Lacey Evans returned to SmackDown recently and had a match after more than two months. She defeated Jazmin Allure, an indie wrestler who has also competed on AEW Dark. Evans went through a character change yet again. This time it’s more in line with her US Marine Corps background calling it “back to the basics”. WWE hyped up her return for weeks with vignettes showcasing her toughness while glorifying her military background. Some rumours were also spreading about her joining forces with Sgt. Slaughter. She even used the WWE veteran’s Cobra Clutch finisher to put away her opponent.
However, her return wasn’t without glitches. During her entrance, Evans teased shaking hands with a fan with Down’s syndrome but then didn’t. It was considered to be in bad taste and the WWE Universe was up in arms about it. Then she had a wardrobe malfunction during the match. At a point, her boot came apart but she improvised & used it as a weapon.
One mind, any weapon. 🇺🇲🫠 https://t.co/gtnxR1IAIi
— Lacey Evans ~ WWE Superstar. (@LaceyEvansWWE) January 28, 2023
Advertisement
After the match, she picked up and chucked her opponent out of the ring and claimed she will win the Royal Rumble. Thus she confirmed her participation in the Rumble. “The Cobra Clutch is unbreakable,” she said. “Get off your butt, on your feet, and salute your soon-to-be Royal Rumble winner.” She also berated the local crowd, legitimizing her heel turn.
Lacey’s last match was on 11th November 2022 in a Six Pack Challenge to determine the #1 Contender for WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship. Shotzi won that match to earn a shot at the then champion Ronda Rousey.
There may be rumours of Sgt. Slaughter managing Lacey but he didn’t like that she didn’t consult him before using his finisher. During the vignettes, fans had asked him if Lacey took his blessings and he replied with “Lacey Who”. However he later cleared that he liked her but she should have let him teach her the decorated finishing maneuver.
I Like Lacy WHO? It’s Just Using My “Infamous” COBRA🐍CLUTCH Without Consulting ME & Getting My Permission That Is Very Very Disrespectful🫵🏻At Least Let Me Show & Train You How To Use The Most Decorated Finishing Maneuver In The History of Pro Wrestling🫡
— SGT SLAUGHTER (@_SgtSlaughter) January 8, 2023
Advertisement
Let’s hope Evans finally soars to the top of the roster & lives up to her full potential.
