Evolution & 10 Other PPV Names That Were Only Used One Time

When you name a wrestling pay-per-view event, you’re also naming a brand. There was a time when just about every WWE PPV event had a different theme and set. The swinging scythes at Backlash, the end of the world at Armageddon, and, of course, the grandeur of WrestleMania immediately come to mind.

Every so often, a PPV concept is either only intended to be a one-off special or the idea behind it falls flat. Despite some PPV concepts deserving a second shot (an annual Evolution PPV, perhaps?), there are a handful of events that happened only one time in history.

11 The Wrestling Classic - 1985

In the earliest days of wrestling PPV, The Wrestling Classic was held to feature the first singles match on PPV between Hulk Hogan and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. The event also featured a massive tournament for no particular reason. Without any stakes, the tournament concept fell flat and wasn’t used again as an annual PPV until King Of The Ring. However, this event has several gems, both involving The Macho Man - one classic against Ricky Steamboat and another showcase against The Dynamite Kid.

10 No Holds Barred: The Match/The Movie - 1989

A brand this specific can only happen one time. When the WWE’s first-ever movie, No Holds Barred came to PPV, the WWE decided to make it special.

Instead of simply having the movie play on repeat for providers, they offered up the combo package of featuring the film, as well as a big tag team match between Hogan and Beefcake against Savage and Zeus; which fans got to have wild, classic promos of Savage and Sherri running up, down, and all around the cage.

9 This Tuesday In Texas - 1991

Between the chicanery that took place during The Gravest Challenge and the blood feud between Randy Savage and Jake Roberts, the 1991 Survivor Series just wasn’t big enough for one night. This Tuesday In Texas featured numerous dark matches and aired only five on pay-per-view. The two marquee matches at the event that stand out are the WWE Championship rematch between Hulk Hogan and Undertaker and the showdown between the Snake and Savage.

It was an interesting experiment by the WWE. The company pulled off an unannounced show to take place one week after a big show. The event suffered from a dismal PPV buy-rate but is still remembered for featuring the first WWF Championship reign of The Deadman come to an end via The Hulkster. It would take Hogan over 10 years before he returned the favor, dropping the WWE Championship to The Phenom at Judgment Day 2002.

8 One Night Only - 1997

When WWE came to England for One Night Only in the fall of 1997, it began WWE's usage of the United Kingdom as a theme for their pay-per-views. However, there has been no other PPV to use the title since. The event featured an amazing match between Bret Hart and The Undertaker as well as a shocking title change. The country’s hero, The British Bulldog defended the European Title against Shawn Michaels who defeated Davey Boy much to the dismay and anger of the London faithful.

7 Capital Carnage - 1999

Many of the UK only shows were more or less glorified House Shows being put on across the pond and Capital Carnage from 1999 is no different. But the event did have a few memorable moments. Vinnie Jones was a special guest enforcer, the popular Attitude-Era GIF of Jacqueline losing it all happens here, The Rock and X-Pac had an amazing match for the WWE title. But all of that paled in comparison to the main event - Steve Austin defeating Mankind, Kane, and The Undertaker in a Fatal 4-Way.

6 Invasion - 2001

It should’ve been a huge jumping-off point for WCW and The Alliance, but much of the complaints about why the entire Invasion angle didn’t work were on display at the only Invasion PPV.

But amongst the clunker of a show, fans were treated to an X-Pac and Billy Kidman match as well as RVD against Jeff Hardy in easily the match of the night. The main event saw Stone Cold once again turn heel for the second time in less than six months, this time joining The Alliance. Stone Cold's first 2001 heel turn wasn't the best, what could go wrong with trying a second time?

5 December To Dismember - 2006

Most fans already know this, but there is a great reason that WWECW only had one PPV after One Night Stand 2006. December To Dismember was an unmitigated disaster! From a lackluster card that only had two matches announced, to the backstage drama that unfolded regarding the booking of the main event; nothing went well here at all. Thankfully, no event has even come close to being this bad ever again, and hopefully, no event ever will.

4 Breaking Point - 2009

Unlike some other one-off PPVs, 2009’s Breaking Point was a really good show. This is the kind of show fans might rewatch on the WWE Network for comfort food. Three great main events happened here. One of the night's top matches featured DX doing their best to put over Legacy by doing the favors in a Submission Match. CM Punk somehow found a way to retain the World Heavyweight Title against The Undertaker, and John Cena defeated Randy Orton in an “I Quit” Match. But centering a PPV around the concept of Submission Matches wasn’t ever done again.

3 Capital Punishment - 2011

If WWE was still using the In Your House monicker back in 2011, then Capital Punishment would have been an event worthy of the name. Emanating from Washington DC, the show didn’t have a whole lot of impact on any of the current storylines. But fans were treated to an excellent Rey Mysterio and CM Punk match. Even Alex Riley got a win over The Miz. But the event also holds the distinction of the only singles PPV main event of R-Truth’s career when he challenged his “childhood idol” John Cena for the WWE Title.

2 Great Balls Of Fire - 2017

For years, fans had been clamoring for a dream match between "The Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar and "The Samoan Submission Machine" Samoa Joe. Those fans got their chance at 2017’s Great Balls Of Fire. Unfortunately, the name didn’t help sell tickets and wasn’t received well on social media.

However, the event was pretty good. On the road to SummerSlam, The Miz retained the Intercontinental Title against Dean Ambrose, and Bray Wyatt took out Seth Rollins. Roman Reigns almost "murdered” Braun Strowman. The aforementioned main event was short but a big enjoyable brawl as well.

1 Evolution - 2018

The Man was born at Evolution after Becky Lynch retained her title in a Last Woman Standing match against Charlotte Flair. Also at the first-ever WWE all women’s PPV, Trish and Lita returned and teamed up against Mickie James and Alicia Fox. Toni Storm won the 2018 Mae Young Classic and Shayna Baszler was able to regain the NXT Women’s Title against Kairi Sane.

Fans can bemoan the Bellas all they want. But make no mistake, thanks to Total Divas, the ladies get much more exposure than a lot of men and bring more fans to WWE. Nikki is also a little underrated, but she was able to hold her own (with help from her sister Brie) in her match against WWE Champion Ronda Rousey in the main event.

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