NXT
Date: October 6, 2026
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Booker T., Vic Joseph

We’re less than a month away from Halloween Havoc and it’s time to start getting ready for the show. That means finding a new #1 contender, which still could be Mason Rook after he didn’t get his scheduled shot last week. We also have the Dusty Classic continuing, which should be some fun action. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We get a new opening sequence, with a new theme song.

Video on the battle royal for a future Women’s Title shot.

Birthright promises to win their matches tonight.

Zilla Fatu wants revenge on Birthright.

Zilla Fatu vs. Lexis King

The rest of Birthright is here with King, with Fatu jumping him to start fast. They get inside for the bell and Fatu blocks a drop toehold to throw him in the corner. Some headbutts connect in the corner so Birthright pulls King to the floor, with Fatu taking everyone out. Arianna Grace offers a distraction though, allowing King to get in a low blow as we take a break. We come back with King getting two off a Blockbuster and the chinlock goes on. Fatu gets up and hits a Samoan drop, followed by a running headbutt. Birthright interferes again so King gets in a superkick…which just annoys Fatu. The Triple Z finishes King at 9:18.

Rating: C+. Zilla is continuing to feel like a star and the fans are certainly seeming to be behind him. At the same time, that is only going to go so far if he’s stuck with Birthright. They aren’t the biggest stars and even the whole team don’t feel like they combine to become a threat to him. Hopefully he wraps this up soon and moves on to someone bigger, which shouldn’t be that hard.

Post match Birthright jumps Fatu, with Charlie Dempsey chairing him down. Fatu’s hand gets crushed in the steps to leave him laying.

Kelani Jordan doesn’t like the #1 contenders battle royal. Chantel Monroe and Layla Diggs both come in to say they’ll be winning.

Dion Lennox talks about how people connect with Cruz Montana but the truth is Montana took the easy path. Lennox is completely natural and he has made the right decisions every day, which is the real difficult path. Yeah he wanted to just party with his friends but he kept working to get to his goal. Montana beat his addiction, but Montana will never beat him.

Montana runs into Lizzy Rain and gives her a pep talk before the battle royal. TNA Knockouts Champion Xia Brookside comes in to say that Montana has changed. Montana looks at Brookside, who has gone from good to evil in the last few months and says “I’ve changed?” I’m not sure how to handle a wrestler with a memory.

Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic First Round: Hank & Tank vs. Shido Ash/Viktor Zanov

Ash and Zanov are judo fighters from Evolve. Ash grabs a guillotine choke on Hank to start and sends him down into the corner. Zanov comes in to power Tank into the corner, with Hank being sent next to him and we take a break. We come back with a powerslam getting two on Hank as everything breaks down.

Tank comes in off a diving tag and gets to clean house, with Ash being thrown over the announcers’ table. Back in and Hank hits a Swanton on Zanov but Ash breaks up…whatever Hank & Tank had planned. That earns Ash a trip to the floor and a dive, followed by the double standing splash to Zanov. The powerslam/running neckbreaker combination finishes Zanov at 8:47.

Rating: B-. They did a good job of making me wonder who was winning here, as Ash and Zanov felt like a pair of monsters who were a threat to the bigger team. Having Hank & Tank cowering in the corner with no idea what to do against them was a great visual. At the same time, it’s probably a bit much to have the new guys beat the former champions so this went as it should have.

Birthright has attacked Sean Legacy and Dorian Van Dux in the back to take them out of the Dusty Classic.

Here is Grayson Waller for a chat. Waller: “And still!” Waller talks about how much he’s changed and now it’s about titles instead of fights and clicks. Last week he beat EK Prosper, who crushed it in his first title match. Prosper is welcome for the Grayson Waller rub and now he wants a new challenger. This brings out Myles Borne, who says he deserves to be a champion and is ready now that he doesn’t have to carry Tavion Heights.

Waller says it’s nice to have someone paying attention to him but Tony D’Angelo interrupts. D’Angelo says Borne is picking a bad time to have some guts and cuts Borne off for responding. Waller repeats what D’Angelo said to him a few weeks ago by having the two of them fight for a title shot. Borne decks D’Angelo, seemingly with a loaded fist. Borne is feeling like he belongs here and he certainly has the resume to be in the title picture.

William Regal comes up to EK Prosper in the back and praises him for his efforts last week in a rather nice pep talk. Prosper leaves and Robert Stone comes in to suggest Birthright get in the Dusty Classic, with Stone reluctantly agreeing.

Shiloh Hill vs. Naraku

They fight over a lockup to start and Hill grabs some slams to take over early on. A flying shoulder drops Naraku again but he’s right back with a belly to back suplex. Naraku knocks him outside so Hill fights back and they head inside again. A double clothesline leaves both of them down and we take a break.

We come back Hill getting two off a top rope clothesline but Naraku grabs a faceplant. The crossface has Hill in more trouble until he makes a rope so Naraku gives him a fireman’s carry powerbomb for two. Hill knocks him down again and hammers away but he has to block the mist. Said mist hits the referee instead and that’s a DQ to give Hill the win at 10:57.

Rating: B-. Normally the ending would have been annoying but the mist has been the point of their feud so it makes perfect sense for the whole thing. Hill continues to show off his odd charisma and it makes for a fun star to watch. On the other hand you have Naraku, who feels dangerous enough but he’s still trying to find his place around here.

Post match they brawl to the back.

We go back to Kendal Grey’s therapy, who wants to be in the battle royal tonight but she only has herself to blame for her injuries. She’s always this hard on herself and the people don’t see her obsessing with the mistakes. So she won’t let herself make mistakes, but that makes for a hard life as she’s her own biggest opponent. She needs to change that and she’s starting to like these therapy sessions. The therapist says they should be done for now though, as she’s done all she needs to do.

Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic First Round: Birthright vs. Tokyo Bad Boys

This is a different Birthright lineup (Charlie Dempsey/Lexis King) than the one already eliminated. The Boys (Kento/Takuma) are from AAA and it’s Kento trading arm cranking with Dempsey to start. A headscissors is broken up, as is Dempsey’s surfboard so it’s off to Takuma. King tags himself in and gets taken down with a running hurricanrana, with Takuma hitting a great looking springboard moonsault to the floor.

A double springboard is broken up though and King gets to take over on Kento back inside. That doesn’t last long either though as it’s Takuma in for an Eat Defeat. Dempsey catches Takuma on top though and it’s a butterfly superplex, followed by a toss into the post. The reverse fisherman’s suplex finishes Takuma at 4:36.

Rating: C+. This was a bit of a weird way to go but there wasn’t much of a reason for the Bad Boys to win. They’re unknowns around here and the whole point was Birthright stealing the tournament spot. If that means more of Regal doing something on the show then I approve, though Birthright continues to not be the most thrilling team in the ring.

Post match Birthright jumps on commentary to brag about their win.

Myles Borne is ready to take out Tony D’Angelo and move on to the title match at Halloween Havoc.

Here’s what’s coming next week.

Battle Royal

Izzi Dame, Indi Hartwell, Xia Brookside, Layla Diggs, Chantel Monroe, Nikkita Lyons, M By Elegance, Heather By Elegance, La Catalina, Lizzy Rain, Kali Armstrong, Arianna Grace, Zaria, Skylar Raye, Ivy Nile, Kiana James, Thea Hail, Lady Shani, Reina Volcan, Adelicious

Non-title and for a Women’s Title shot. Diggs is thrown out almost immediately and Zaria actually eliminates Dame, who tries to get back in and has to be carried to the back. Volcan sends Raye and Adelicious into each other and everyone brawls near or on the ropes. Adelicious and Raye wind up on the apron, with Volcan knocking both of them out. We take a break and come back with the brawling continuing. Grace tries to join the Elegance Brand and gets tossed, but Hail knocks out both Elegances.

We’re down to 12 (thanks graphic) and Rain is sent to the apron but saves herself. Volcan shoves a bunch of people away but doesn’t bother to eliminate any of them. Rain and Nile fight on the apron with Rain managing to knock her out. That’s not all though as Rain is smart enough to have everyone get rid of Volcan for the important elimination. Volcan isn’t happy though and pulls Shani out underneath the ropes (not eliminated) for a powerslam on the floor.

We take another break and come back with Hartwell and Zaria having a big staredown. That’s broken up and Zaria gets to wreck various people. This includes Izzi Dame again, as she charges back in and is tossed right back over the top. Zaria yells down at Dame and gets eliminated by Armstrong. Dame and Zaria brawl off and Hartwell eliminates Brookside, who pulls Hartwell out from the floor and they have a brawl of their own. Hail and James brawl on the apron, with Hail being knocked out.

So we’re down to Catalina, James, Rain and Armstrong (and Shani on the floor, which feels rather suspicious, though that might just be the mask). Rain kicks Catalina in the face by mistake and gets spinebustered by Armstrong. Catalina is back up for the rapid fire running hip attacks in the corner.

Armstrong isn’t having that though and tosses her out, followed by a powerslam to Rain. James is still on the apron and gets knocked out, leaving us with Rain and Armstrong in the ring. Rain clotheslines Armstrong to the apron and they both have to hang on, only to get back to their feet. They kick it out on the apron, with Armstrong knocking her out…but Shani is in to toss Armstrong for the win at 21:48.

Rating: B-. It’s a battle royal, so you kind of know what to expect. Shani being on the floor for so long was a bit of a giveaway but at least commentary acknowledged that she was still in so it wasn’t treated as a surprise. I’m not sure what they’re doing with Shani as a challenger, but it’s not like anyone but Kendal Grey would have made much sense here anyway.

Post match Kelani Jordan is on the platform to look down at Shani….who unmasks as Wren Sinclair. She had been suspended but apparently is #1 contender anyway. Again, points for acknowledging it and you can easily write that off with Robert Stone allowing her back for the match. Points for a nice moment, even though the fans knew who it was way before the unmasking.

Overall Rating: B-. Well, they started the build to Halloween Havoc in a hurry here and it worked out pretty nicely. We have the Women’s Title match set with a fresh challenger and the NXT Title match will be set next week. The Dusty Classic was good enough to carry the rest of the show, though we’re still waiting to see what kind of creepy Halloween stuff the show will have. For now though, it’s a good first step and that’s a rather necessary thing to have.

Results
Zilla Fatu b. Lexis King – Triple Z
Hank & Tank b. Shido Ash/Viktor Zanov – Powerslam/running neckbreaker combination to Zanov
Shiloh Hill b. Naraku via DQ when Naraku misted the referee
Birthright b. Tokyo Bad Boys – Reverse fisherman’s suplex to Takuma
Lady Shani won a battle royal last eliminating Kali Armstrong

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Evolve
Date: January 7, 2026
Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Robert Stone, Peter Rosenberg

It’s time to get back to Evolve as it hasn’t been around for the last few weeks. In this case we even have a bit title match, with Sean Legacy challenging Jackson Drake for the Evolve Title. It could be quite the interesting time, as several NXT departures mean that some names could be on their way out of Evolve. Let’s get to it.

Here is the most recent show if you need a recap.

Sean Legacy talks about the things that he did in 2025, which was a great year. But it was also LAST year and now he needs to start doing something bigger this year. And what happens to Evolve if he doesn’t win the title? Uh, about the same thing that has been happening for months now?

Opening sequence.

IMG Credit: WWE

Karmen Petrovic vs. Laynie Luck

Luck has been a regular on the independent circuit for the better part of ever and recently won the Women’s ID Title. They trade takedowns to start, with Luck cartwheeling out of a wristlock. Petrovic takes her down into an armbar and drives her into the corner, where Luck gets in an elbow to the face. Luck grabs a suplex and ties Petrovic in the Tree Of Woe, only to miss a charge. A top rope Sling Blade and Eat Defeat rock Luck, who is back with a tilt-a-whirl slam for two. Petrovic shrugs that off and hits a quick Petrifier for the win at 3:35.

Rating: C+. I’ve liked what I’ve seen from Luck over the years so it’s very nice to see her getting this kind of a chance. I’m not sure what she’s going to do with it, but she’s absolutely a success story after all those years. Petrovic still needs to step it up a bit, as she’s just kind of the same person she’s been for a long time now.

The Vanity Project isn’t worried about Sean Legacy but run into a bunch of the ID guys. They aren’t impressed with the Project either but cooler heads prevail.

We recap Chantel Monroe vs. Wendy Choo. Monroe called her a freak so Choo cost her a title match, causing Monroe to interrupt Choo’s therapy session. Therefore, it’s time to fight.

IMG Credit: WWE

Chantel Monroe vs. Wendy Choo

No DQ and Choo jumps her from behind during the entrances. Monroe fights back and grabs the weapons as the bell rings. Choo fights back without much trouble and puts Monroe in the trashcan for a running dropkick. The table is brought out and we take an early break.

We come back with Monroe beating her down with a chair, which is wedged in the corner. Choo fights up and of course sends Monroe into the chair (it’s a law), followed by a chair to the back. The Dirt Nap goes…well mostly on, but Monroe grabs some hairspray to blind her way out. A top rope Meteora onto a trashcan gives Monroe two and a DDT onto the chair gets the same. The table is set up but Choo is back with her own hairspray shot. Monroe catches her on top and yells a lot, only to get caught in a Dirt Nap on the ropes. A super full nelson slam sends Monroe through the table for the win at 7:27.

Rating: B-. The ending looked really good and it was cool to see the two of them beating the fire out of each other for a bit. I had a good time with this as Monroe has come a long way since her debut. At the same time, Choo has become far easier to watch now that she has dropped the whole weird evil stuff.

Post match Choo says she wants to show the new her. There is a triple threat for the Women’s Title next week and she wants the winner. Kendal Grey comes out to say she’ll beat Choo again. Choo says Grey can’t beat the new her.

Trill London sees the world differently but he was good enough to play for the Miami Dolphins. Now he’s here to see how he can evolve in the ring. Enjoy the show.

Kam Hendrix says it’s going to be a privilege to see him for the next twenty years. If charisma was water, you would need a life jacket right now.

Arianna Grace and Nikkita Lyons interrupt and mock Layla Diggs and Masyn Holiday for doing Tik Tok videos. They’re suddenly best friends.

Video on Jackson Drake.

Evolve Title: Sean Legacy vs. Jackson Drake

Legacy, with a bad shoulder, is challenging and chops away in the corner to start. They seem to mess up a bit in the corner and after what might have been a camera edit, Legacy sends him into the corner to put Drake down. A running chop in the corner drops Drake and a jumping stomp to the back gives Legacy two.

We take a break and come back with Legacy stomping away and sending Drake outside. The slingshot dive connects for Legacy but Drake posts him, with the bad shoulder getting banged up. Back in and Drake slowly works on the arm but Legacy tries a sunset flip. That earns him a moonsault knees to the ribs for two as Legacy is in trouble. The Lethal In-Jacksion is blocked though and we take another break.

We come back with Legacy splashing Drake for two and avoiding a high crossbody. Legacy plants him down for two more but Shambles is cut off with an arm snap over the rope. Back up and a Spanish Fly gives Legacy two but the arm gives out on an STF attempt. A crossface has Legacy in more trouble and Drake switches into a triangle choke for some elbows to the head. Legacy powerbombs his way to freedom but Drake hits one heck of an Unaliving, followed by another to the back of the head to retain at 14:29.

Rating: B. That almost has to be it for Legacy around here, as there is nothing left for him to do. He came in as what seemed to be the big prospect and it kind of stayed that way without ever accomplishing anything. Drake has started to stand out a bit more and it should be a big deal when someone finally beats him for that title.

Post match Kam Hendrix and company come out to threaten Drake but Harlem Lewis is back, immediately scaring Drake to death. Lewis gets in the ring and says he doesn’t care about PC or ID (amen), because he only cares about the title. He wants someone to step to him…but the Vanity Project leaves in a smart move.

Timothy Thatcher runs into Charlie Dempsey and asks Dempsey to respect his decision. Dempsey wants to prove himself, but Thatcher says you can do that every time you get in the ring. One more insult from Dempsey is FINALLY enough to get Thatcher to agree to the match to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. The thing I like about Evolve is that it feels like the shows have been thought out in advance. We’re back from a few weeks away and they returned with some fresh ideas and names. That’s a great sign and I’m curious to see where some of these things go. I like the ideas that they’re presenting here and hopefully it keeps living up to the hype.

Results
Karmen Petrovic b. Laynie Luck – Petrifier
Wendy Choo b. Chantel Monroe – Super full nelson slam through a table
Jackson Drake b. Sean Legacy – Unaliving to the back of the head

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Evolve
Date: December 17, 2025
Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Peter Rosenburg, Robert Stone

We’re getting close to wrapping up the year and Sean Legacy is coming after the Evolve Title again. This week has something different though in the form of a gauntlet survivor match. The rules are a bit confusing so hopefully we’ll find out the whole thing tonight as the ID and PC wrestlers go head to head. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

It’s Gal explains the ID vs. PC feud and goes over the rules of the gauntlet match:

• Five members per team (team ID hasn’t announced its fifth member)
• One competitor from each team begins
• Loser is eliminated, winner stays in
• Losing team sends in its next member
• Match continues until a full team is eliminated
• The winning team controls a future episode
• Whoever gets the final fall gets a future title shot

This was laid out in short order and I get the idea. Nice job.

Here are Kendal Grey and Wren Sinclair for a chat. Grey talks about the wild ride she has been on in recent months but she loves the grind. Yes there is pressure when it comes to being a champion, but pressure makes diamonds. She welcomes any and all challengers so here is Kali Armstrong to interrupt. Armstrong doesn’t like the idea of Grey living off success when Armstrong set things up and wants a rematch. Cue PJ Vasa, who says she’s the one who should be in line. Grey isn’t intimidated and willing to face both of them at once. Sinclair just vanished after the introduction.

Wendy Choo did cost Chantel Monroe her title match but Monroe interrupted her therapy session. Tonight it’s No DQ and Monroe’s reflection will be anything but perfection.

Evolve will be off for the next two weeks.

Chantel Monroe thinks Wendy Choo is nuts. Choo’s therapist could save her from herself, but not from Monroe.

Charlie Dempsey still wants to face Timothy Thatcher and offers to send it via carrier pigeon. Thatcher: “Do you know how long it takes to train a pigeon?” Thatcher says he’s here to help get the future ready so he respectfully declines. Instead, he asks if Dempsey wants to be his training partner. Dempsey says no and can’t believe he used to look up to Thatcher.

Team ID vs. Team PC

ID: Aaron Rourke, Mike Cunningham, Cappuccino Jones, Marcus Mathers
PC: Kam Hendrix, Keanu Carver, Braxton Cole, Brooks Jensen, ???

Rourke and Carver start things off with Rourke getting in a quick spank to start. Some shoulders in the corner slow Carver down early on but a rub of his chest doesn’t sit well. Carver throws him around without much trouble but what looks to be a tie into the Tree Of Woe is reversed into a crossbody. Rourke kicks him into a 619 and a Molly Go Round gets two. Back up and Carver boots him in the face before the spinning powerslam finishes Rourke at 3:31.

Cunningham is in at #2 and hits a dropkick but gets clotheslined in the corner. A big toss across the ring has Cunningham in more trouble and three straight slams give Carver one. Cunningham gets a boot up in the corner and a nice missile dropkick connects. Carver shrugs that off and hits the spinning powerslam finishes Cunningham at 6:41 total. Sean Legacy tries to come in at #3 but he’s not cleared as we take a break.

We come back with Sam Holloway coming in from behind to jump Carver as #3. A chokeslam and top rope splash finish Carver at 8:18 total. Brooks Jensen is in at #2 for his team and gets booted in the face. Jensen manages a knockdown of his own and stomps away, only to get dropped for a slingshot elbow. Holloway knocks him outside but charges into a spinebuster. The chinlock goes on until Holloway is back up to run him over with raw power. A swinging Rock Bottom gets two on Jensen but he knees his way out of a suplex. Another knee, with a brace, to the head and a spinwheel kick get rid of Holloway at 13:18 total.

Cappuccino Jones is in at #4 for his team and can’t get a sunset flip. Instead it’s an O’Connor roll for two and a dropkick for two more as Jensen is in trouble. Jensen grabs the rope to block a neckbreaker and drapes Jones over the top as we take a break. We come back with Jensen working on a bearhug before dropping a double stomp. The knee drop misses though and Jones is back with a springboard missile dropkick. Cue Jax Presley and Harley Riggins with chairs but Tate Wilder cuts them off. Riggins gets a chair in to Jensen but Jones rolls him up for the pin at 18:03 total.

Jensen is ticked off and chop blocks Jones as Braxton Cole is in at #3 for his team. Cole goes right for Jones’ knee and wrenches it back, followed by a Brock Lock. We go split screen to the back, where Wendy Choo is told that since this match is going long, her match with Chantel Monroe is being postponed to January 7. Various women are not pleased. We come back to Jones escaping a shinbreaker and slugging away, at least until his knee is kicked out again. A quick Decaffinator gives Jones a pin at 21:50 total.

Kam Hendrix (making his debut) is in at #4 for the PC (as I guess Harley Riggins and/or Jax Presley aren’t on team) and we take another break. We come back with Hendrix working on the knee as the Vanity Project is in the VIP section. Jones kicks Hendrix away and sends him shoulder first into the post. A neckbreaker gets two on Hendrix but he’s right back on the knee. Hendrix’s hard clothesline sets up a belly to back slam to get rid of Jones at 25:52.

Marcus Mathers completes the ID team at #5 and flips over Hendrix for a superkick. A running flip dive to the floor hits Hendrix but he forearms Mathers down without much trouble. The belly to back slam is countered into a DDT to give Mathers two but Hendrix runs the corner for a top rope superplex.

We go split screen again with Chantel Monroe being upset that her match is postponed. Nikkita Lyons and Arianna Grace come up to laugh. Back in the ring and Mathers comes up to slug away and gets two off a bridging German suplex. Hendrix drops him again and gets rolled up for two but the belly to back slam (Lights, Camera, Action) finishes Mathers for the win at 31:56.

Rating: B-. The match was kind of weird as I was trying to figure out the deal with the lineups, as they were different than what It’s Gal said at the top of the show. Other than that, there was nothing that really stood out here as most of the action was fine but not much more. The villains winning is acceptable enough, though I’m still going to need a better reason for them being bad other than the letters PC. It’s not a great match, but I do like the idea of a one match show as it made things feel more important.

Post match the winners (including Harley Riggins and Jax Presley, one of whom would presumably have been the last man, but not Brooks Jensen) come out to celebrate to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. It’s literally a one match show with the only other things being the opening promo and the issues Choo and Monroe had with having their match postponed (that feels like it’s going to have repercussions). The match we got was good and felt big, though we’re not going to be around for a few weeks to get the immediate followup. I’ll take a unique show though, as that that’s been a feature of Evolve in it’s entire run. Nice shows here and a nice way to wrap up the year.

Results
Team PC b. Team ID – Lights, Camera Action to Mathers

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Evolve
Date: December 10, 2025
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Robert Stone, Peter Rosenberg

We’re getting close to wrapping up the year and we have a #1 contender to crown. That should make for an interesting week, as Tate Wilder and Sean Legacy are facing each other for the next shot at Jackson Drake. Wilder has someone working behind the scenes with him as well so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

The Vanity Project has their own dorm and it’s already in need of a good cleaning. They’re worried about the new year though, because it’s about continuing their dominance. For now, they’re going to watch Sean Legacy vs. Tate Wilder, because Legacy has been stalking Jackson Drake. Apparently it’s cool if a hot chick is stalking you, but Legacy is neither hot nor a chick. They’re rather interested in the opener though.

Layla Diggs vs. Nikkita Lyons

Masyn Holiday is here with Diggs and Malik Blade is in the VIP section. Diggs takes her down to start and adds a side kick, followed by a running knee in the corner. A bit of a dance sets up a standing moonsault for two and it’s off to the headlock. Lyons sends her to the apron but can’t break it up, instead knocking Diggs down on the apron to take over. A fisherman’s suplex drops Diggs again and Lyons kicks her into the corner. Lyons gives her kind of a bouncing Stinkface but stops for a dance off with Holiday. Diggs grabs a rollup for the pin at 3:22.

Rating: C. Well it could have been worse, and it’s nice to see Diggs getting a win. Lyons continues to feel more annoying than anything else so hopefully she keeps putting people over. They kept it short here and Diggs winning is a nice sign, as she has shown some potential over the last few months. Just give her some wins already.

The ID talent give Sean Legacy a pep talk before the main event. They’ll be in the VIP section tonight and Timothy Thatcher shows up. He’s happy with the ID prospects and doesn’t like the Vanity Project. Other than that though, he announces a five on five team gauntlet (sounds like a Survivor Series match) between the ID Program and the Performance Center wrestlers.

Commentary says that whomever gets the final fall in the team gauntlet gets a title shot. Apparently it’s more like a collection of singles matches. I think. It’s not entirely clear.

Carlee Bright talks to Kendal Grey in the back and says she’s being seen as Kendal’s friend. She wants to be a star in her own right so Grey (who is fine with what Bright wants) tells her to find her edge. Everything seems ok.

Drake Morreaux vs. Dante Chen

The much bigger Morreaux takes him down by the arm and stomps on the hand. Chen is back up with an armbar, which is broken up with a nerve hold. Harley Riggins and Jax Presley are in the VIP section as Morreaux misses a discus lariat. Chen takes him into the corner and stomps away, which just makes Morreaux angry.

A pump kick takes Morreaux down for two and the chinlock goes on. Morreaux powers up and plants him down, setting up an atomic drop of all things. A big boot sets up the missed splash in the corner, allowing Chen to grab a suplex. The Gentle Touch is blocked and Morreaux chokeslams him for the pin at 5:12.

Rating: C. Morreaux is a giant (at least by this show’s standards) and having him beat someone up in his debut is fine. The good thing is this show has dropped NXT LVL Up’s weird tradition of having Chen beat debuting stars. It wasn’t much of a match, but it lets us meet Morreaux and that’s what matters the most.

Post match Morreaux says he wants to keep going but Riggins and Presley come over to offer him a spot on their team. Morreaux respectfully declines and things seem to be ok.

Charlie Dempsey is back from Japan, where he heard that Timothy Thatcher is back. Thatcher is supposed to still be the technical master and that doesn’t work for Dempsey. They need to set foot in the ring together and see who really is the best technician. Makes sense.

It’s Gal feels like a weatherman because the ID vs. PC feud is a brewing storm. So which team is he joining? That will be…..whichever team can afford him!

The PC guys give Tate Wilder a pep talk but he doesn’t seem to hate Sean Legacy. He needs to focus on tonight’s match without worrying about the team gauntlet. Wilder doesn’t like their attitude either, but Riggins and Presley say they’re just a call away. Think about it.

It’s Gal vs. Eli Knight

Gal shoves him down and poses to start before grabbing a fireman’s carry for some squats. Knight slips out of that and hits one heck of a dropkick but Gal faceplants him out of the corner. A hard discus lariat gets two and Gal grabs the abdominal stretch. Knight is out again and hits a running clothesline into a hurricanrana. A nice springboard moonsault gives Knight two but he misses a 450. Gal’s German suplex doesn’t work so he grabs the Ferocious Bomb for the pin at 4:12.

Rating: C+. Gal has grown on me tremendously in the last few weeks as he’s so goofy that it makes him entertaining. Don’t take him too seriously and he’s a blast. Knight is someone who got to showcase his rather impressive athleticism here and it was a nice showing for him, though he’s got a long way to go.

Wendy Choo is meeting with her therapist. She’s been working to get better but is so frustrated. Chantel Monroe jumps her and leaves her laying.

Sean Legacy vs. Tate Wilder

For a future title shot and a bunch of ID wrestlers are in the VIP section. We get a handshake to start before they go with some basic grappling. Legacy takes him to the mat and starts in on the fingers, followed by a cravate to keep Wilder down. A standing moonsault gives Legacy two but Wilder is back up with an armdrag into a wristlock. Wilder slams him down for a springboard backsplash and we take a break.

We come back with Wilder fighting out of a chinlock and hitting a belly to back suplex. Legacy misses a charge in the corner and gets dropped with a spinning suplex for two. The Wilde Ride is broken up and Legacy gets two off a rather spinning backbreaker. Back up and Wilder sends him outside for a suicide dive, near the VIP area.

A fight seems imminent so here are the PC guys for some shouting. Cue Braxton Cole to post Legacy as the two teams start brawling. Wilder isn’t happy with Cole and Cappuccino Jones swings at…in theory Cole but he hits Wilder instead. Legacy (who didn’t seem to see the punch) grabs Shambles for the pin at 8:05.

Rating: B-. The ending brawl wasn’t a surprise as they all but guaranteed it would be happening. Legacy winning is a good thing as he needed to get boosted back up, but now he almost has to win the title. He’s gotten close too many times and come up short and it’s probably time Drake lost the title anyway. Not a bad match at all, though the ending took away from it a bit.

Post match the brawl continues and Jackson Drake runs in to beat on Legacy to end the show.

Overall Rating: C+. This was the show centered around building up things for the future, with the big focus on the PC vs. ID feud. I’m still not sure why that’s such a big deal, but at least they’re setting things up for an important showdown. What matters is that they have some stars and stories built up and Evolve has made them feel important. Next week is the next big match and hopefully they can keep it going, as this is a regularly fun show.

Results
Layla Diggs b. Nikkita Lyons – Rollup
Drake Morreaux b. Dante Chen – Chokeslam
It’s Gal b. Eli Knight – Ferocious Bomb
Sean Legacy b. Tate Wilde – Shambles

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Evolve
Date: December 3, 2025
Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Peter Rosenberg, Robert Stone

It’s the holiday season for the first time ever around here as we’re back after a week off for the day before Thanksgiving. This week features a title match as Kendal Grey is defending against Chantel Monroe in a match that has been built up for a few weeks now. Hopefully Grey can live up to her incredible hype so let’s get to it.

Here are last time’s results if you need a recap.

As she arrived to the arena earlier today, Grey said she can focus on Chantel Monroe, who is talented but full of excuses.

Opening sequence.

Carlee Bright vs. Arianna Grace

Bright slaps her in the face to start and hits a dropkick, only to miss a second attempt. They head outside with Bright being sent into the apron, allowing Grace to offer fans some photos. Back in and Grace knees her in the ribs, followed by an Arn Anderson eye rake across the top rope. Bright tries to elbow away but gets forearmed in the face. A Wasteland (Graceland) finishes for Grace at 4:28.

Rating: C. This was basically a squash as Grace continues to do a variety of things. She’s one of the bigger names involved in the NXT vs. TNA feud, plus making occasional appearances in NXT. I’m not a bit surprised that she’s getting this kind of a chance given her father, but I’m not sure how far she’s going to go. As for Bright….dang it’s not the brightest future and this was not a good sign for her.

Video on Yayne Harrison, who has been signed to an ID contract.

Video on the ID Program.

We look at Evolve wrestlers being in action at NXT Gold Rush.

We look at Kendal Grey being added to the NXT Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge. This is feeling rather fillerish.

Layla Diggs and Masyn Holiday come up to Nikkita Lyons, who doesn’t like their negative vibes. Lyons mocks them for her recent victory over Holiday but Diggs wants to face her next. That’s fine with Lyons, who loves charity work.

Marcus Mathers/Aaron Rourke vs. Cappuccino Jones/Mike Cunningham

Mathers goes after Jones’ leg to start but gets taken down for some grappling on the mat. Jones’ crucifix gets two and a flying headscissors takes Mathers down again. Cunningham comes in to stay on the arm before it’s quickly off to Rourke. Another dropkick puts Rourke down and Cunningham throws some lefts to keep him in trouble. It’s back to Mathers for a Backstabbber, with Rourke adding a top rope backsplash as we take a break.

We come back with Rourke dropping Mathers onto Cunningham’s raised knees. A basement superkick brings Cunningham right back down but he dropkicks Mathers off the top. Rourke is back in with a Prism Trap (Stone: “That’s a unique hold.” No, it isn’t.), which is broken up as well and it’s Jones coming back in to clean house. A big right hand sends Mathers into the corner for a running clothesline.

Mathers knocks him back down though and Jones gets dragged into the corner. That’s broken up rather quickly with some shots to the face, allowing Mathers to come in with a double missile dropkick. Rourke headbutts Cunningham and Mathers hits a middle rope Stunner. A Molly Go Round gives Rourke two and Jones comes back in with the Decaffinator, with Mathers making a save of his own.

Jones dives onto Rourke, leaving the other two to trade rollups. Mathers knocks him into the corner but Cunningham is back with a jumping elbow to the face. Cunningham gets a heck of a running start and is blasted with a clothesline for his efforts. And then Jax Presley and Harley Riggins run in to jump them both for the no contest at 13:20.

Rating: B-. I did like the action, but having such a long match for the sake of showcasing people and then the monsters running in for the no contest didn’t help. Cunningham did feel like he belonged on such a level, though the ID Program still feels like something being wedged into this. I’m not sure how much fans are going to care about which wrestlers have a glorified check mark next to their names compared to the regular ones, but it seems to be a big deal.

Post match the beatdown is on and Keanu Carver comes out to join in (with commentary wisely pointing out that Carver was who Riggins and Presley called a few weeks ago). It’s Gal, in the VIP section, applauds.

Women’s Title: Chantel Monroe vs. Kendal Grey

Grey is defending and Karmen Petrovic is in the VIP area. They fight over a lockup to start and go into some corners without much of an advantage being gained. Grey wrestles her to the mat a few times and it’s already time for Monroe to get a breather on the floor. Monroe gets back in to take over and grab a Hennig necksnap.

Back up and tries some more grappling but gets forearmed in the face to cut that off. Grey slides between the legs in the corner and a basement dropkick knocks Monroe down. Monroe is able to send her outside for a crossbody off the apron but Grey kicks the leg out. They trade chops on the floor and we take a break. We come back with Grey backsliding her for two but walking into something like a TKO for the same.

Monroe takes forever to go up (commentary even gets on her for it), allowing Grey to belly to belly superplex her down. Grey hits some running elbows and counters a hurricanrana into a sitout powerbomb for two. Monroe’s superkick seems to hit Grey in the throat and the Perfect Ending….sends Grey outside. Cue Wendy Choo to post Monroe but she blocks the cross armbreaker. A powerslam gives Grey two but Monroe knocks her off the top. The top rope Meteora gives Monroe two and frustration is setting in. Grey fights back though and knocks her down, drops the straps, and hits Shades Of Grey to retain at 12:14.

Rating: C+. It wasn’t bad, but dang this felt long. It came off like a match that was designed to fill in time rather than two people fighting over a title. At the same time, it didn’t help that Monroe didn’t feel like she had a chance as Grey is the new star. Throw in a rather weird and unnecessary interference from Choo and it was kind of a weak match.

Tate Wilder and Sean Legacy want the Evolve Title match so they’re set for a #1 contenders match next week. They’re both ok with that, though Wilder points out that Legacy has lost lately. Wilder is new around here but he’s getting some wins together. Legacy brings up that he had to talk Wilder out of quitting a few weeks ago. Wilder says he has grown so much since then and they get in an argument over the PC vs. the ID Program. Legacy leaves and someone puts a (rather large) hand on Wilder’s shoulder to end the show.

Overall Rating: C. The wrestling was mostly fine and I liked the Carver deal, but it was a show that felt like they didn’t have enough material for a full episode. There were some good enough moments, but it was one of the weaker shows they’ve had in a little while. The good thing is there are points that are set up for the future and I’m curious to see what happens. Call it a weak show and hope that it’s just a one off.

Results
Arianna Grace b. Carlee Bright – Graceland
Marcus Mathers/Aaron Rourke vs. Mike Cunningham/Cappuccino Jones went to a no contest when Harley Riggins and Jax Presley interfered
Kendal Grey b. Chantel Monroe – Shades Of Grey

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Evolve
Date: November 19, 2025
Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Peter Rosenburg, Robert Stone

We’re back to the title picture again as there is a #1 contenders match between PJ Vasa and Kali Armstrong for the next shot at Kendal Grey. Well next after next week’s Gold Rush edition of NXT but close enough. Other than that, Jackson Drake has to get ready for Sean Legacy next week so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Kali Armstrong says she’s going to remind PJ Vasa show the real star is around here.

Opening sequence.

Jax Presley/Harley Riggins vs. OTM

OTM are a surprise set of opponents, as chosen by Timothy Thatcher. Price slams Riggins down to start so it’s quickly off to Presley vs. Nima. An exchange of shoulders goes to Presley, who takes Nima into the corner. It’s back to Riggins for a middle rope ax handle to the shoulder but Nima gets over to Price to fight back. A shinbreaker cuts Price off and it’s time to start kicking at the banged up leg.

Price tries to use one leg to get over for the tag, which works as well as you would expect. A shot to the back cuts him off again but a missed charge allows the needed tag off to Nima for the house cleaning. The running knee gives Nima two with Presley makes the save. Presley is sent outside and Paid In Full finishes Riggins at 6:53.

Rating: C+. This was a pair of hoss teams having a fight and that’s what it should have been. OTM getting the win here is fine as they’re certainly the bigger names of the four, though I could go with Riggins and Presley not losing as often. They’re the kind of big guys who shouldn’t be taking many losses so hopefully they can pick things up a bit.

Post match Timothy Thatcher comes out to point and talk some trash.

Video on PJ Vasa vs. Kali Armstrong.

Zena Sterling vs. Karmen Petrovic

Sterling is from LFG and rather young. She’s trained in a lot of ways, including 24 straight hours on a Stairmaster. She speaks a bit of Ukrainian and we’re ready to go. Hang on as Petrovic says she’s ready and NOW we can get started. Petrovic wins a test of strength to start and grabs a headlock, which is reversed into a wristlock. A suplex sends Petrovic flying and Sterling grabs a chinlock. Back up and Petrovic reverses a tilt-a-whirl slam into a crossbody for two. Eat Defeat staggers Sterling again and a running kick against the ropes connects. The Petrifier finishes Sterling off at 4:58.

Rating: C-. I wasn’t feeling this one and while Sterling isn’t exactly a seasoned veteran, there wasn’t much to see here. It was a dull match with little in the way of emotion and just kind of came and went. Petrovic is someone who has some cool stuff but it needs something to pull it together.

Tate Wilder is talking to Trill London and wants to be in the Evolve Title picture. They’re ready to go after Swipe Right. Sean Legacy comes in to ask why he wasn’t the partner, but Wilder says London wanted in on things around here, with Legacy saying he understands. With the other two gone, Legacy says he’s going to watch in the VIP section.

We look at Kendal Grey and Lainey Reid getting in a brawl last week on NXT, setting up their Women’s Title match next week at Gold Rush. We also see Sean Legacy being announced as the #1 contender for the Evolve Title.

Tate Wilder/Trill London vs. Swipe Right

Sean Legacy is watching in the VIP Lounge. London jumps over Smokes to start and takes him down with a headlock takeover. Wilder comes in with a slingshot ax handle to Baylor’s arm, followed by the arm being snapped over the top. It’s already back to London, who stays on the arm before a dropkick gets two. Smokes gets in a cheap shot to take London off the top though and Baylor gets to hammer on the chest.

A boot to the face gets two on London and Baylor pounds him down in the corner. London gets an elbow up in the corner though and it’s back to Wilder to clean house. The villains cut him off with a dropkick Hart Attack as everything breaks down. With Swipe Right on the floor, London hits a big flip dive and Wilder adds a top rope trust fall onto all three of them. Back in and the Wildest Ride finishes Baylor at 6:56.

Rating: C+. Wilder seems to be getting a push up the ladder and while that’s a bit of a strange way to go, at least they’re doing something with someone. At the same time, you have the Legacy factor, which is starting to lose a lot of its impact. He doesn’t win much in the way of big matches and that’s going to need to change or having him around isn’t going to mean much for very long.

Arianna Grace is in the VIP Lounge and is here to watch the main event while giving the fans a thrill.

Kali Armstrong runs into Kendal Grey in the back and they seem cool, with Armstrong saying she’s winning tonight and then coming for the title. Works for Grey.

Drake Moureaux is from the swamps of Louisiana and is coming to Evolve.

There’s no show next week but we’ll be back on December 3.

Timothy Thatcher hopes that Harley Riggins and Jax Presley will respect the Evolve talent after what happened earlier. Those guys go out there and work hard, which is what Riggins and Presley will see in two weeks in an ID showcase.

Kali Armstrong vs. PJ Vasa

For a future shot at Kendal Grey, who is in the VIP Lounge with Carlee Bright, as Arianna Grace leaves. They fight over the lockup to start until Vasa runs her over with a shoulder. Armstrong anklescissors her out of the corner and a dropkick sends Vasa outside as we take a break.

We come back with Armstrong hitting a running shoulder to the ribs in the corner, followed by quite the powerful suplex. Vasa drops her again for a quick two and it’s a Samoan drop into a chinlock. Armstrong fights up and strikes away, setting up a powerslam for two. Vasa gets backed into the corner but walks into a poke to the eyes. Something like an AA powerslam finishes Armstrong at 6:20.

Rating: B-. It worked in 2014 with Kevin Owens as Vasa, Pac as Armstrong and Jerry Mathers as Kendal Grey. Vasa is the new force who took out the former champion on her way to a title match. Now just let Grey find a way around the monster and it should make for a nice situation for everyone.

Post match Kendal Grey glares at Vasa but gets jumped by Chantel Monroe, who is challenging her in two weeks.

Jax Presley and Harley Riggins aren’t happy with what happened and make a phone call to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. This is starting to feel like one of those older shows as they set things up week to week and find a way to keep you coming back. They’ve got something going here and I continue to enjoy this show more than just about any other weekly series. Now just keep that going with all of the people they have available and it should work for a good while.

Results
OTM b. Jax Presley/Harley Riggins – Paid In Full to Riggins
Karmen Petrovic b. Zena Sterling – Petrifier
Tate Wilder/Trill London b. Swipe Right – Wildest Ride to Baylor
PJ Vasa b. Kali Armstrong – Fireman’s carry powerslam

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Evolve
Date: November 5, 2025
Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Peter Rosenberg, Robert Stone

We’re back in the Performance Center and that hopefully means Evolve gets to continue its pretty entertaining run. Last week saw the debut of some ID Prospects, though Brooks Jensen was not pleased with their arrival. At the same time, Jackson Drake should be set to face Keanu carver for the Evolve Title sooner than later. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

Harley Riggins/Jax Presley vs. Adrenaline Drip

It’s the rubber match and Drip dives onto them before the bell. Jones’ second dive is pulled out of the air so Cartwheel takes them all out with another flip dive of his own. We settle down to Jones trying to strike away at Riggins, with Presley coming in for a cheap shot to take over. A tilt-a-whirl powerslam gets two on Jones but a double springboard back elbow gets him out of trouble.

Cartwheel comes back in to pick up the pace with a bunch of slaps, setting up a springboard moonsault. A phoenix splash sets up Jones’ froggy elbow for two on Presley with Riggins making the save. Jones gets powerbombed out of the corner and a double chokeslam gets two, leaving Cartwheel to…lose a shoe. Jones’ dive takes Presley down and a dive connects, only for the Flip N Sip to be broken up. That means the toss spear can finish Cartwheel off at 5:40.

Rating: B-. I like Riggins and Presley more every time I see them. They’re not a great team or complicated in any way, but they stand out rather well. At this point, we almost have to be getting Tag Team Titles sooner rather than later and that’s a good idea at this point. Just don’t go too crazy with the titles.

Post match Presley and Riggins lay them out again.

We look at Kendal Grey retaining the Women’s Title over Lash Legend last week on NXT.

PJ Vasa vs. Haze Jameson

Jameson is here to bring the party to Evolve. I’m sure. Vasa powers her around to start and knocks Jameson into the corner. Jameson slips out and goes after the leg, which goes about as well as you would expect. The Issue (basically Keith Lee’s Big Bang Catastrophe) finishes for Vasa at 2:02.

Post match Vasa says she’s coming for everyone around here.

Jackson Drake questions Stevie Turner’s leadership but she knows that Drake sent the Vanity Project after Keanu Carver. The title match is still on for next week but Drake says he won’t do it due to Carver hurting people. Cue Carver, who misses a big shot with the cast, which goes through a wall instead. Turner has to calm him down.

Mike Cunningham meets Sean Legacy, who gives him a warm welcome. Cunningham is off to deal with Brooks Jensen. Marcus Mathers is upset about losing last week’s triple threat but Legacy gives him a pep talk. Apparently Legacy is facing Eli Knight next week.

Mike Cunningham vs. Brooks Jensen

Jensen easily takes him down to start and does some leapfrogs. A wristlock into an armbar has Cunningham down but he’s right back up with an armdrag. Back up and Jensen tries to run the ropes, only to get dropkicked down. Another dropkick misses though and Jensen whips him hard into the corner.

The chinlock goes on to keep Cunningham in trouble until he manages to send Jensen into the corner. Some snap jabs put Jensen down and a nice flying clothesline does it again. Cunningham’s missile dropkick gets two but Jensen kicks a springboard out of the air for the pin at 5:44.

Rating: C+. Given Cunningham’s lack of experience, this was a perfectly nice debut. His offense looked good and his comeback was pretty good. He’s a good example of someone who needs to be developed, which is why he’s in a spot like this. Nice stuff here, though Jensen continues to not be so thrilling in the ring.

Aaron Rourke talks about everything he’s gotten out of wrestling and how he’s been able to let things out that he’s hidden for years. Don’t let the face and makeup fool you because he can be aggressive and evil. These have been very nice surprises, as they’ve given me a reason to care about Rourke that wouldn’t have been there otherwise.

Kali Armstrong is back next week.

Jackson Drake asks Stevie Turner how long Keanu Carver will be suspended over the attack earlier. Turner says there’s no suspension, so defend against Carver or vacate the title. Drake walks away, with the title.

Chantel Monroe vs. Wendy Choo

Monroe poses on the buckle to start so Choo takes her down and they stare at each other a bit. The test of strength goes on until Monroe grabs a waistlock. That’s switched into a headscissors, which is reversed into Choo grinding away on a headlock. Back up and Choo sends her into the corner, followed by a neck crank. That’s broken up and Choo gets caught with a neckbreaker to put her down for a change as we take a break.

We come back with Monroe grabbing a figure four necklock, which is broken up for a double clothesline. Choo fights up for the clothesline comeback into a spinebuster for two. They trade rollups for two each until Choo gets two more off a brainbuster. Choo tries to take her to the corner but gets reversed into a spinning reverse DDT.

Monroe goes to the corner, only to get reversed into a the Dirt Nap. That’s reversed as well so Monroe grabs a faceplant. The running shooting star press misses so the Dirt Nap goes on again. Monroe breaks out of that as well though and the Perfect Ending finishes Choo off at 10:35.

Rating: C+. Monroe has started to develop a bit and is actually doing something other than the same promo time after time. I’m not sure I can imagine her going very far on her own, but she has indeed improved. On the other hand you have Choo, who has gone from one of the worst things in Evolve to someone perfectly fine. It’s almost like getting rid of a terrible gimmick helped a lot. Who knew?

Post match Monroe yells at Choo, saying get the freak out of her ring.

Jackson Drake comes up to Stevie Turner again and says she’s a terrible GENERAL MANAGER. Either way, he’ll defend the title against Keanu Carver as scheduled next week. So the same thing as originally planned thirty minutes ago?

Overall Rating: B-. The thing that has me interested in Evolve is that they have a nice variety to their shows. That was the case again here, as they didn’t do anything involving titles, but rather some personal issues that have been set up. That’s a great way to keep the show fresh and it’s been working in recent weeks. Evolve is a nice, easy, 50 or so minutes a week and I can go with that based on how long other shows are most of the time.

Results
Harley Riggins/Jax Presley b. Adrenaline Drip – Toss spear to Cartwheel
PJ Vasa b. Haze Jameson – The Issue
Brooks Jensen b. Mike Cunningham – Spinning kick to the back
Chantel Monroe b. Wendy Choo – Perfect Ending

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Evolve
Date: October 29, 2025
Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Peter Rosenberg, Robert Stone

It’s time for another week of Bigg Jahh being around because…well someone has to. The big story here is Kendal Grey getting to celebrate winning the Women’s Title a few weeks back. That should be a nice way to set up her next challenger, which Jackson Drake is going to need as well. We also have some new ID Prospects this week so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Masyn Holiday vs. Jin Tala

Tala kicks her hand away to start and then takes her down into a wristlock. That’s escaped into a headlock, allowing Holiday to grind away on the mat. Holiday misses a dropkick though and Tala kicks her in the back of the head. The full nelson with legs has Holiday in more trouble until she powers out, only to get kicked down again. The chinlock goes on for a bit with Holiday fighting up and hitting a quick neckbreaker. Holiday Season (standing splash) finishes Tala at 4:13.

Rating: C. This was mainly Tala beating Holiday up and then getting caught with a quick loss in the end. I’m not sure how well that splash is going to work for Holiday as it doesn’t exactly do much for her, but at least she won. There’s something to Holiday and it’s nice to see someone new getting a chance.

Post match Holiday dances and Bigg Jahh joins her.

Tate Wilder is happy with his win at Succession and now he’s ready for a triple threat with a star from AAA, the Performance Center and the ID Program each.

Wendy Choo is in therapy (because of AJ Lee mentioning it on Raw) and says she is starting to feel like herself. She’s feeling free and is connected to herself. Now it’s time to take care of Chantel Monroe.

Chuey Martinez is in the ring with the new ID Prospects. First up is Mike Cunningham, who has a cowboy hat and was trained by Cody Rhodes. He’s only had about fifty matches so this is a dream come true. Next is Jha’Quan McNair, who is from North Carolina and was trained by…Lodi. He’s ready to prove himself around here.

Finally we have Eli Knight, who was trained by Booker T., who has made him ready for this opportunity. Cue Brooks Jensen, who accuses the prospects of trying to take his spot. He’s heard things about Cunningham being the guy (Cunningham: “YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!”) and Cunningham is ready to go. Jensen leaves before getting physical.

Aaron Rourke talks about learning to love performing in middle school and he has turned that into a love of competition. He loves the pageantry of the whole thing and cites Trish Stratus and Lita as inspirations. Then he started changing his style and it looked like he had a place around here after all. These videos have been helping Rourke a good bit, just for the sake of letting us get to know him.

The Vanity Project talks to Stevie Turner and wants her to deal with Keanu Carver and the cast situation. Jackson Drake refuses to face Carver, but Turner says Carver is set to get his title shot in two weeks.

Marcus Mathers vs. Tate Wilder vs. Laredo Kid

Mathers is rather pleased to represent the ID Program. They trade rollups to start and Wilder runs them both over with shoulders. Wilder is sent outside, leaving Kid to strike away at Mathers. Kid takes Mathers down for two with Wilder running back in for the save. Mathers is back up to kick Wilder down, followed by a spinning high crossbody to drop Kid.

We take a break and come back with Kid chopping Mathers down before knocking both of them to the floor. The big dive drops Mathers and Wilder but Mathers is back up with a hard kick from the apron to put Kid down. Wilder shooting stars onto both of them on the floor and they head back in, with Kid hitting something like a Tower Of Doom for a near fall of his own.

Kid’s moonsault misses though and Mathers superkicks him into a suplex for two. Wilder is back up and tries a reverse springboard Spanish Fly but he and Mathers both land on their feet. Wilder’s spinning suplex takes Kid down and Mathers adds a quick 450 but Wilder breaks it up. A powerbomb drops Mathers and the Wilde Ride is enough to give Wilde the pin at 8:23.

Rating: B. While I could go for Mathers not losing nearly as often, it’s nice to see Wilder getting another win. Even if he’s not the next big thing, he’s a good example of “let’s see what we’ve got here”. Wilder is getting some focus around here and it seems to be working well enough now that he’s found his a bit of his footing.

Post match respect is shown.

Chantel Monroe is ready to slap some sense into Wendy Choo, which will make her Choo’s new therapist.

This week on the Stud-O-Meter, we have some famous tag teams. We’ll start with the Steiners, who will be ranked with….It’s Gal’s Geometry. Sure why not. Anyway, they get a 9.3 but the Dudley Boyz are only a 6.8 as they spent too much time getting the tables rather than getting gains. Now It’s Gal needs a new partner.

Video on Adrenaline Drip vs. Jax Presley/Harley Riggins. They’re 1-1 against each other and the rubber match is next week.

We look at Kendal Grey winning the Women’s Title at Succession.

Here is Grey, with Carlee Bright, for her championship celebration. She’s not going to give you some sob story, but calls the title proof that all the work she has put in has paid off. Grey praises Kali Armstrong and talks about dragging her into the gray area. We hear about Grey’s time in amateur wrestling and now she knows that there is a target on her back.

If you want to come after her, you better be ready. Cue PJ Vasa from LFG to lay Grey out with a powerbomb and powerslam to end the show. That’s one of the perks of this show, as you can just debut new people at any time. It’s not like there is anyone else ready for Grey at the moment so points for doing what made sense.

Overall Rating: B. This show did a very good job of freshening things up a bit. On occasion you need some new blood, especially with the amount of people who are leaving the ID Program in the first place. Let these people get out here and see what they have, which is mostly the point of Evolve in the first place. This show feels like it’s actually put together with a plan going most of the time and that’s nice to see, as it’s making Evolve the easiest show to watch at the moment.

Results
Masyn Holiday b. Jin Tala – Holiday Season
Tate Wilder b. Laredo Kid and Marcus Mathers – Wilde Ride to Mathers

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Evolve
Date: October 22, 2025
Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Peter Rosenberg, Robert Stone

We’re done with Succession and the big story is the crowning of a new Women’s Champion in Kendal Grey. This week marks the beginning of a new era as we have some fresh stars joining the ID Program. We’ll get to meet some of them this week, along with Bigg Jahh as guest GM. Let’s get to it.

Here is Succession if you need a recap.

Here is the Vanity Project to get things going. They brag about Jackson Drake retaining the Evolve Title last week but here is Keanu Carver to interrupt. Bigg Jahh and security cut him off and a six man tag is set for the main event. Cue OTM to back up Carver and lay out the Vanity Project.

Video on Sean Legacy vs. Edris Enofe.

Wendy Choo is in therapy and talking about feeling lonely. She tried to be different but along the way, she lost her identity. This included not talking and she’s not sure who she is anymore.

Chantel Monroe says there’s no way to fix someone like Choo. If Choo gets in her face, Monroe will knock her back to Spirit Halloween.

Sean Legacy vs. Edris Enofe

Legacy hammers away at the bell and kicks him in the chest, setting up a standing moonsault for two. Enofe is back up with a running clothesline for two and stomps away, but spends a bit too much time yelling. A middle rope knee to the head (which is not innovative despite what commentary says) and a top rope elbow give Enofe two but Legacy is back up. Legacy kicks away and hits an enziguri, followed by Shambles for the fast pin at 3:55.

Rating: C+. That was a quick match for what had been built up as a fairly big showdown. Legacy still feels like one of the biggest names around here and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him getting into the title picture sooner or later. He still needs a better finisher though, as Shambles isn’t something that is going to work on everyone.

Post match Legacy says he isn’t happy with being left off Succession, but he’ll be on the next one, maybe even going after the Evolve Title. He also brings up Timothy Thatcher, who has been missing lately but Legacy wants him back.

Next week: a new prospect debuts.

Masyn Holiday and Layla Diggs give Bigg Jahh a headshot but he’s in GM mode tonight. They leave so Stevie Turner says Laredo Kid will be here next week and in a triple threat. Holiday and Diggs are back in with another photo, though Jahh isn’t sure why it’s in black and white. They’re on Instagram though! Jahh isn’t impressed.

Harley Riggins and Jax Presley are ready for another shot at Adrenaline Drip and seem to name themselves Necessary Roughness.

Zayda Steel vs. Thea Hail

Hail kicks her down to start and hits a standing moonsault (must be a Sean Legacy fan), with Steel bailing into the corner. Steel tries to escape but gets dropped face first, allowing Hail to go up. Hail gets kneed in the face to cut things off though and Steel chokes on the ropes. The chinlock doesn’t last long as Hail is back up with a knee to the face. A World’s Strongest Slam and bottom rope springboard backsplash hit Steel but Hail has to cut off some Vanity Project interference. The Kimura makes Steel tap at 4:25.

Rating: C. That was a pretty dominant win from Hail, which isn’t a great sign for Steele. Hail felt like someone who would be brought in to give Steel a victory over a bigger name but instead Hail shrugged off the numbers game and won. I can go for Hail winning, though I don’t exactly see her going very far anytime soon.

It’s Gal is back with a new Stud-O-Meter, this time talking about the Prototype, who gets a 9.5. The Prototype inspired him to get the never seen 17 reps of 315. Next up is the Ringmaster, who gets an 8.7, with the lack of a tan keeping him away from a 10. It’s Gal 3:16 says he just ranked your pale a**.

Aaron Rourke talks about growing up in New York and being bullied while he was growing up. People tried to make him feel wrong for being who he was but he knew who he was and couldn’t change it. Wrestling became an escape for him and he knew that’s what he wanted to be. That’s an awesome story.

Brooks Jensen wants a title shot but is told Keanu Carver is next in line. Stevie Turner asks him to leave so she can talk to Bigg Jahh about the three new prospects who will be here next week. Jahh implies he’ll be here too.

Vanity Project vs. OTM/Keanu Carver

Nima backbreakers Drake to start and it’s off to Carver vs. Smokes. A big slam drops Smokes fast and Price comes in to no sell Baylor’s chops. Baylor tries some forearms to no avail and a powerslam cuts him off again. Nima comes in but some quick double teaming cuts him off, including a ram into the post. We take a break and come back with Smokes choking on the rope and Baylor’s springboard DDT gets two. Drake gets in a cheap shot from the apron and Smokes grabs a front facelock.

Nima powers him into the corner but Drake pulls Carver off the apron for a superkick. No one takes out Price though and he comes in to clean house. A springboard missile dropkick cuts him off though and Drake gets two off a Swanton. That’s shrugged off and it’s Carver coming in to clean house. One heck of a Pounce cuts Drake off but he snaps Carver’s bad arm over the top rope. Smokes hits a dive but gets dropped onto the apron. Carver uses the cast to knock Drake out for the pin at 9:37.

Rating: B-. This wound up being a much better match than I was expecting, as Swipe Right has turned into a totally decent annoying heel team. They don’t have to do much in the ring to back that up and it worked well enough here. This was about Carver beating Drake though and the title shot should be set up soon.

Overall Rating: C+. I was hoping for some better fallout from last week but we only got a bit here. The big story here was of course Carver getting the pin on Drake and that worked well enough. At the same time, they set up the prospects deal for next week, which is a nice bonus. The wrestling was just ok though and the show felt more like a preview for everything else.

Results
Sean Legacy b. Edris Enofe – Shambles
Thea Hail b. Zayda Steel – Kimura
Keanu Carver/OTM b. Vanity Project – Cast shot to Drake

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Evolve: Succession
Date: October 15, 2025
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Blake Howard, Robert Stone

It’s time for the first Evolve special since the series debuted back in March. This week features a three match card, with both titles on the line and a big grudge match which should become violent. That’s a good way to hook in some fans and the card has been built up pretty well. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a look back at the original Evolve and what it can mean to be a star around here. This leads us into a look at tonight’s show.

We recap Bryce Donovan challenging Jackson Drake for the Evolve Title. The two of them have been part of the Vanity Project with Donovan as the team’s enforcer. Drake started taking advantage of Donovan though and even insulted him, eventually causing Donovan to snap. Donovan signed the contract for the title match and quit the team, promising to take the title here.

Evolve Title: Bryce Donovan vs. Jackson Drake

Drake, with the Vanity Project is defending and slaps Donovan in the face to start. That earns him a Black Hole Slam before Donovan sends him flying into the corner. A flapjack sets up some forearms to Drake’s chest, with Donovan pointing down at the Project. Donovan goes outside to yell at the Project, allowing Drake to hit a suicide dive to take over. Cue Keanu Carver, with security holding him back as we take a break. We come back with Donovan working on a half crab. That’s broken up and Donovan fights back, including a pop up powerbomb for two.

Drake goes back to the knee and dropkicks him to the floor, where Donovan grabs a chokeslam onto the apron. Donovan’s running charge hits the steps though and Drake drops the knee into those steps. Back in and a Swanton (possibly onto the knee) gets two on Donovan, who hits a hard clothesline of his own. A middle rope chokeslam plants Drake but the cover sends his feet in the ropes. Drake goes back to the knee though and a pair of Unalivings retain the title at 8:23.

Rating: C+. The match was a nice back and forth fight and I’m glad Drake won, as the Donovan turn was a last minute thing. It would have been odd to see Drake win the title only a week after his turn, which wasn’t so big in the first place. The title change should come at a bigger moment so the match going this way makes sense. At the same time, that’s quite the death knell in Donovan for the time being, as he’s going to need a change to come back from that kind of a loss.

Stevie Turner is on the phone with someone from AAA and is excited to have an up coming guest start. A celebrity (seemingly from some series) Bigg Jahh comes in to say the title match was fire. They’ll watch the rest of the show together.

Video on Adrenaline Drip vs. Harley Riggins and Jax Presley.

Masyn Holiday and Layla Diggs are in the back with Wendy Choo. As Choo is about to talk, Chantel Monroe comes in to mock the idea of Choo talking and then leaves. Choo says AJ Lee says therapy works. They’re off to find Bigg Jahh, who apparently makes movies.

Tate Wilder vs. Brooks Jensen

Bullrope match with pinfall or submission to win. They pull at the rope to start until Jensen misses a kick and gets tripped down. Wilder misses some whips with the rope and gets forearmed in the corner. Jensen gets tied up in the rope again though and Wilder pulls him down, followed by a dropkick to the floor. That lets Jensen pull him into the ropes for a knockdown as we take a break.

We come back with Jensen missing a bell shot to the face but dropping Wilder over the top rope. A middle rope elbow to the head gets two on Wilder and the rope is pulled across Wilder’s mouth. Jensen whips him with the rope, which helps wake Wilder up to start the comeback. Wilder whips him down for a change and they slug it out until Jensen knocks him out of the air with a bell shot. Jensen goes up and gets pulled back down, setting up a powerbomb into the Wilde Ride for the pin at 6:18.

Rating: B-. Nice match here and Wilder got the win that he needed. It was another result that needed to happen as Wilder would be absolutely done if he lost here. Jensen isn’t exactly a top name but he’s a big enough deal that Wilder gets something out of beating him. At some point you need to move someone up the ladder and that’s what we’re getting here.

Video on the WWE ID Program, with new names arriving soon.

We recap Kendal Grey challenging Kali Armstrong for the Women’s Title. Armstrong is the monster while Grey has been rising up the ranks and is ready to challenge for the top spot.

Quick video on Aaron Rourke.

Sean Legacy is in Stevie Turner’s office and wants to face Edris Enofe next week. Bigg Jahh says he should so Turner makes….Jah the GM next week. Layla Diggs and Masyn Holiday come in and try to get parts in his new movie.

Women’s Title: Kendal Grey vs. Kali Armstrong

Grey is challenging and after the Big Match Intros, takes Armstrong down and hammers away. Armstrong powers her into the corner to hammer away but gets fireman’s carries back down. A missed charge in the corner lets Grey score with a dropkick out to the floor. Grey hits a nice dive and they fight up to the apron. Armstrong cuts off a slingshot though and Grey gets driven back first into the apron over and over.

We take a break and come back with Armstrong dropping an elbow for two, followed by a reverse slam. The chinlock goes on but Grey fights up and sweeps the leg. A DDT gives Grey two and a moonsault press connects for the same. Armstrong is back with a pop up powerslam for two of her own and a top rope superplex gets two more. They slug it out with Armstrong getting the better of it and loading up the Kali Connection, which is countered into a powerslam to give Grey the pin and the title at 9:36.

Rating: B. This was a well put together match and I liked what we got out of it, with Armstrong going with with what worked to get her here, only to get caught going too far. Grey was built up well in the last few weeks and it makes sense for her to be the one to slay the monster champion. Good stuff here and well worthy of the main event slot on this show.

Wren Sinclair and Carlee Bright run in for the celebration to end the show.

Overall Rating: B. They nailed this one pretty well, with all three matches going as they should have and the quality going up as the card moved along. I liked this rather well and it was nice to have it be the length of a regular episode rather than making it some kind of big elongated special. As usual, Evolve is well produced and structured, which makes the show that much easier to watch.

Results
Jackson Drake b. Bryce Donovan – Unaliving
Tate Wilder b. Brooks Jensen – Wilde Ride
Kendal Grey b. Kali Armstrong – Powerslam

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6