Evolve
Date: September 10, 2025
Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Peter Rosenburg, Robert Stone

It’s a bad time for the Vanity Project, as they have managed to get Jackson Drake into a triple threat match for the Evolve Title. Both Keanu Carver and Brooks Jensen are getting title shots at the same time and that isn’t likely going to end well. Other than that, Sean Legacy is going to have to deal with Edris Enofe so let’s get to it.

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

We open with the Vanity Project talking about the triple threat match with Jackson Drake being ready to face both challengers, because the team is awesome.

Carlee Bright vs. Layla Diggs

Kendal Grey and Masyn Holiday are here too. Both get insert promos, with Bright talking about how she wants to show she can be serious and Diggs saying this is absolutely not personal but she wants to win. Bright takes it to the mat to start but Diggs reverses into an armbar. Back up and Diggs cartwheels out of a headscissors and we get a respectful handshake.

Diggs ties up the legs with a rollup for two but Bright is back with a jumping neckbreaker for the same. They go back to the mat, with Diggs hitting a flipping splash into a powerslam. A standing moonsault “misses” despite landing on Bright, who goes up but misses a middle rope moonsault. Diggs hits a heck of a side kick for two but misses a charge into the corner. Brights’ tornado DDT gets two and Bright Side (Overdrive) finishes Diggs at 5:01.

Rating: C+. The ending isn’t a great way to go but Bright getting a win is a good move. She’s getting somewhere after months of just kind of floating around so this should help her a bit. At the same time, Diggs continues to be rather athletic, though she’ll need more to really make her stand out.

Post break Bright and Grey are still in the ring, with Grey praising Bright for her win. Grey is ready to take out Wendy Choo and slap the smile off her face. After that, she’s ready for Kali Armstrong and the Women’s Title. Cue Armstrong to say bring it, but Ridge Holland and Tate Wilder brawl to ringside. Stevie Turner pops in to make the match for right now, with the women being forgotten.

Ridge Holland vs. Tate Wilder

Holland knees away in the corner but Wilder hits some dropkicks to send him outside. The dive to the floor connects with Holland, who posts Wilder to cut things off fast. We take a break and come back with Holland sending him into the corner for a German suplex. Wilder fights back and kicks away but walks into a spinebuster.

The half crab goes on for a bit before Wilder fights out and hits a middle rope crossbody. Wilder adds a springboard Swanton for two and can’t believe the kickout. Holland is back with a powerslam into a Cannonball, followed by a gutwrench powerbomb for the pin at 7:24.

Rating: C. I’m liking Holland getting a chance to be the powerhouse and focusing more on his rugby style offense. He’s someone who has experience and he can be turned into a solid monster heel in a hurry. On the other hand you have Wilder, who isn’t winning yet but he’s getting a lot of ring time lately and that might be a good sign for his future.

Aaron Rourke and Marcus Mathers talk about having a lot in common, like wrestling for various independent promotions. And grit and determination! Hence them being a team.

It’s Gal and Jamar Hampton are proud of their work in the gym but they aren’t impressed by Rourke and Mathers.

Keanu Carver is NOT going back to the streets so he’ll win the Evolve Title here.

Wendy Choo has attacked Kendal Grey and choked her out.

Evolve Title: Keanu Carver vs. Brooks Jensen vs. Jackson Drake

Drake is defending. Carver throws Drake around to start and a big clothesline puts Drake on the floor. That leaves Carver and Jensen to slug it out but Drake sends them into each other. Drake hits a running forearm to Jensen, who is right back with some chops in the corner. A powerslam drops Drake and Carver is back in to slam both of them at once. Drake manages to send both of them outside for the running flip dive and we take a break.

We come back with Drake’s kicks to the chest getting on Carver’s nerves. Jensen is back in with a spinwheel kick to Carver for two but Drake is up with a fisherman’s buster. Drake hits a big dive to the floor to drop Carver again but his Lethal Injection is cut off. Carver is knocked outside again, leaving Drake and Jensen to trade hard forearms. Carver is back in with a Samoan drop to Jensen, who throws Drake up for a Pounce.

A spinebuster gives Carver two but Jensen sends both of them flying at the same time. The Southern Lariat misses so Drake is put up in an electric chair for a doomsday spinwheel kick for two. Carver superplexes Jensen and Drake Swantons Carver, who goes outside. A dive is cut off though and Carver drops him with a hard forearm. Cue Bryce Donovan to take Carver out and Jensen southern lariats Drake. Donovan offers a distraction though and Drake hits the running knee for the pin to retain at 13:15.

Rating: B-. They got a good deal of time here and it was a solid showcase for Carver, with Jensen having one of his more entertaining matches thus far. Had this been a singles match I would have expected a title change but the triple threat part made it a bit more predictable. That being said, it’s nice to see Drake getting a win, as he hasn’t felt like a strong champion thus far (which is the point).

Stevie Turner is watching in her office and looks at her plans for next week, which include a note saying I QUIT MATCH. Wendy Choo wants Kendal Grey in one next week and Turner seems to agree.

Overall Rating: C+. This was mainly about the title match and it wound up going well enough, though it wasn’t some game changer. Other than that, you had the build towards Grey vs. Choo next week, plus Holland continuing to get a boost. It’s a fine enough show here, with enough stories being advanced in around 45 minutes.

Results
Carlee Bright b. Layla Diggs – Bright Side
Ridge Holland b. Tate Wilder – Gutwrench powerbomb
Jackson Drake b. Keanu Carver and Brooks Jensen – Running knee to Jensen

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

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

Last week saw Kali Armstrong retain the Women’s Title in a four way match, meaning it’s time for her to have a fresh challenger. On the other hand, Keanu Carver is getting closer to the Evolve Title and Jackson Drake. That might not go well for the champion and we might see something new here. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening recap.

Opening sequence.

Sean Legacy vs. Ice Williams

Williams takes him down by the arm to start but Legacy is back up with a hammerlock. With Williams down, Legacy pulls him into a surfboard, which doesn’t last long. A dropkick legs Williams hammer away but Legacy sends him outside, followed by a dive. We take a break and come back with Williams posting him for two but Legacy hits a dropkick. Shambles is blocked and Williams plants him down for two more.

Legacy pulls him into a quickly broken STF but misses a springboard 450. The Ice Breaker gives Williams two and Legacy catches him on top with a super Spanish Fly. Now the springboard 450 connects for two so Legacy tries another springboard, which is broken up instead. Another Ice Breaker connects but Legacy kicks him into the corner and hits Shambles for the pin at 11:32.

Rating: B. They were rolling near the end there and that’s a good thing, as Legacy has needed a win after a few months of pretty much just sitting in one place. I’m sure he’s going to be fine in the long run, but the last little bit hasn’t been kind to him. Granted it helps that Williams is leaving, which is a shame as he has some potential, but it’s not going to be showcased here.

Post match Legacy says he’s working on getting ready to come after the Evolve Title. Cue Edris Enofe to interrupt, saying he doesn’t think Legacy is ready to carry Evolve. That’s why Stevie Turner needs to make Enofe #1 contender. Shoving ensues.

Kylie Rae talks about how different she is than Chantel Monroe. She is impressed by Masyn Holiday though.

The Vanity Project is still not in the best of moods as Jackson Drake isn’t happy with finding out his next challenger when everyone else finds out. They consider who the challenger might be and mock the options. Kali Armstrong comes in to mock Drake’s nerves. Zayda Steel suggests Armstrong is going to lose her title first but Armstrong brushes her off.

Kylie Rae vs. Masyn Holiday

Layla Diggs is here with Holiday for a dancing entrance. We get a handshake to start and they fight over arm control, with Holiday pulling her into an armbar. Rae reverses into one of her own but Holiday stomps her down and dances a bit. Back up and Rae knocks her into the corner for a Cannonball but Holiday catches Rae on top.

Holiday’s half crab doesn’t last long and Rae gives her a basement superkick for two. The middle rope moonsault gives Rae another near fall and Holiday is in a lot of trouble. Rae slips out of a fireman’s carry and pulls on the crossface for the tap at 7:21. Diggs is far from pleased.

Rating: C. The match was ok enough, with Holiday showing some potential. She’s still a long way from being ready for a bigger spot, but there is something to her that is worth at least a chance. On the other hand you have Rae, who isn’t the biggest star in the world, but she’s a lot better now that she’s away from Wendy Choo.

Post match respect is shown.

Jax Presley and Harley Riggins are ready to debut against Adrenaline Drip.

Tate Wilder is ready to face Ridge Holland because he’s tired of being treated this way. Drako Knox isn’t sure but supports Wilder anyway.

Adrenaline Drip vs. Jax Presley/Harley Riggins

The villains are making their in-ring debuts. The rather large Presley powers Jones around to start and gives him a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, allowing Riggins to send him into the post. Back in and a facebuster into a Backstabber gets two as It’s Gal and Jamar Hampton are watching backstage.

Jones gets up and manages a pop up dropkick to put Riggins down, meaning it’s off to Cartwheel vs. Presley. Cartwheel springboards in with a forearm into a Sling Blade but Flip and Sip is broken up. Riggins and Presley are sent outside, where they pull a diving Jones out of the air. Jones is sent at Cartwheel, who gets tossed into the air for a spear and the pin at 5:41.

Rating: C+. A guy I know was training for independent wrestling and was given a biker gimmick. The promoter said he wanted him to feel like he hadn’t been to wrestling school, but he had been to a** kicking school. That’s what I got from Presley and Riggins, who were as smash mouth as you can get here and felt like two big raw brawlers in the right way. That stands out and they looked like a couple of monsters out there. Fun stuff.

Video on the ID Program.

Here is Stevie Turner to talk about the #1 contender to the Evolve Title. Cue the Vanity Project, who say this isn’t the right way to go. They want Drake to have an easy opponent but cue Keanu Carver to say just make him #1 contender already. This brings out Brooks Jensen to say he can get the job done, so here is Ridge Holland to…get in a fight with Tate Wilder. They brawl to the back, leaving Drake to say he can beat Carver and Jensen. The result? A triple threat next week. The brawl is on with Vanity Project beating the challengers down but Jensen and Carver fight back and take them out to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. Kind of an all over the place show this week but not in the worst way. The ending segment was every “and then this person wants in and this person wants in” segment, but at least it set up the match. What stood out to me the most was that tag match, as Presley and Riggins felt different. That’s a hard thing to do but they pulled it off here. I’m not saying they’re the next Demolition, but they made a good first impression and that’s very important. Nice show here, with some moments standing out.

Results
Sean Legacy b. Ice Williams – Shambles
Kylie Rae b. Masyn Holiday – Crossface
Jax Presley/Harley Riggins b. Adrenaline Drip – Pop up spear to Cartwheel

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

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Evolve
Date: August 20, 2025
Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Peter Rosenberg, Robert Stone

The big story around here is Keanu Carver coming after the Evolve Title, as he is smashing his way through the Vanity Project on his way to Jackson Drake. On the other side, Karmen Petrovic seems to be coming to after Kali Armstrong and the Women’s Title. Throw in Sean Legacy and Ridge Holland being on a collision course and we should be in for a good show. Let’s get to it.

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

We open with a recap of the Women’s Title situation.

Opening sequence.

Kylie Rae vs. Chantel Monroe

Monroe takes her down by the arm to start and goes to cranking. Rae reverses into a wristlock of his own, followed by some armdrags into the armbar. That’s broken up so Rae gets two off a basement dropkick and the armbar goes on again. Back up and Rae kicks her in the head out of the corner, setting up a top rope armdrag.

Monroe gets in a knee lift though and a neckbreaker over the apron connects as we take a break. We come back with Monroe getting two off a Hennig necksnap and the neck crank going on. Rae fights up and knocks her into the corner, where Monroe is right back out with reverse DDT. Monroe sends her throat first into the top rope and a Codebreaker finishes at 9:28.

Rating: C. I’m not sure I get the appeal of Monroe as she feels like quite the one note character. At the same time, Rae won the ID Title a few weeks ago and loses clean here. It’s kind of a weird way to go and I’m not sure what is next for both of them. Monroe has been protected well enough though and if that’s who Evolve wants to push, even in a small way, it’s better than nothing.

Keanu Carver is ready to keep smashing through everyone and win the Evolve Title.

Jackson Drake is with the Vanity Project and is nervous about Carver. Zayda Steel is upset over her loss to Layla Diggs and Bryce Donovan tells her to be better. The team realizes things haven’t been going great lately and it’s time to fix it.

Kali Armstrong is ready for the next challenger. Stevie Turner says that Karmen Petrovic and Chantel Monroe have both won their matches and deserve title shots. Nikkita Lyons comes in to say that she deserves a shot too so Turner makes the four way title match for next week.

Swipe Right vs. Aaron Rourke/Marcus Mathers

Smokes takes Rourke to the mat with a headlock to start but Rourke is back up to send him into the corner. Mathers comes in with a step up tornado DDT and a nice kick to the face gets two. Baylor’s clothesline out of the corner gets two and a double belly to back suplex drops Mathers for two more. A big boot gives Baylor another near fall and Mathers is sent into the corner, allowing Baylor to get in a hip swivel.

Mathers manages to flip over though and it’s off to Rourke to clean house. Smokes Downward Spirals Rourke into the buckle though and it’s back to Mathers, who trades some loud kicks with Baylor. Mathers sends the villains into each other and Rourke drops them with a dive on the floor. A spinning powerslam gives Mathers two on Baylor but the Super Swipe finishes Mathers at 8:22.

Rating: B-. Nice match here, though I’m not wild on Mathers taking another fall. Swipe Right needed a win here, but both they and the Vanity Project seem to be in trouble. There is a very good chance that we are in the beginning of the end of the group, but they should be able to win a match against a makeshift team like Rourke and Mathers.

It’s Gal and Jamar Hampton train in the gym together and while Hampton seems to do better, they appear to bond a bit.

Kendal Grey is sick of Wendy Choo and is ready to fight her next week.

Jax Presley and Harley Riggins are ready to beat up Adrenaline Drip.

Here’s what’s coming next week.

Sean Legacy vs. Ridge Holland

The bigger Holland powers him down to start and drops an early elbow for two. Legacy slips out of a powerslam attempt and kicks him down, setting up a standing moonsault for two. We take a break and come back with Legacy chopping his way out of trouble. An overhead belly to belly suplex drops Legacy again though and Holland hammers him down.

Back up and Legacy manages a superkick into a rolling DDT to leave them both down. A German suplex gives Legacy another breather but Holland catches him on top. Holland’s kick to the face gets two but Legacy dropkick him into the corner. A moonsault into something like a side slam gives Legacy two more but Shambles is blocked. Holland is sent into the corner for a cannonball and a gutwrench powerbomb finishes for Holland at 9:18.

Rating: B-. The action was good but there was something missing here, with Legacy starting to feel as someone who should be moved up to the next level but seemingly stalling. Legacy certainly seems to have all of the tools, but he might need something to make them come together. On the other hand you have Holland, who could be getting somewhere if he can put things together, which might be when he’s doing with his focus on the rugby background.

Post match Legacy goes to the back and runs into Ice Williams, who is tired of Legacy being handed everything. Shoving ensues.

Overall Rating: C+. I wasn’t feeling this one for some reason, as it might be due to the idea of having so much of this show being about setting things up for later. Legacy seems to be falling down the ladder, while Carver is on his way to the title match in the near future. It’s not the worst show, but there was nothing here that had my interest.

Results
Chantel Monroe b. Kylie Rae – Codebreaker
Swipe Right b. Aaron Rourke/Marcus Mathers – Super Swipe to Mathers
Ridge Holland b. Sean Legacy – Gutwrench powerbomb

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

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Evolve
Date: August 13, 2025
Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Robert Stone, Peter Rosenberg

The title pictures are starting to heat up around here, with the big story being Keanu Carver setting his sights on the Evolve Title. That isn’t going to go well for Jackson Drake and the rest of the Vanity Project as they have their hands full. Other than that, a few women are coming for the Women’s Title and that could cause some problems for Kali Armstrong. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening recap.

Opening sequence.

Tate Wilder vs. Brooks Jensen

Jensen’s headlock doesn’t get him very far so they trade shoulders, with Wilder getting the better of things. Jensen is sent outside and Wilder hits a quick moonsault, followed by a sunset flip for two back inside. Back up and Jensen forearms him down, including some shots to the chest. A chinlock doesn’t last long and Wilder sends him into the corner. Another moonsault misses though and Jensen hits a pair of lariats for the pin at 4:59.

Rating: C-. I kind of like the fact that Wilder isn’t going out there and winning everything to start, as the point seems to be bringing him along slowly. At the same time, I’m not sure how much there is about having two cowboy/southerner characters facing off. Odds are this is just a one off, but it wasn’t the most interesting start.

Post match Jordan Oasis runs in to brawl with Jensen, knocking him out to the floor.

Wendy Choo laughs about her win last week.

Adrenaline Drip is in the gym when Jax Presley and Harley Riggins (they’re new and much bigger than Cartwheel and Jones) are bragging about their own strength. A match is set for later.

Earlier today, Jackson Drake yelled at Bryce Donovan about his loss last week. Donovan doesn’t care for his tone but everything seems to be ok, with Donovan apologizing for his loss. Donovan has even gotten the team some matches, but he doesn’t reveal the opponents, which has the rest of the team annoyed.

Dante Chen vs. Edris Enofe

During his entrance, Enofe pulls a turnbuckle pad off but can’t send Chen into it. The referee sees the exposed buckle and goes to fix it, meaning Chen’s rollup gets a delayed two. A Rock Bottom plants Enofe but Chen is sent into the exposed buckle. Enofe misses a Stinger Splash into the buckle and gets kicked out to the floor. Back in and Chen hits a suplex into a suplex drop but Enofe sends him outside again.

Enofe rams into various things, setting up a top rope elbow for two back inside. Chen slaps him in the face, earning himself some knees to the jaw. Chen’s top rope superplex gets two but the Chentle Touch misses. Instead Enofe grabs a rollup with trunks for two but gets caught, only to walk into the Chentle Touch for the pin at 6:27.

Rating: C. The match itself was ok, but at the same time, there is a reason these two have never really made it that far up the ladder. It was completely acceptable wrestling, but that doesn’t mean it’s overly interesting. Both of them are fairly dull, though there is a good chance that we’ll be seeing a rubber match. It’s not a terrible idea, but it’s nothing I’m thrilled to see.

Tate Wilder is banged up when Ridge Holland comes in to mock him over two losses. Wilder sees them as lessons instead of losses but Holland is focused on Sean Legacy next week.

Kylie Rae rants to Stevie Turner about Chantel Monroe and gets a match with her last week. Jordan Oasis comes in so Turner yells at him over his recent actions. Turner will figure out this thing with Oasis and Brooks Jensen.

Layla Diggs vs. Zayda Steel

Masyn Holiday is here with Diggs and Bryce Donovan is here with Steel. They fight over arm control with neither being able to get very far. A quick takedown sets up a headscissors on Steel, who gets dropped with a running Blockbuster. Back up and Steel starts in on the arm, including a half crab. Diggs fights up and hits a running shoulder in the corner, followed by a suplex for two. Donovan tries to get involved and is quickly ejected, allowing Diggs to hit Diggity Splits (egads) for the pin at 4:03.

Rating: C+. Sweet goodness it really is called Diggity Splits. Diggs is someone who has gotten my attention a few times and while she is still very new at this, she has the athleticism to be worth another look. At the same time, things are not going well for the Vanity Project and there is a good chance that things are going to be getting worse in the coming weeks.

Jamar Hampton doesn’t like It’s Gal coming out to watch his match recently. Gal suggests he was just watching but Hampton is off to train. Gal offers to show him a workout, with Hampton seeming intrigued.

Sean Legacy is upset with his recent loss but wants to see Keanu Carver go after the Vanity Project because he doesn’t like either of them. Then he’s coming after the Evolve Title. We see Ice Williams calling out Legacy at a recent independent event, which Legacy calls “just noise”. For now, Williams wants to go after Ridge Holland.

Here’s what’s coming next week.

Tyra Mae Steele vs. Karmen Petrovic

Steele wastes no time in sending her flying with a release German suplex and we take a break. We come back with Steele hitting more suplexes before tying up Petrovic’s legs. Back up and Steele misses a charge into the corner, allowing Petrovic to strike away. Some Sling Blades put Steele down and the Petrifier finishes for Petrovic at 4:40.

Rating: C. Uh….ok then. Steele has already been appearing on NXT and has felt like one of the bigger prospects around here, but she just loses to Petrovic? It’s not like Petrovic is bad, but she hasn’t been doing anything in recent months and here she is beating Steele. I’m not sure I get that, as putting Petrovic closer to the title match is fine, but why do that to Steele?

Kali Armstrong comes out for the staredown with Petrovic to end the show.

Overall Rating: C. This wasn’t the show that seemed to matter but rather the show that was setting up the bigger show. The Vanity Project seemingly falling apart is the biggest story and that should make for a big shift around here, whenever it happens. Other than that, Armstrong and Drake both seem to have their next opponents, with the title matches likely coming sooner than later. The wrestling wasn’t exactly great this time, but at least some stuff was set up for the future.

Results
Brooks Jensen b. Tate Wilder – Lariat
Dante Chen b. Edris Enofe – Chentle Touch
Layla Diggs b. Zayda Steel – Diggity Splits
Karmen Petrovic b. Tyra Mae Steele – Petrifier

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

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Evolve
Date: July 30, 2025
Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Peter Rosenberg, Robert Stone

We’re back in the developmental’s developmental and that could make for some interesting developments. The Vanity Project is still the big thing around here and we are likely going to be seeing someone new showing up. One of the best things around here has been all of the surprise appearances, which might be the case again this week. Let’s get to it.

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

The opening video looks at Keanu Carver running through the WWE ID Program, including Sean Legacy.

Opening sequence.

Bryce Donovan vs. Marcus Mathers

The rest of the Vanity Project is with Donovan, which is good as I regularly forget his name. Donovan runs him over with a shoulder to start but Mathers is right back with a crossbody for two. Back up and Donovan drops Mathers with a shot to the face and then knocks him outside for a crash.

The abdominal stretch keeps Donovan in trouble but Mathers fights out and hits some running clotheslines. Mathers’ comeback is countered with a pop up powerbomb and a big clothesline gets two. Another comeback sees Mathers knock down Swipe Right but Zayda Steel cuts off the big dive. That lets Donovan hit a Black Hole Slam for the win at 6:19.

Rating: C+. Donovan continues to feel like the “oh yeah he’s there too” member of the Vanity Project but he’s not bad at what he does. At the same time, it’s a bit annoying to see Mathers losing, as he feels like someone who could be a solid prospect around here. Naturally it isn’t the end of his run, but that’s rather early for a first loss.

Timothy Thatcher wishes Sean Legacy luck, with Legacy telling him that he’s still mad over what Keanu Carver did. Thatcher tells him to forget all that and fight through the pain.

Here is Kali Armstrong, who gets straight to the point: she wants Jin Tala out here right now. She didn’t hide from anyone and doesn’t want Tala to hide either. Instead it’s Tyra Mae Steele interrupting, saying she’s the one who won the triple threat two weeks ago. Armstrong needs to be looking out for her before Steele takes the title.

Cue Tala, who says she wants the Women’s Title. Armstrong gives her the shot, but Steele takes issue with Tala getting the shot by attacking some people rather than winning anything. The brawl is on with Tala standing tall. There’s an interesting story here and that’s a good sign.

Jamar Hampton is ready for Jack Cartwheel, even though Cartwheel is way more experienced. With Hampton gone, It’s Gal comes in to have some issues exercising. He’ll do it because he can’t stand Adrenaline Drip.

Jamar Hampton vs. Jack Cartwheel

Cappuccino Jones is here with Cartwheel. Hampton starts in on the arm to start but Cartwheel is back with a headlock takeover. Back up and Cartwheel’s dropkick doesn’t even stagger Hampton, who hits a much bigger dropkick for two. Cartwheel knocks him down again and hits a slingshot splash, followed by an armbar.

A Muta Lock has Hampton in more trouble but he powers up and hits some dropkicks. Hampton’s running Blockbuster gets two and he sends Cartwheel outside. The slingshot dive misses so Cartwheel hits a flipping dive, followed by a slingshot 450 (geez) for two back inside. Cue It’s Gal to keep exercising as Cartwheel knocks Hampton off the top, setting up a corkscrew shooting star press for the pin at 6:03.

Rating: B-. Hampton continues to look like a prospect, but he’s going to need to have some more success. That being said, he’s still a rookie and is losing to people with some more success. What matters right now is that he’s getting his feet wet in front of people, and that could give him a good foundation later on.

Video on Zara Zakher.

Here’s what’s coming next week.

Keanu Carver vs. Sean Legacy

Carver shrugs off the early attack and sends him into the corner for the heavy shots. Legacy gets dropped on the ropes and sent flying with a fall away slam. Legacy has to skin the cat to pull himself over the top, with a headscissors bringing Carver outside. A dive takes Carver out and we take a break.

We come back with Carver hitting a Pounce and putting on a cobra clutch. A backbreaker gives Carver two and some running shoulders in the corner get the same. The bearhug has Legacy in more trouble but he fights out and gets in a shot of his own for a breather. Legacy’s running DDT drops Carver and a German suplex gets two. Carver cuts off a springboard though and hits a hard right hand for two. Back up and Legacy knocks him down again for another near fall but Shambles is blocked. Instead Carver slingshots him up into the spinning powerslam for the pin at 11:35.

Rating: B-. This was telling a nice story, with Legacy fighting back for the sake of revenge but getting crushed by the power of the monster. That’s a good way to make Carver feel like a big deal and odds are he’s on the way to the Evolve Title picture. At the same time, Legacy has cooled off a good bit since the start of Evolve and he could use a turn around somewhere in the near future.

Post march Carver calls out Jackson Drake and the Vanity Project to end the show.

Overall Rating: B. Good show here as it felt like an old NXT show. The stories feel like they are all getting attention and being well developed. That helps avoid what feel like weaker parts of the show and making everything feel that much more interesting. I’m starting to like this one more and more every week and that was on display again here.

Results
Bryce Donovan b. Marcus Mathers – Black Hole Slam
Jack Cartwheel b. Jamar Hampton – Corkscrew shooting star press
Keanu Carver b. Sean Legacy – Spinning powerslam

Remember to follow me on Twitter @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: July 23, 2025
Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Peter Rosenberg, Robert Stone

Last week saw Jackson Drake survive against Lince Dorado, but now he might have to deal with the freshly debuted Brooks Jensen. Other than that, Kali Armstrong is going to need a new challenger and some people are already lining up for the shot. Things have been getting more interesting around here and it’s making the show that much better. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

Dante Chen vs. Edris Enofe

Chen knocks him down for an early two and Enofe is already asking for a time out. Back up and Enofe uses the rope to avoid being taken down again, allowing him to stomp away on Chen. A DDT sets up choke but Chen is back up with a neckbreaker. Some right hands and an enziguri set up a running boot to drop Enofe again. The Gentle Touch is blocked so Enofe rolls him up and grabs the trunks for the pin at 5:14.

Rating: C. Totally fine match between two people who are trying to find their spot in Evolve. Enofe is further along at this point with the whole “I deserve it” deal. On the other hand you have Chen, who is pretty much the same thing he was in NXT LVL Up without the weird protection that he received. Not bad, but they both need something to make them more interesting.

Jordan Oasis is looking for a partner and asks It’s Gal and Sam Holloway. They don’t care about Keanu Carver going after the ID Program and would never want to team with a nomad. Cappuccino Jones and Jack Cartwheel come in to say Oasis has earned his stripes. They accuse Gal and Holloway of forgetting what it took to get here. A tag match seems to be made, albeit not involving Oasis.

Video on the WWE ID Program.

Adrenaline Drip vs. Sam Holloway/It’s Gal

Jones grinds away (like beans) on a headlock before firing off a dropkick to rock Gal. Cartwheel comes in and it’s another dropkick from Jones into a running shooting star press to give Cartwheel two. Gal manages to knock Cartwheel outside for a big boot from Holloway, who also crotches Jones against the post. Back in and a middle rope elbow gives Holloway two on Cartwheel and Gal adds the double legdrop for two more. The villains take turns tossing Cartwheel around for two before Holloway grabs a chinlock.

Cartwheel fights up and cartwheels his way over to Jones for the tag. Holloway crashes into Gal to send him outside and it’s a top rope flipping cutter/Downward Spiral combination (cool) for two (not cool) on Holloway. With everyone else on the floor, Holloway hits a big no hands dive to take the three of them down. Back in and Holloway hits a top rope splash on Cartwheel, with Jones making the save. Jones dives onto Holloway and a corkscrew top rope splash gives Cartwheel the pin at 6:41.

Rating: B. Annoyance of that kind of a double team move only getting two aside, this was a heck of a match as they all went nuts out there for the time that they had. Holloway is a big guy whose size makes him stand out and he was using that advantage here. Really fun stuff here, with one of the more exciting matches in Evolve thus far.

Jordan Oasis continues looking for a partner and Brooks Jensen comes up to offer his services. Jensen offers to help, if Oasis will help him against the Vanity Project. Deal.

Marcus Mathers is in Stevie Turner’s office and wants a match with Keanu Carver. Turner can’t do that because Carver is busy with Sean Legacy, but Turner will give him another match. With that out of the way, Kali Armstrong comes in to demand Jin Tala, which Turner will work on for her.

Kendal Grey vs. Zayda Steel

Steel takes her down by the hair to start and grabs a headlock takeover. Back up and Grey grabs her own headlock takeover, followed by a running crossbody, with Steel bailing out to the floor. Steele catches her with a Codebreaker on the way back in and it’s time to choke away in the corner. A whip into the corner has Grey in more trouble but she’s able to grab a German suplex to put both of them down. Grey hits a middle rope spinning crossbody before snapping off a powerslam to drop Steel again. Back up and Grey grabs a rollup for the quick pin at 5:41.

Rating: C. Not much to see here, though the result was a nice surprise. Grey is someone who has the potential to go somewhere and she needs the wins to get closer. On the other hand you have Steel, who feels like someone WWE wants to be a big star (which makes sense) but she’s going to need some more reps in the ring to make that happen.

Post match Grey says she doesn’t get what the deal is with Wendy Choo but they can deal with it in the ring.

Sean Legacy doesn’t know what Keanu Carver’s problem is with the ID Program and it would be much harder without people like Timothy Thatcher. They’re ready to fight.

Chantel Monroe doesn’t think much of Kylie Rae but she’ll lower herself to deal with her.

Here’s what’s coming next week.

Swipe Right vs. Brooks Jensen/Jordan Oasis

Baylor grabs a headlock on Jensen to start but gets reversed into Jensen’s headlock takeover. Oasis comes in for a suplex so it’s off to Smokes to pick up the pace. Everything breaks down and Swipe Right avoids crashing into each other, only for Oasis to backsplash Smokes for two. A quick distraction lets Smokes stomp away though and we take a break.

We come back with Baylor hammering on Oasis and elbowing him in the face. Smokes pulls Oasis back into the corner and Baylor drops an elbow, earning quite the celebration. Oasis gets in a backbreaker but a distraction pulls Jensen off the apron so there’s no tag. The chinlock goes on but Oasis suplexes his way to freedom.

Rather than tagging though, he hits a running flipping cannonball to Baylor’s back. Jensen comes in without a tag and drops Smokes before pulling Oasis to the right corner. Now Jensen comes in to clean house but tags Oasis and throws him back in before walking out. The Super Swipe finishes Oasis at 10:12.

Rating: C+. Good storyline based match here with Jensen going all evil, which does seem to suit him better. He doesn’t have much in the ring to back up his limited appeal so this is the better move for him. It gives both Jensen and Oasis something to do while also boosting Swipe Right up a bit. Swipe Right is still not great to see in the ring, but they’re being established, which is a good move.

Overall Rating: B-. Nice show again here, as they covered some of the stories which were already set up and set things up for the future. You can tell that Evolve has been set up well with good attention being paid to the details along the way. It makes for an easy to watch and follow show, which is what we got again here.

Results
Edris Enofe b. Dante Chen – Rollup with trunks
Adrenaline Drip b. Sam Holloway/It’s Gal – Corkscrew top rope splash to Gal
Kendal Grey b. Zayda Steel – Rollup
Swipe Right b. Jordan Oasis/Brooks Jensen – Super Swipe to Oasis

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

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Evolve
Date: June 11, 2025
Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Peter Rosenberg, Robert Stone

We’re into a new era around here as we officially have Men’s and Women’s Evolve Champions. Last week saw Jackson Drake bring the men’s version to the Vanity Project, who I’m sure will have a calm, respectful celebration as a result. There are other things around here to address as well though so let’s get to it.

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

We open with a recap of Jackson Drake winning the title last week.

Opening sequence.

Here is the Vanity Project for their celebration. They aren’t ones to tell you “we told you so”, but that’s what they did. They are the future NXT main eventers and now Jackson Drake himself gets the mic. Drake talks about Buddy Rogers, Finn Balor and Seth Rollins being the first holders of various titles and now his name has been added. They have the best man, woman and tag team in Evolve and at this point, it isn’t even bragging. When you’re this good, you can only be called the Vanity Project, and now they make V signs with their fingers because they’re turning into a real stable.

Lince Dorado knows that he’s going to need help to come after the Vanity Project and he has an idea.

Wes Lee, with the rest of High Ryze, is ready for Cappuccino Jones.

Cappuccino Jones is with Jack Cartwheel and is heavily caffeinated for Wes Lee. The problem is Lee has forgotten what it’s like to be thirsty and it’s time for a fresh brew. Jones has one bit and he is getting everything he can out of it.

Zayda Steele/Nikkita Lyons vs. Layla Diggs/Masyn Holiday

Diggs and Holiday have a dance during their entrance and their opponents are….impressed? Steele takes Diggs down and poses to start but gets her leg swept for a fast two. Diggs dances some more and it’s off to Holiday for a dancing ax handle to the arm. Lyons comes in and fights out of the armbar before bending over so Holiday can jump over her.

Diggs comes back in and gets taken into the wrong corner but manages to powerslam Steele down for two. Holiday runs Steele over with a shoulder but stops to look at Lyons, which allows Lyons to come in for some shoulders to the ribs. The ZDT gives Steele two and Lyons grabs a chinlock, which works as well as you would expect.

Holiday avoids a charge in the corner and it’s off to Diggs to pick up the pace. A handspring shoulder to the ribs in the corner drops Steele and a splash gets two, with Lyons making the save. Cue Chantel Monroe to sit on the apron for a distraction, which allows Lyons to kick Holiday in the head for the pin at 7:52.

Rating: C-. This wasn’t the best stuff, with the dancing from Diggs and Holiday feeling like something that has been done to death. At the same time, having Monroe come in to do her one thing for a distraction wasn’t the most thrilling twist. The action wasn’t terrible as they all need time in the ring, but I wasn’t feeling this one for the most part.

Troy Yearwood likes to lift weights and write poetry, including one about how he’s going to take over Evolve and NXT. He likes lifting people in the ring with him…and now his name is Jamar Hampton. Sure.

Kali Armstrong comes up to tell Natalya that she doesn’t need her help. Natalya says she might, because they’re teaming together next week.

Jamar Hampton vs. It’s Gal

Hampton has some weird intro music, sounding like it would be playing in the opening scene of a romantic comedy while someone we just met is walking down the street. Hampton drives him into the corner to start so Gal (now pronounced as it would traditionally be, rather than gaul, as in rhyming with Paul) wants a test of strength. That goes fine for Hampton, who takes him down and does pushups on Gal’s back. An atomic drop sets up a running dropkick (and a high one at that) for two on Gal.

Back up and Gal starts taking over on the leg and hammers away in the corner. A pushup cover gives Gal two and he drops a Kofi Kingston double legdrop for two more. Gal stays on the leg with a half crab, with Hampton fighting out but not being able to stand. The one good leg is enough to German suplex Gal and an overhead belly to belly takes Gal down again. Hampton can’t quite get a fireman’s carry as Gal grabs a rollup for two of his own. Back up and Hampton hits an AA (landing on Gal, ala Keith Lee’s Big Bang Catastrophe) for the pin 6:30.

Rating: C+. This was a showcase for Hampton and that worked well enough, as he has a good look and some very impressive athleticism. That being said, the leg stuff being somewhat ignored so he could throw Gal around wasn’t the best look. On the other hand, Gal continues to not do much for me, as “he’s in good shape” and “looks like a human action figure” is only going to get him so far.

Marcus Mathers talks about how he has trained as hard and often as he can because this is what matters the most to him.

Jordan Oasis talks about how hard he has worked to get here, often walking the streets and living on busses. He doesn’t remember the last time he was in a hotel room. It’s hard to have to order the cheapest thing on the menu at a fast food restaurant so he can use the restroom or sneak into the gym after someone so he can use the shower. But now it’s worth it because he is making it here. That’s a heck of a way to make me care about someone and it did a nice job.

Wes Lee vs. Cappuccino Jones

The rest of High Ryze and Jack Cartwheel are here too. After the Big Match Intros, Jones takes him down by the arm to start but gets reversed into a headlock. Jones sweeps the legs out for two before going with back to back leapfrogs. Lee gets sent outside for a running flip dive and we take a break.

Back with Lee dropping Jones out of the corner and hitting a basement dropkick to the side of the head. A superkick lets Lee slam him head first into the mat a few times while shouting a lot as well. Jones tries to fight back but gets powerslammed down for two, leaving Lee frustrated. A quick backslide and rollup give Jones two each and he hits an enziguri to send Lee into the ropes.

The Half And Half gives Jones two so High Ryze gets involved, with Cartwheel going after them. That means a three way ejection, allowing Lee to hit a tornado DDT. The running knees give Lee two and Jones is back up with the Decaffinator for two and now it’s Jones’ turn to be stunned. Jones misses the Froggy Brew (these names are great) so Lee rolls him up but gets caught with his feet on the ropes. A rollup gives Jones a close two but Lee superkicks him in the back of the head. The Cardiac Kick finishes for Lee at 11:04.

Rating: B. Dang they had me into this one at the end, as I thought they might actually give Jones the big upset. I can get why they didn’t, but that would have been a heck of a way to give Jones the push. That being said, this absolutely did not hurt Jones, who looked great in defeat. Pretty awesome main event here, with both guys working rather hard.

Overall Rating: B-. This was the show that kind of reset things a bit, as they spent about a month setting up the title matches and now we have to see where things go from here. The main event was quite good and they have some people who seem ready to move up to the next level, which is what we might be seeing soon. This show didn’t exactly do anything big, but it moved a few things forward and wrapped up a thing or two as well. Evolve is turning into a regular show and I’m liking it more often than not so well done.

Results
Zayda Steele/Nikkita Lyons b. Layla Diggs/Masyn Holiday – Kick to the head to Holiday
Jamar Hampton b. It’s Gal – Attitude Adjustment
Wes Lee b. Cappuccino Jones – Cardiac Kick

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

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Evolve
Date: May 28, 2025
Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Peter Rosenberg, Robert Stone

It’s a big show this week, with the first Women’s Champion being crowned. That means a four way elimination match for the inaugural title and that means we should be in for a big time main event. Other than that, the Men’s Title is being crowned next week so it’s time for a big push. Let’s get to it.

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

The four women in the title match (Kendal Grey, Kali Armstrong, Wendy Choo and Kylie Rae) are ready to win. Well Choo doesn’t talk because of course she doesn’t.

Opening sequence.

Jackson Drake vs. Lince Dorado vs. Jordan Oasis

The Vanity Project is here with Drake and the winner is in the Evolve Title match next week. Drake elbows both of them down to start and Oasis is sent outside. A top rope ax handle gets two on Dorado with Oasis coming back in for the save. Oasis hits a gutbuster for two on Drake and it’s time for a three way strike off.

Dorado gets the better of things but gets sent outside, leaving Drake to hammer on Oasis in the corner. Oasis plants him down for two but Brad Baylor makes the save. Dorado hits a big dive to the floor and goes to the back with the Vanity Project. Back up and Drake avoids a charge in the corner, setting up a running knee to pin Oasis at 5:52.

Rating: C+. This was a fine enough way to get the Vanity Project into the title match, as it would have been strange to not have them around in one way or another. I like the idea of bringing in a veteran like Dorado as well, as the fans are going to respond to someone they know. He’s still more than good enough in the ring to hold his own out here too, even if he isn’t likely going to win much.

Tyriek Igwe and Tyson DuPont are ready to take out Cappuccino Jones and Jack Cartwheel.

It’s Gal is by the pool but he can’t have as much fun as he wants because people are saying Troy Yearwood has a better physique. That doesn’t work for Gal, so Yearwood needs to stay out of his way.

Jackson Drake is back in the ring and brags about his success, promising to win the title next week. Cue Edris Enofe to interrupt, saying Drake shouldn’t brag while he’s around. Cue Sean Legacy to interrupt, saying he’s going to win. Drake isn’t impressed but cue Keanu Carver to interrupt, with Drake getting beaten down.

Cappuccino Jones and Jack Cartwheel say it’s their speed against Tyson DuPont and Tyriek Igwe’s power.

Cappuccino Jones/Jack Cartwheel vs. Tyriek Igwe/Tyson DuPont

Igwe powers Cartwheel down to start but Cartwheel is back up to work on the arm. DuPont comes in for a side slam but misses a charge into the corner. It’s off to Jones for a basement dropkick and a double clothesline puts DuPont on the floor. Cue Wes Lee to check on DuPont and Igwe, with the distraction letting DuPont get in a cheap shot to take over.

The double teaming is on but Jones gets over for the tag to Cartwheel. As we get a graphic saying Cartwheel is friends with Frank Frontroll and John Backflip, Cartwheel hits a big flip dive to take DuPont down, followed by a spinning moonsault for two on Igwe. DuPont runs Jones over on the floor though and it’s a Heartstopper for the pin on Cartwheel at 5:08.

Rating: B-. Power vs. speed very well may be the most basic story in wrestling and it went rather well here. They made the story clear and didn’t veer to one side or another with it, which is exactly how this needed to go. I liked this more than I was expecting, and Jones/Cartwheel as a regular team could be worth a try.

Stevie Turner signs Jin Tala to the roster. Carlee Bright comes in and is told she can’t be at ringside. Next week: Tala vs. Bright, and they’re both fine with it.

Natalya is here to watch the title match.

High Ryze (Wes Lee/Tyriek Igwe/Tyson DuPont) are happy with their win and acknowledge that Jack Cartwheel and Cappuccino Jones have potential.

Women’s Title: Kylie Rae vs. Kali Armstrong vs. Kendal Grey vs. Wendy Choo

Elimination rules for the inaugural title. They start fast and everyone but Grey goes to the floor, meaning it’s time for the big dive to take them out. Back in and Armstrong is rammed into Rae for two each, followed by Grey crossbodying Choo for the same. Choo pops up and gets all creepy, including a running shot to all three in various corners. A high crossbody hits Rae but Grey runs Choo over. The Kali Connection hits Choo and Rae adds a superkick to get rid of Choo at 2:54.

We take a break and come back with Rae hitting a pair of Cannonballs for two. Armstrong suplexes them both at the same time but Grey fights up and cleans house. Grey goes for a cross armbreaker on Armstrong but Rae grabs a rollup to pin Grey at 6:05 total. We’re down to Armstrong vs. Rae, with Armstrong making a quick comeback.

The Kali Connection is countered into a crossface in the middle of the ring but Armstrong powers up anyway. A powerslam doesn’t work for Armstrong and Rae gets two off a small package. Back up and Armstrong hits the powerslam followed by the Kali Connection for the pin and the title at 8:45.

Rating: C+. Uh, where’s the rest of this? They hyped up the match as being this huge deal and then it’s over in less than nine minutes? I was expecting this to go a lot longer than this and it was actually disappointing. That being said, Armstrong is the right choice for the win, as she has had the hot hand in recent weeks. Someone is going to have to overcome the power and athleticism and that is going to make them a big deal.

Post match Rae is distraught and Wendy Choo looks on, because that still needs to be a thing.

Natalya comes in to present the title, which Armstrong snatches away from her.

Overall Rating: C+. This show was focused on the titles for the most part, with the tag match in the middle adding a bit of variety. The men’s title match is feeling huge, though the women’s version didn’t quite live up to expectations. I’ll take the step forward though, as this is starting to feel like a more traditional wrestling show week by week.

Results
Jackson Drake b. Jordan Oasis and Lince Dorado – Running knee to Oasis
Tyson DuPont/Tyriek Igwe b. Cappuccino Jones/Jack Cartwheel – Heartstopper to Cartwheel
Kali Armstrong b. Kendal Grey, Kylie Rae and Wendy Choo last eliminating Rae

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

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Evolve
Date: May 14, 2025
Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Peter Rosenberg, Robert Stone

Things are starting to pick up a lot around here after last week’s introductions of the Men’s and Women’s Titles. Those will be awarded in the coming weeks but there are still spots available in the upcoming title matches. People are going to be interested in earning those shots, but there is other stuff taking place as well. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening recap, focusing on the titles being introduced.

Opening sequence.

Keanu Carver/Harlem Lewis vs. Gallus

Wolfgang is here with the Coffey Brothers and all three of them jump Carver and Lewis on the floor before the bell. Cue Stevie Turner to get rid of Wolfgang and we’re ready to go. Carver slams Joe down to start as Lewis suplexes Mark on the floor. Joe and Carver hit stereo crossbodies for a double knockdown, followed by the big exchange of forearms. Carver isn’t having that and hits a heck of a Pounce to take over before hammering away in the corner.

Lewis comes in for a slam but Carver tags himself in, meaning it’s time for the non Coffeys to argue. The distraction lets Joe come back in with a springboard spinning high crossbody. Mark is back in with a belly to back suplex as everything breaks down. Joe bails to the floor…and Lewis decks Carver. Lewis yells at him and walks out, leaving Carver to get caught with an assisted German suplex. All The Best For The Bells finishes Carver at 6:48.

Rating: C+. Gallus was more or less just here for the sake of setting things up between Lewis and Carver. The two of them are having issues and that’s likely going to be set up for the future, possibly even as part of the title match. I can always go for two big bruisers fighting and that’s what we’re likely going to be seeing from these two.

Sean Legacy comes up to Timothy Thatcher and asks for Thatcher to be in his corner against Lexis King tonight. Legacy respects him, with Thatcher glaring a massive hole right through him. Thatcher is in though.

We get a sitdown interview with the returning Edris Enofe, who is glad to be back after a seven month injury absence. He has built himself up during his time away and now he’s ready to do it on his own. Of course he has his eyes set on the Evolve Title. I could go for having Enofe back.

Masyn Holiday is glad to have Enofe back while Chantrel Monroe is too busy to be in her corner tonight. Holiday tells Monroe to let her know when Monroe is ready to show her true self to the world. Monroe is slightly more interesting between the two of them but they’re nothing great.

Kali Armstrong vs. Masyn Holiday

Armstrong backs her up against the ropes to start and then grinds away on a wristlock. Holiday uses the ropes to spin into a wristlock of her own but Armstrong blasts her with a pop up forearm. Armstrong slams her into something like a seated abdominal stretch, which doesn’t last long. Holiday fights up and hits a dropkick, only to get caught with a quick powerslam. The Kali Connection finishes for Armstrong at 3:18.

Rating: C. Armstrong’s mega push continues and she is going to be a threat to win the Women’s Title. If nothing else, there is always room for a powerhouse like her, with the Connection being a solid finisher. There is something about seeing someone flying through the air to take her opponent out and Armstrong is doing well with a simple concept.

Post match Armstrong says she doesn’t care who else is in the title match, which brings out Zayda Steel. She knows Armstrong is a physical beast but Steel has the brain to know that she’s the only one winning the inaugural title. Cue Chantel Monroe to praise the two of them and saying she’s winning the title.

Kylie Rae interrupts, saying she can be in the final spot, which earns her a SHUT UP from Steel. Rae drops her with a right and the brawl is on, with Armstrong pressing Monroe onto the other two. Cue Kendal Grey to suplex Armstrong to the floor and stand tall, with her knee looking just fine. Grey looked like a star here, along with Armstrong. The others…well they were there too.

Keanu carver is annoyed at Harley Lewis so Stevie Turner makes a match between them for next week.

It’s Gal vs. Javier Bernal

They fight over wrist control to start until Bernal grabs a running headscissors. A dropkick sends Gal into the ropes for a basement superkick. A high crossbody gets two on Gal but he’s right back with a heck of a clothesline. The chinlock goes on for a bit, followed by a dropkick for two on Bernal. Back up and Bernal hits a superkick into a spinning Downward Spiral for two of his own. Gal Gory Bombs him onto the buckle though and hits a running big boot. Bernal is right back with a rollup for the pin at 4:00.

Rating: C. I’ve seen a bit of Gal recently but nothing he’s done has been overly impressive. He’s far from being a failure or even bad, but it feels like something that has been done before. At the same time, it’s not a good sign when you lose to someone who was unemployed shortly thereafter and you would think WWE would have known that coming in.

Post match Gal jumps Bernal from behind and hits some pretty terrible right hands. A Blue Thunder Bomb puts Bernal down, with commentary asking where this was during the match.

Stevie Turner suggests adding Nikkita Lyons to the four way title match, but Lyons wants to face the champion one on one. If that means waiting longer before she’s back, I’m all for it.

Kylie Rae is ready for a four way match next week for the final spot in the four way title match. She doesn’t have time to worry about Wendy Choo.

Troy Yearwood is glad to sign his Evolve deal. It’s Gal comes in to brag about what he just did and argues with Yearwood about his physique.

Sean Legacy vs. Lexis King

Legacy has Timothy Thatcher in his corner to take care of the Vanity Project…who aren’t here. Well that’s not a good look. Legacy works on an armbar to start but King is right out. That earns him a shoulder down and Legacy goes back to the arm. A jumping double stomp to the back hits King, who backs into the corner for a big chop. Back up and King elbows him out to the floor to take over for the first time.

We take a break and come back with King working on the back, including a surfboard hold. Legacy fights out and sends him to the floor for a dive, only to springboard into a superkick back inside (with Legacy landing a few feet in front of King, which telegraphed the heck out of the counter). King stays on the back but Legacy is out with a DDT for a needed breather. Legacy kicks away and puts him down for two.

A kick to the face in the corner rocks King and a springboard 450 connects for a delayed two. Legacy tries Shambles but his back gives out. A Backstabber gives King two but the Coronation is countered into a failed backslide attempt. Legacy grabs a Spanish Fly but here is the Vanity Project to go after Thatcher. A big flip dive takes them down, with Thatcher sending Legacy back inside. The distraction lets King grab the Coronation for the pin at 11:35.

Rating: C+. I know King has the star power and name recognition compared to everyone around here, but he’s not exactly the one you bring in to make someone else look good. Legacy hung in there with him and is likely going to be the big star around here. That’s the point of putting him in a spot like this, with a match against the Vanity Project likely coming sooner or later.

Brinley Reece has been attacked and can’t feel her arm.

Overall Rating: C+. The problem right now is that everything is building towards the title matches, which means we have a little while to wait before we get to the big stuff. There are spots being filled in but at the same time, it leaves the rest of the show feeling a bit less interesting. That left a not so interesting show, but they’re keeping it moving and things are still fun enough. Just get to the big stuff in a few weeks and we’ll see where things go from there.

Results
Gallus b. Keanu Carver/Harlem Lewis – All The Best For The Bells to Carver
Kali Armstrong b. Masyn Holiday – Kali Connection
Javier Bernal b. It’s Gal – Rollup
Lexis King b. Sean Legacy – Coronation

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

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Evolve
Date: May 7, 2025
Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Peter Rosenberg, Robert Stone

Things very well may be picking up around here as we have a special announcement from Stevie Turner. That could go in a variety of directions as this show is still young enough that it has a lot of options. If nothing else, we might be seeing some new faces in the coming weeks after the recent string of releases/departures. Let’s get to it.

Opening sequence.

Here is Stevie Turner for her big announcement: the Evolve Men’s and Women’s Titles. The Women’s Title will be crowned in a four way match in three weeks, with Kali Armstrong, Kendal Grey, Wendy Choo and…someone else who will be determined. The Men’s Title will be crowned in four weeks with Sean Legacy facing three others.

Keanu Carver isn’t happy about not being included and gets in the ring for a showdown with Harlem Lewis. The Vanity Project runs in and are quickly cleared out. Cue Gallus to brawl with them out to the floor. Armstrong and Grey get in a fight of their own, with Armstrong taking out her knee. So we’re going to have Evolve Titles AND ID Titles? That sounds excessive.

We run down the card.

Video on Wendy Choo tormenting Kylie Rae.

Summer Sorrell is scared of facing Wendy Choo but she’s motivated to succeed. Maybe she needs a buddy.

Video on the ID Program, and some names who will be coming to Evolve, including It’s Gal, Marcus Mathers and Jordan Oasis. That has to happen sooner or later.

Nikkita Lyons wants a big match tonight and Stevie Turner announces that she’ll be facing Kendal Grey in the main event. Zayda Steel comes in and wants to be in the Women’s Title match. Turner isn’t convinced but Lyons thinks she could collaborate with the Vanity Project.

Summer Sorrell vs. Wendy Choo

Sorrell, who is rather athletic (believe it or not), cartwheels away from the smiling Choo to start. They run the ropes a few times and Sorrell hits a crossbody for two. Choo runs her over and hits a running shot to the throat. Sorrell gets planted again and the Dirt Nap finishes her off at 2:33.

Post match Choo goes after Sorrell again but Kylie Rae runs out for the brawl. The Dirt Nap is broken up with a snapmare and Choo bails.

Lexis King arrives.

After a break, here is King for a chat. King talks about wanting to come to Evolve back in the day because it was a way to get to the big time. Now it is a portal to NXT and no one knows more about the spotlight than him. He wants the spotlight around here but here is Sean Legacy to cut him off.

Legacy welcomes him to the show but King mocks Legacy for being a pretend locker room leader. That doesn’t work for Legacy, who has paid his dues and been through the sleepless nights for a $20 payoff and a handshake. Legacy isn’t going to let King run over Evolve and the match is made for next week. We get the aggressive handshake and the staredown. Legacy is all but guaranteed to go to NXT sooner or later so this is a preview of things to come

Kendal Grey insists that her knee is fine. Carlee Bright comes in to ask if Grey can fight tonight, which she insists she can.

Keanu Carver is looking for Gallus and Harlem Lewis joins him to do the same. Stevie Turner makes the match for next week.

Drako Knox vs. Jackson Drake

The Vanity Project is here with Drake. Knox gets powered into the corner to start but comes back with a running shoulder. A t-bone suplex sends Drake flying again but he knocks Knox’s hat off to take over. The chinlock goes on but Knox backdrops his way out of trouble. Drake takes him down again but gets crucifixed for two. Drake’s Lethal Injection is countered into something like a Blue Thunder Bomb for another knockdown. A kick to the leg cuts Knox off though and now a Lethal Injection cuts him down. The running knee gives Drake the pin at 5:08.

Rating: C. The Vanity Project getting a win is fine and Knox continues to be someone who can lose without being too damaged. Granted it helps when you don’t have much in the way of status to start. Drake isn’t exactly a star, but the Vanity Project needs a singles star to push rather than just the Swipe Right team over and over.

We get a sitdown interview with Javier Bernal, who had to deal with an eight month injury layoff. Now he’s back to hit the ground running in Evolve but he isn’t Big Body Javi anymore. He never really was Big Body Javi, but now he loves metalcore music. That’s the kind of unity he wants to bring here but It’s Gal comes in to mock him. This would mean a bit more if Bernal wasn’t already gone.

Lexis King runs into the Vanity Project as he leaves and he’ll see them next week.

Here’s what’s coming next week.

Nikkita Lyons vs. Kendal Grey

Grey’s leg is very banged up. The leg gives out early to start and Lyons is right on her, with some mocking thrown in for a bonus. A legdrop on the apron crushes Grey and Lyons wraps the bad leg around the rope. Something like a half crab goes on but Grey kicks her way to freedom. A spinning kick to the face gives Lyons two and she sits down on the leg a few times.

The half crab goes on again but this time Grey makes the rope to escape. Lyons misses a running splash and Grey goes for a cross armbreaker, with Lyons powering her up for the escape. A choke on the back works a bit better for Grey and a middle rope shoulder puts Lyons down for two. Grey tries something off the ropes but the leg gives out again. A Vader Bomb finishes for Lyons at 6:13.

Rating: C+. Perfectly fine story to the match here with Grey trying to fight through the injury and showing heart but coming up short against the more experienced star. At the same time, this continued to enforce Lyons’ status of “not exactly great”, as she didn’t show anything here that makes me think otherwise. I get that she has something in the way of star power, but it isn’t clicking for me so far.

Post match Kali Armstrong runs in to go after Grey’s knee again. Grey is in trouble to end the show.

Overall Rating: C+. This show wasn’t exactly great, but it did a nice job of setting up the title matches. That’s the big story the show has been needing and I’m curious to see where it goes. Hopefully the titles wind up on people who can make the show more interesting, but what matters is there is a structure around here. Now just make the things that have been set up work out, which is the tricky part.

Results
Wendy Choo b. Summer Sorrell – Dirt Nap
Jackson Drake b. Drako Knox – Running knee
Nikkita Lyons b. Kendal Grey – Vader Bomb

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