What Evolution wants, Evolution gets - or so it would seem. They like the fanciest cars, party with the prettiest women, dine at the most exclusive restaurants and, most of all, rule the roost on Raw.
Indeed, Triple H's quote above was not so much a mission statement as a prophecy. For just three months after issuing the Evolution Proclamation, as it's become Known, the team of Triple H, Ric Flair, Randy Orton, and Dave Batista are stronger than ever. Their influence is felt in every facet of Raw, and they gain more influence and power every day.
From the outside: they appear unbetable. No one has been able to distract them from their goals, and no one, or no other group of Raw Superstars, is likely to do so in the future. Pardon the pun, but these four Superstars have evolved into the strongest force the mat game has ever seen.
Together,they combine everything necessary for success on Raw. Physical power? Look no further than Batista and Triple H. Quickness and stamina? Is there anyone better that Randy Orton? Brains and savvy? Ric Flair and Triple H didn't get their nicknames, Thc Dirtiest Player in the Game and The Cerebral Assassin for nothing. Championship experience? Flair is the most decorated World Champion of all time. and Triple H has won more world titles of any Superstar on Raw, with the exception of Flair.
Together, they've been called the past, the present and the future. Forget the past and prasedt for a moment, though. They are simply the biggest thing going in sports-entertainment today, and nothing appears likely to stop them.
Publicly, all four say the same thing when questions about how and why they decided to align and how they get along arise.
Triple H has never made a secret of his admiration for Flair. In turn, Flair has always spoke highly of Triple H and was looking for someone he deemed worthy enough to carry on his legacy and knowledge of the business. They joined forces and decided to bring some youth and exuberance to their team. Orton was an obvious choice. He had the bloodlines, the ability, the look and the desire. Batista was the final piece of the puzzle, a dominant enforcer whose strength and, unbridled rage would make anyone who wished ill upon the group think twice.
The four formed a pact, and they initiated their plan to become the mostdominant force on Raw. Flair and Triple H were already good friends. Orton and Batista, although a bit younger, fit right in with the other two. They traveled together. partied together, worked out together, and from all published reports, became like brothers. Backstage at arenas, they could be seen laughing, slapping each other on the back, and giving each other pep talks. There were no chinks in their armor. Unlike other domimant factions of the past, the Four Horseman and DX for example, they would not implode. No, Evolution was different.
But are they? Might they not be telling the truth? Might there be some underlying tension among the four Superstars that could unravel Evolution? Based upon what everyone has seen on Raw, it sounds preposterous. Raw Magazine, however, has unearthed some very interesting facts that indicate all might not be What it seems.
The first Clue came during the photo shoot for the cover of this magazine. The shoot took place at world-famous Miller Motorcars in Grennwich, Connecticut, Evolution's exclusive Ferrari dealership. While the photographers were setting up their equipment, the Evolution members milled about, talking on their cell phones and checking out the latest offerings from Ferrari. (Both Randy Orton and Triple H ended up dropping close to $500,000 each on new Ferraris.) What was interesting, though, was the lack of communication among the group.
Other than a few whispers between Flair and Triple H, and Batista and Orton, one would have never known the four were friends. While some at the photo shoot attributed this to the fact that they were living it up in New York City the night before, a few obseroant eyes thought otherwise.
It would be a stretch to say that there was a definite schism along generational lines, but there was definitely something to the fact that Flair and Triple H barely spoke to Orton and Batista.
When asked it there was any trouble in the group, Flair scoffed it off. "We were partying all night long. After the night we had, nothing really needs to be said. EvolutiOn is Strong as can be."
The second clue, although a bit tenuous, confirms the eyewitness accounts above. A source. who wished to remain anonymous - lest Evolution get ahold of him - swears there is dissension among the four. He claims he overheard one of them talking on the phone saying, "He thinks he's using me, but I'm really using him."
Anonymous sources are never as solid as named ones, but the Superstar who gave Raw Magazine the quote does bring up two interesting points. First, the members of Evolution are actually using each other for their own purposes. Also, rather than mutual admiration, the group was formed out of selfish desire and what each member could get out of the other.
If we look at each member individualy, it begins to make even more sense. Let's start with the 16 time world Champion Ric Flair and why he would want to be part of Evolution.
Ric Flair
Everyone knows that Flair has accomplished everything that can be accomplished in this business. He's the most admired man in the sport, and the fans hold him in the highest esteem. But, inside the mind of Flair, deep down in his heart, he knows that there is more to be done. Others might rest an then laurels, but Flair is not one of them. He hungers for yet another championship. He still wants to prove that he is "The Man." Now, what would be the best way for Flair to capture that elusive 17th title? Obviously, has Triple H, Randy Orton, and Batista on his side would help. Triple H is always in the title picture, whether he is defending or chasing. His power and prestige could put Flair himself right smack in the middle of the World title scene. Batista could run interference, hurting a potential opponent or interfering in a match to ensure Flair a championship victory. Orton is the "Legend Killer." He might get other contenders to the throne out of the picture. With so many of the top hands put out of action by Orton, the path to the championship would be perfectly paved for Flair.
Flair did not earn the moniker "The Dirtiest Player in the Game" by accident. He knows every trick in the trade, and having been a longtime Horseman, he knows how to use group dynamics for personal gain. Nothing Flair does happens by accident. His friendship with Triple H, his mentoring of Orton and Batista - lie knows what he is doing and he knows how to do it.
Flair has every reason in the world to team up with Evolution, and don't be surprised if to the end, he is standing in the center of the ring with the World Championship belt around his waist while the other members of Evolution simply lay in waste.
Triple H
The Cerebral Assassin certainly doesn't need anyone's help to reign supreme on Raw, but it certainly makes things easier for him to have the others around. No one understands the adage, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer," than Triple H. While he most likely doesn't fear Flair physically, he could be worried about having such a devious mind working for an opponent. If he's aligned with Flair, he can keep on eye on him, ensuring that he isn't conspiring against him or advising some else.
As for Batista, he has the tools and the raw power to challenge Triple H. As a friend, he is no threat. As an opponent, he could seriously injure The Came. Plus, like Flair, he is the perfect instrument to run interference. Why put yourself at risk when others can do the job? Triple H understands the business and knows having Batista on his side greatly enhances his power.
Having Randy Orton in Evolution is a real coup for Triple H. Orton has been dubbed, "The Future of the Business," and he could pose a grave challenge to Hunter, both in terms of potential championships and endorsements. If Triple H fears anyone, it might be Orton. Again, having him on his aide eliminates, perhaps, his greatest threat.
Randy Orton
Despite his lineage, Randy Orton has to earn the respect of his peers. He's done a fine job pummeling, legends so far, but he would never even had the chance to go after these legends had he not associated himself with luminaries like Flair and Triple H. Not only can he learn from these two, but he also gains immeasurable status and opportunity.
Rookies and young pros have a difficult time making it in WWE. There's little doubt that his father and grandfather counseled him that the best way to avoid the trials and tribulations of being a newcomer is to associate yourself with acknowledged leaders.
On his own, Orton might just be another struggling newcomer. With Flair and Triple H at his side, he becomes one of the top players in the business. Add Batista into the mix and he's got everything he could ask for. Two veterans to help pave the war for him, and a young bull who can deflect unwanted attention away from himself.
Dave Batista
Batista has everything to gain and nothing to lose by being a part of Evolution. While he is an imposing physical specimen and a tremendously talented athlete, he has neither the pedigree of Flair and Hunter, nor the bloodlines of Orton. In order to make a name for himself, he could toil for year, hoping the powers that be would notice him, or he could come out center stage with Triple H, Flair and Orton. He'd have to be a fool to not want to be part of Evolution.
Some think that Batista, a relatively quiet Superstar, is being used by the others to take care of their dirty work. Don't let the silence fool you. Batista knows what the others can do for him. Because he's so physically dominant and loves the contact, he's more then willing to do a lot of tough tasks for the group. Don't think for a moment though that Batista doesn't see the big picture. Triple H and Flair give him credibility. 0rton gives him star power. When the time is right and Batista has milked everything he can from the others, don't be surprised if he admits he was using the others all along.
Today, Evolution stands at the very pinnacle of the business. Everything major flows through them. Together they appear unconquerable but how long can they last? How long can the needs of the group outweigh The the individual egos? They all want the World Championship, but only one can hold it. All it would take is for one member to lose his cool, and the entire faction might come crumbling down. Perhaps, chinks in the armor have already begun to manifest themselves, for the path Evolution has chosen is a very dangerous one. There's more money, power and prestige at stake than ever before. Is Evolution on track to become the most dominant assemblage of Superstars ever put together? Or, are they on an irrevocable collision course with each other that can only lead to extinction?