibly great at delivering. It will make for even better television, and Grace will have to face a massive obstacle if she wants WWE gold.

Triple threat match for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Bayley vs. Lyra Valkyria

After getting the crowd hyped, Bayley knocked Valkyria and went toe-to-toe with Lynch. Valkyria came back and there was quick action from everyone in the ring. Anytime it looked like someone would establish control, someone would come in and halt any momentum.

The action went outside of the ring, and Lynch finally got in control by throwing Bayley against the barricade. With Valkyria down, Lynch went to work on Bayley and tried to get a quick victory. Bayley withstood the attack, and when Valkyria came back into the match, it allowed the ‘Role Model’ to get to work. She landed shots to both opponents that got the crowd rocking.

Lynch and Bayley met at the top turnbuckle, and Lynch tried the Disarm-Her. Bayley got out of it, and when she did, there was Valkyria launched off the ring to take both stars out. She came close to getting the pin. Lynch then came close with a double DDT and then a Manhandle Slam nearly got her a win, but Bayley broke up the pin attempt. Bayley landed her finisher on the champion, and Valkyria broke up the pin. Valkyria then hit Nightwing on Lynch and that pin didn’t work.

Valkyria and Bayley went back and forth and felt close, but the champion saw the window. Bayley hit the Rose Plant on Valkyria and got the pin attempt, only for Lynch to sneak in and roll Bayley up. The surprise worked to retain the title.

Analysis: What an excellent match to start what should be an incredible night. A blend of seasoned veterans meeting with a rising star made an excellent recipe for a title fight. In triple threat matches, the challenge is for every star the chance to shine. Not only did everyone get chance to strut their stuff, but they went off doing so.

The rivalry has been great and a case could have been made for this match to be the main event. The heat has felt authentic, and Lynch getting the roll up victory should help each challenger build a case for a rematch. It’s hard to pick either Bayley or Valkyria to get the nod, which is why another triple threat match could, and should, happen.

Stephanie McMahon kicks off show

McMahon appears and speaks with Joe Tessitore. She said the women’s division has grown tremendously since the first Evolution.

‘Get ready to be inspired. Because we get to do it all over again,’ McMahon said.

When is Evolution 2025?

WWE Evolution is on Sunday, July 13.

Evolution 2025 start time

Evolution will start at 7 p.m. ET. The preshow begins at 5 p.m. ET.

Where is Evolution 2025?

The event takes place at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

How to watch Evolution 2025

Evolution 2025 will be streamed on Peacock, but you must have their premium or premium-plus subscription to watch. Internationally, it will be available on Netflix in most markets.

How to watch Evolution 2025 preshow

The Evolution preshow will be available to watch on Peacock, and on WWE’s social channels, including YouTube.

Stream WWE Evolution on Peacock

Evolution 2025 match card

Matches not in order

• Battle royal for championship match at Clash in Paris
• No holds barred match: Jade Cargill vs. Naomi (with Bianca Belair as special guest referee)
• Fatal four-way tag team match for WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Sol Ruca and Zaria vs. The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane)
• Triple threat match for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Bayley vs. Lyra Valkyria
• NXT Women’s Championship match: Jacy Jane (c) vs. Jordynne Grace
• WWE Women’s Championship match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Trish Stratus
• Women’s World Championship match: Iyo Sky (c) vs. Rhea Ripley

Intercontinental Championship match to kick off show

Who is in Evolution battle royal?

There are at least 14 confirmed participants for the battle royal. It has not been announced how many total contestants there will be.

• Nikki Bella
• Stephanie Vaquer
• Ivy Nile
• Nia Jax
• Natalya
• Maxxine Dupri
• Zelina Vega
• Giulia
• Kelani Jordan
• Jaida Parker
• Lola Vice
• Lash Legend
• Izzi Dame
• Tatum Paxley

WWE Evolution predictions

USA TODAY Sports give their predictions for Evolution. See the full predictions for how it will unfold here:

Battle royal for championship match at Clash in Paris

• Jordan Mendoza: Stephanie Vaquer
• Richard Morin: Stephanie Vaquer

No holds barred match: Jade Cargill vs. Naomi (with Bianca Belair as special guest referee)

• Jordan Mendoza: Jade Cargill
• Richard Morin: Jade Cargill

Fatal four-way tag team match for WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Sol Ruca and Zaria vs. The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane)

• Jordan Mendoza: Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss
• Richard Morin: Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez

Triple threat match for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Bayley vs. Lyra Valkyria

• Jordan Mendoza: Becky Lynch
• Richard Morin: Becky Lynch

NXT Women’s Championship match: Jacy Jane (c) vs. Jordynne Grace

• Jordan Mendoza: Jordynne Grace
• Richard Morin: Jordynne Grace

WWE Women’s Championship match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Trish Stratus

• Jordan Mendoza: Tiffany Stratton
• Richard Morin: Tiffany Stratton

Women’s World Championship match: Iyo Sky (c) vs. Rhea Ripley

• Jordan Mendoza: Iyo Sky
• Richard Morin: Rhea Ripley

Charlotte Flair is having fun in new role

For the first time in her career, Charlotte Flair is having fun.

That’s not to say there weren’t fun moments. After all, she is a 14-time WWE Women’s Champion – 16-time if you count the two NXT Women’s Championships – a former Women’s Tag Team Champion, and the only woman to win the Royal Rumble twice. Plus, she’s one of five women to ever main event WrestleMania. 

But all those accolades came with immense pressure. How can it not with the Flair last name?

Now, Flair’s shoulders seem lighter. The pressure that has followed every step of her career has come off. For the first time, we’re seeing a different side of Flair in WWE. One that’s more authentic, vulnerable and far from the jet-flying, limousine-riding, high-profile character that’s been in the main event scene for the past decade.

And she’s loving every part of it. 

– Read more about Charlotte Flair here.

WWE brings back Evolution

It’s been desired for years, and WWE finally will hold the second iteration of Evolution. The first one happened in 2018 and was the company’s first all-women event. The historic night hadnine matches take place, and it was headlined by Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey vs. Nikki Bella.

Evolution also caps off what is a busy weekend in Atlanta for WWE. On Saturday, July 12, it held NXT The Great American Bash and Saturday Night’s Main Event later in the night. The weekend is capped off with Evolution.

NXT Great American Bash results

It’s been a big weekend for WWE in Atlanta as Evolution will be the third show in three days from the city. The weekend kicked off with NXT The Great American Bash on Saturday, July 12 afternoon. Here are the results from NXT’s show:

• Je’Von Evens def. Jasper Troy
• NXT Women’s North American Championship match: Sol Ruca (c) def. Izzi Dame
• NXT North American Championship match: Ethan Page (c) def. Ricky Saints
• Trick Williams, Joe Hendry and Mike Santana sign contract for TNA Wrestling World Championship match
• NXT Championship match: Oba Femi (c) def. Yoshiki Inamura
• Jordynne Grace and Blake Monroe def. Jacy Jane and Fallon Henley

Saturday Night’s Main Event results

Another edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event took place less than 24 hours before Evolution. The night was highlighted by Goldberg’s final match. Here are the results:

• Randy Orton def. Drew McIntyre
• United States Championship match: Solo Sikoa (c) def. Jimmy Uso
• LA Knight def. Seth Rollins
• World Heavyweight Championship match: Gunther (c) def. Goldberg

Seth Rollins injury update

It won’t affect anything at Evolution, but the talk of the WWE world is the potential devastating injury Seth Rollins suffered at Saturday Night’s Main Event. 

The injury occurred against LA Knight. Rollins attempted a moonsault in the ring when his knee buckled. He immediately went down and grabbed at his right knee as he backed into the corner of the ring and talked to the referee and Paul Heyman. LA Knight tried to attack Rollins but the referee stopped anything from happening.

Once Rollins got back on his feet, LA Knight hit him with the BFT and got the pin for a quick win. After the match, people inside State Farm Arena took photos of medical personnel checking on Rollins. A video of Rollins circulating on social media showed his clear frustration, the wrestler barking expletives and requiring help to leave the ring. 

– Read more about Rollins’ injury here.

The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports’ newsletter.

ATLANTA — As Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game loses just a shimmer of star power, the league made sure to let the world know Tuesday night’s pitching matchup will be top-notch.

For the second consecutive season, fireballing Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes will start for the National League, opposed by Tarik Skubal, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner and the undisputed best pitcher in baseball at the moment.

Pitting Skenes against the Detroit Tigers ace takes some sting out of losing a minivan’s worth of stars declining to participate in the game, led perhaps most notably by Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia’s 35-year-old ace who opted to rest instead of take part in his fourth Midsummer Classic.

Had Wheeler, who pitched Saturday night against the San Diego Padres, opted to participate, it would have created a tough decision for MLB and NL manager Dave Roberts. Wheeler has likely had the objectively superior first half – though not by much – leaving the league to decide between Wheeler and the buzzier, if you will, Skenes.

That won’t be a problem come Tuesday, as Skenes, who has a 4-8 record despite 4.8 WAR and a 2.01 ERA, will throw the first pitch at Truist Park against the AL All-Stars. Skenes will be first out the chute for the AL, thanks to his 2.23 ERA and a staggering 153 strikeouts in 121 innings.

Other stars who have opted out or been replaced due to the timing of their final first-half starts include Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez, Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez and Texas right-hander Jacob de Grom. Others, like Atlanta lefty Chris Sale and Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman, are either injured or returned very recently from injury and won’t play.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

Ndamukong Suh announced his retirement on Saturday. Some of you will know that name. Some of you will not. Everyone who follows the NFL and appreciates its history should have a deep appreciation of who Suh was. What he represented. All of him. The good, the bad, the really ugly. So here it is.

Suh was in many ways a representative of the NFL before it became the league we see now. He was an old-school football dude in a 21st-century era. If there was a player today who embodied the clotheslining, cheap-shotting, step-on-a-player’s leg while they’re down era of the 1970s, it was Suh. In fact, Suh actually did step on a player’s leg while he was down. He did it to Aaron Rodgers.

Suh was dirty. That’s not an opinion. That’s who Suh was. Don’t take my word for it. His peers said the same. The Sporting News in 2012 asked 103 players who was the dirtiest in the NFL and Suh was at the top of the list. He earned that position.

‘There’s not many guys in this league like that guy,’ former Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount said in 2017. ‘He’s a dirty player. He’s always been a dirty player. There’s no room in the game for that. At some point in time, guys have to defend themselves when he’s doing the things that he does.’

Suh was fined hundreds of thousands of dollars for various late hits, dirty plays and on-field illegalities. In fact, by 2023, he had racked up a staggering $420,669 in fines. Part of that unreal total was a $100,000 fine for a low block against Minnesota’s John Sullivan in the 2013 season opener.

This is who Suh was. But there is another part of him.

I was a massive critic of Suh, but I always appreciated how he was unapologetic about who he was, and I believe Suh saw football for what it really is: at times, and perhaps most of the time, a brutal sport played by tough people. That’s it. That’s all. Not the game that the league and networks sell. The beautified game. The flashy game. That’s not who Suh was.

It’s hard to put into words just how offenses feared Suh. Quarterbacks were terrified of him for legitimate reasons. But also, teams feared him because he was physically devastating, not just a cheap shot guy.

Busted knees, a fractured throat: Don’t forget harsh price NFL players pay

Suh was the second overall pick in the 2010 draft and the league’s defensive rookie of the year. He dominated in Detroit and then signed a deal with Miami that, at the time, made him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. After the Dolphins, he played for the Rams and Buccaneers before ending his career in Philadelphia.

The point is, besides the dirtiness, he was really good. Like, historically good. Suh played in Super Bowls for each of his last three teams, something that almost never happens in NFL history. According to Pro Football Talk, the short list of players who have played in Super Bowls for three different franchises includes Rod Woodson (Steelers, Ravens, Raiders), Bill Romanowski (49ers, Broncos, Raiders), Preston Pearson (Colts, Steelers, Cowboys), Harry Swayne (Chargers, Broncos, Ravens) and Joe Jurevicius (Giants, Buccaneers, Seahawks).

To me, he is a Hall of Famer.

And no, the cheap shot stuff shouldn’t keep him out. It should be noted, and debated, but he was, without question, one of the great defensive players of his era. That’s the bottom line in making that type of decision.

I have to tell you something else about Suh. Just one last thing.

You can see some of what these people who spoke to me meant when reading Suh’s thoughtful and heartfelt retirement post, which starts by noting he was retiring on the same day, a year later, that his father died.

“It’s the day I said goodbye to my father, the man who raised me, shaped me, challenged me, and believed in me before I believed in myself,” Suh wrote. “He wasn’t just a dad. He was my idol, my coach, and my anchor. He taught me what it meant to be disciplined, focused, and relentless in everything I do. Every snap I took in football carried his fingerprint. Every time I lined up across from someone, I could hear his voice pushing me, reminding me that I wasn’t just representing myself. I was representing him, my family, my name. Before he passed, he gave me one final piece of advice, ‘It’s time to let football go. You’ve done everything you set out to do. Now it’s time for the next chapter.’”

That next chapter should include a trip to Canton.