Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE 205 Live Report! (1/2/18)

Published

8 years ago

January 3, 2018

Steven Mitchell

All images courtesy of the WWE Network streaming service

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Akira Tozawa VS TJ Perkins; TJP wins.
Hideo Itami VS Jack Gallagher; no contest.
Cedric Alexander & Goldust VS The ‘Zo Train; wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Cruiserweight Champion, Enzo Amore, is sadly out with the flu.

Therefore, he was not able to defend his Cruiserweight Championship against the #1 Contender on the first Raw of the New Year. However, Cedric Alexander still wanted a match against someone from The ‘Zo Train. Drew Gulak & Ariya Daivari agreed to give Alexander a match, but a tag team match. Gulak & Daivari thought there would be no one willing to team with the Carolina Kid, but it turns out that the Bizarre One, Goldust, was more than willing! The two defeated The ‘Zo Train with a bit of teamwork, likely not to Enzo’s liking. The Certified G will still have to face Alexander once he’s healthy, how much momentum will Alexander gather in the absence of the Realest Champ in the Room?

Akira Tozawa VS TJ Perkins!

205 Live starts 2018 off with a match-up of two former Cruiserweight Champions! Can the Stamina Monster spoil the FilAm Flash’s return after he’s been gone for three months?

The bell rings, TJP puts Tozawa right in a corner. The ref backs him off, the two tie up, TJP gets the waistlock but Tozawa gets the standing switch. TJP backs Tozawa into another corner and grabs hair, the ref calls for a break. TJP slaps Tozawa’s head, Tozawa chases him to the other corner! The referee keeps Tozawa back when TJP uses ropes for safety. Tozawa waits for TJP to come out, they tie up and TJP knees low before putting on a wristlock. Tozawa rolls and reverses, TJP pulls hair in order to whip Tozawa. Things speed up, Tozawa holds the ropes to stop himself, and now grabs TJP’s hair to throw him down. Tozawa fakes the chop, to give the jab!

TJP drops, Tozawa chuckles as he follows TJP to a corner. Tozawa starts the “AH! AH!” as he stomps a mudhole into TJP. The ref has Tozawa back off, he returns and TJP sticks a boot out but Tozawa blocks it. TJP goes to enziguri but Tozawa ducks it to Penalty Kick and back senton onto him. Tozawa is fired up as he sees TJP go out. Fans echo the “AH! AH!” while Tozawa builds speed, only to run into TJP’s swing kick!

Tozawa tumbles down to the outside and clutches his shoulder. TJP drags him back up and throws him into barriers. He puts that bad arm into a hammerlock before throwing Tozawa into a post, then throwing him back into the ring. TJP stomps Tozawa then rains down rights. He stands and stomps on Tozawa’s bad arm, then scoop slams him for the slingshot senton. TJP swaggers about already before covering, ONE. TJP puts the bad arm in an armlock, fans build to a rally for Tozawa. Tozawa stands up and fights back, but TJP throws him down by that bad arm to rain down more rights. TJP wraps the good arm around to a hammerlock, then stretches and tortures the bad arm.

TJP then snaps back to torque that shoulder! He doesn’t let up on Tozawa, he scrapes his shoe on Tozawa’s face. Fans rally while TJP brings Tozawa up. TJP puts that bad arm in another hammerlock before throwing Tozawa into buckles. TJP wrenches Tozawa’s arm around a rope and pulls on it. The referee counts, TJP lets go at 4. TJP whips Tozawa corner to corner, but Tozawa fires out for a roll-up, TWO, armbar DDT from TJP! He gives Tozawa a hammerlock saido suplex to damage the arm more, cover, TWO. TJP puts Tozawa in a hammerlock chinlock combination to again grind him down. Tozawa starts the “AH! AH!” and the fans echo it. Tozawa feeds off the fighting spirit but TJP adjusts to put him into a half-surfboard. Fans still rally for Tozawa, he gets up and fights back again. Tozawa runs, but into the leaping lariat from TJP, cover, TWO! TJP goes back after the arms with his modified butterfly stretch. Fans and Tozawa “AH! AH!” one more time, Tozawa slips out of the hammerlock, and boots TJP down! Both men are on the mat from exhaustion, Tozawa sits up and clutches his bad arm. TJP stands up, swings a kick but misses. Tozawa swinsg a kick, misses, slips under, saido suplex! TJP gets to the apron, Tozawa knocks him down. Tozawa fires up with “AH! AH!” and the fans echo him. He builds speed, and finally hits the Tozawa Torpedo!

Tozawa lands on that bad arm but he ignores it as he puts TJP into the ring. Cover, TWO! Tozawa brings TJP up but TJP kicks the bad arm, then fireman’s carry but Tozawa slips down to hit a spinning roundhouse! TJP ends up in position, Tozawa climbs up top. Tozawa takes aim but TJP slips to the outside. Even so, Tozawa drags TJP up by his hair. TJP pokes Tozawa in the eye, then bangs his head off the top of the post! Tozawa is dazed, TJP brings him down, fireman’s carry to the Detonation Kick!

TJP wins his return! Can the “Cruiser-Great” become Cruiserweight Champion in 2018?

Cedric Alexander and Goldust meet in the locker room.

They have a lot to accomplish tonight in their rematch with The ‘Zo Train. Alexander never thought a legend would want to team with him. Especially more than once. But, he has to point something out: Goldust is not under 205lbs. What?! Goldust is kidding, he knows he’s not. But perhaps with a nip and a tuck, he could be a “slim-fit” Goldust. That’s besides the point. Alexander and Goldust are friends, and when friends need his help, he sees “the whole thing through.” The whole thing? Yes! Alexander is a rising star, and Goldust is going to help him on his “Quest for Gold.” They’re like Thelma & Louise, Tango & Cash, Turner & Hooch! Hooch was a dog, though… Yes, they’re dawgs! Alexander feels this is the start of a beautiful friendship. It sure is! Can these new friends sweep The ‘Zo Train in the same week?

Hideo Itami VS Jack Gallagher!

The Ungentle Gentleman speaks on the way to the ring. “Ladies and gentlemen, last week we learned something new.” Everyone thought the Innovator of the GTS was simply here to compete, but no. Itami is here to “maim and disfigure”, which THE Brian Kendrick knows first hand. Gallagher asks the “fellows in the truck” play the footage. The fans in Orlando get to see the GTS hit but break Kendrick’s nose and orbital socket. Gallagher’s pal is now out for two months, and it all happened on Christmas. It is a gift that keeps on giving because it is possibly irreparable damage. Gallagher watches it again in slow motion so that everyone can see the exact moment Itami’s knee crushes Kendrick’s nose. “Can you imagine ending your holiday half-blind?” It upsets Gallagher, but also inspires him. Gallagher is inspired to dissect Itami, and vows to make Itami suffer. Will Gallagher come through for his compatriot? Or will he just #GoToSleep?

The moment Itami hits the ring, Gallagher wields William III the umbrella and swings at him! Itami ducks the strikes, then strikes bakc with forearms and kicks. The bell has NOT rung so this isn’t a match, but fans still like what they see as Itami gives Gallagher a strike fest. Gallagher falls backward into a corner, Itami runs in but Gallagher finally connects with the umbrella!

But wait! William III was simply concealing a lead pipe within his folds! And Gallagher doesn’t stop with such chicanery, he furiously rains down rights on Itami! Gallagher goes back to his pipe, and SMACKS Itami in the back with it!

Itami writhes in pain, the ref demands Gallagher stop here, but he won’t. Gallagher smacks Itami again with the pipe! He also stomps Itami out, and even threatens the referee with that pipe. More referees come in to stop Gallagher, so Gallagher simply takes his leave, pipe in hand. Fans boo and jeer what Gallagher did while he tucks the pipe back inside William III, will Itami even be able to seek his revenge?

Backstage interview with The ‘Zo Train.

What motivated Ariya Daivari & Drew Gulak to want this rematch? They asked for it because they weren’t ready for that “gold freak” who isn’t even a Cruiserweight! Gulak translates into a more professional tone by saying it was a “major injustice” that not only is their leader out with the flu, but they were challenged by that “depraved individual” Goldust. “That’s just a bridge too far”, for they weren’t ready for someone of Goldust’s… “stature”. When they said Alexander could team with “anyone”, they meant anyone in Cruiserweight Division! Even so, the ‘Zo Train is ready for any challenge, big or small. They may not have their Conductor with them, but they will dedicate this win to “the one man that represents the Cruiserweight Division and everything that’s right with it”, Gulak’s “best friend”–

“Goldust! HRAR!”

Gulak won’t let himself be intimidated by Goldust’s eccentricity, he returns the deep breath and “HRAR!” in kind. “God your breath stinks!” Oddities and awkwardness aside, which side will come out the winners on the first 205 Live of 2018?

Cedric Alexander & Goldust VS The ‘Zo Train!

For the first time, a non-Cruiserweight (male) superstar competes on 205 Live, can Goldust make his debut on the Purple Show a win?

The bell rings, “Daivari Dinero” starts against the Carolina Kid. The two circle, fans are already rallying as they tie up. Daivari powers Alexander back but it’s Alexander who puts Daivari in the corner. Alexander honors the clean break, and grins as Daivari comes out to circle with him. They tie up again, Alexander gets the armlock and wristlock, Daivari rolls to reverse. Alexander rolls and spins but Daivari yanks him down by his hair. Daivari runs, things speed up, handspring headscissors leads to a dropkick from Alexander! He handsprings and covers, ONE, but Alexander won’t let Daivari get away. He gives Daivari an arm-wringer and puts on an armlock. Daivari endures, Alexander points to Goldust and the fans cheer “We want Goldust!” Alexander obliges, he brings Daivari over and tags in the Bizarre One! Goldust kicks and wrenches Daivari but Daivari knees low. Daivari tags Gulak, Gulak runs into an arm-drag. Goldust brings Gulak up and snapmares him before feeling him up.

Gulak is a bit weirded out, he stands right up and swings on Goldust. Goldust dodges and gives Gulak a “HRAR!” that sends Gulak scurrying away. The ‘Zo Train tells Goldust to back off, then Daivari tags in. Daivari dares the “freak” to come at him, fans chant “You Still Got It!” as they rally for Goldust. Goldust and Daivari tie up, Daivari powers out of a headlock but Goldust keeps moving to run Daivari over and run the ropes. “Hold on!” Goldust has to catch his breath.

Alexander fans him, Gulak protests that “there are no time-outs!” Goldust catches his breath, and “HRAR” for Daivari. Daivari kick slow and brings Goldy into the ‘Zo Train corner. He stomps a mudhole into Goldust, then tags Gulak in. Gulak clubs Goldust before wrenching the arm. Fans rally for Goldust more, he fights back against The ‘Zo Train, but Gulak slows him down with a headbutt to the stomach. Daivari tags in again, the ‘Zo Train mugs Goldust before Daivari gives him a neckbreaker. Cover, TWO, Daivari puts Goldust in a chinlock. Fans rally for Goldust, Gulak protests, Goldust stands up and fights back. He slips out of Daivari’s scoop and tags Alexander in! Alexander rallies on Daivari, his whip is reversed but he dropkicks out Daivari’s knee to send him into a buckle. Alexander slips out to the apron, to kick Daivari in the head! Daivari falls back, Gulak runs in but is knocked away. Alexander jumps up but Daivari trips him up, Alexander crashes into the buckles!

The referee checks on Alexander, who is dazed from that impact. Fans rally as he stirs and crawls for his corner, but Daivari is up and drags him to the ‘Zo Train corner. Tag to Gulak, who runs to stomp Alexander in the ribs. Gulak trash talks Goldust as he continues to stomp Alexander. Cover, TWO, Gulak grabs Alexander again for crossface punches. Cover again, Goldust scares Gulak off the cover. Gulak gets Alexander to his corner and stomps away before tagging Daivari. Daivari adds onto the mudhole, the referee backs him off, and Daivari trash talks Goldust. Alexander fights back but Daivari snapmares him down and puts the chinlock back on. Fans rally while Daivari trash talks in Farsi. Alexander gets up and fights back again but Daivari throws him right out of the ring. Daivari fetches Alexander and throws him into steel steps. Goldust checks on his teammate, Daivari tells the “freak” to back off. They return inside the ring, cover, TWO. Daivari returns to the chinlock, fans rally again. Alexander gets up one more time and uses a jawbreaker to break the hold. He and Daivari stagger, Alexander elbows Daivari away. Daivari whips, Alexander uses that to hit the Neuralizer!

Both men are down, but Alexander is stirring. Fans rally as both men crawl for their corners, hot tags to Gulak and Goldust! Goldust rallies, his whip is reversed but he uses that to hit the bulldog! He gives Daivari an uppercut, then a few for Gulak. He whips Gulak corner to corner but is reversed, still hits the powerslam! And one for Daivari! Goldust is all fired up, as is Orlando. Goldust climbs up, but then realizes that’s too high. In fact, second rope and bottom rope are still too high. Goldust hops down and gives both Gulak & Daivari uppercuts. He hears the fans getting loud, brings Gulak up, but Daivari saves him. Another uppercut for Daivari, Gulak hits back, Alexander tags in! Springboard flying clothesline!

Gulak rolls out, Daivari runs in, Goldust sends him out. Wait, this isn’t going to happen is it? It is (not)! Goldust holds the ropes down so Alexander can FLY!

He wipes out The ‘Zo Train, and then gets Gulak in the ring. Alexander grabs Gulak, for the Lumbar Check!

Alexander & Goldust win again! They’ve swept the ‘Zo Train, two nights in a row. If Enzo didn’t feel good before the flu, he definitely doesn’t feel good now. Will the #1 contender take that Cruiserweight Championship away from the Certified G once he’s Bonafide Healthy?

My Thoughts:

A great night for the Cruiserweights here. Great to see TJP is back from injury, he put on a great match with Tozawa and looks in equally great shape. Like everyone else, he’ll have to wait a bit before returning to the Cruiserweight Championship scene, but his return can freshen up some things. Maybe he can be a major proponent of Tony Nese’s rise in individuality or even have encounters with The ‘Zo Train. I actually like Gallagher beating down Itami with the pipe-loaded umbrella. Gallagher needs to back up his (and Kendrick’s) claims of being cruel, and this was a good start. Hopefully this all leads to the two of them having a No Disqualification type match in the near future. And of course, Goldust was a treasure this entire episode. The Cruiserweight Division should’ve intermingled with non-Cruiserweight superstars this entire time, but having Goldust show up tonight was fun. The tag team match was also great, and more polished than the one on Raw. No idea how long this friendship of Goldust and Alexander is going to last, but it’s going to be fun while it lasts. I just hope it won’t end the way The Golden Truth did.

My Score: 8/10

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Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/12/26)

The second round heats up!

Published

1 hour ago

March 12, 2026

Steven Mitchell

A truly BIG main event for the New Japan Cup!

As the New Japan Cup continues on, the second round only gets bigger! Boltin Oleg battles Henare in a massive main event!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

OSKAR & Yuto-Ice VS Chase Owens & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Oskar & Yuto win.
“Drilla” Dan Moloney & Daiki Nagai VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa; ZSJ & Oiwa win.
Six Man Tag: Hontai VS House of Torture; Hontai wins.
Hartley Jackson & Kosei Fujita VS Callum Newman & Zane Jay; Hartley & Fujita win.
Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
Yuya Uemura & Tomoaki Honma VS Yota Tsuji & Shingo Takagi; Tsuji & Takagi win.
2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Ren Narita VS Satoshi Kojima; Narita wins and advances.
2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Boltin Oleg VS HENARE; wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Ren Narita w/ The House of Torture VS Satoshi Kojima!

The Souled Out Son of Strong Style cheated the Holy Emperor in the first round, but now he runs into the King of Bread Style in the second! Will Ren just keep stacking the deck? Or will the Cup be very cozy?

Kojima makes his entrance undisturbed, then Ren makes his entrance, already showing his hand with Don Fale, Chase Owens & Dick Togo accompanying him. The introductions barely finish and Ren attacks! The fans boo but Ren TOSSES Kojima out! Ren argues with the ref, which lets the House mug Kojima! They whip Kojima into railing, then they put him in the ring. Ren storms over to stomp away on Kojima at the ropes! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Ren stops at 4. Ren runs, BOOTS Kojima, then runs again to BOOT him again! Ren runs again, but Kojima dodges to then RUN Ren over! The fans cheer and Kojima makes the pecs dance!

Kojima fires up as he storms over to Ren in the corner. Kojima fires off MACHINE GUN CHOPS! The fans cheer but the ref counts, only for Kojima to unload the whole clip! Kojima whips corner to corner, but Ren grabs the ref! This lets Dick CLOBBER Kojima and TOSS him out! That lets Chase whip Kojima into railing! And then Fale BODY BLOWS! The fans boo but the House plays dumb. Ren goes out after Kojima, brings him around, and whips him into more railing! Kohima slumps against the railing, but Ren wraps the leg around them! The House distracts the ref from seeing Ren grab a chair! Ren SMACKS Kojima’s leg!

The fans boo but Ren SMACKS Kojima off the apron. Ren then whips Kojima into railing again! Ren puts the leg around railing again, and he pulls on the foot! The fans boo but the ref is too busy with the House. The ref finally sees Ren and counts. Ren stops at 4, kicks Kojima, then rolls into the ring. Kojima hobbles and falls but the fans rally behind him. The ref starts a ring count while Kojima clutches his knee. Kojima rises at 9 of 20, and rolls in at 12. The fans applaud but Ren stomps Kojima down! Ren then drags Kojima to the corner, and he bends the leg against the post! The ref counts, Ren stops at 4, but he SLAMS the leg into the post!

The fans boo but Ren stalks Kojima in the ring. Ren drags Kojima around, stomps away on the leg, then turns him over for a HALF CRAB! Kojima endures, reaches out, and makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Ren holds on until the ref counts 4. The fans boo Ren but he tells them to shut up. Ren then soaks up the heat before he drags Kojima up. Ren puts Kojima in a corner, and he wraps the leg around ropes! The fans boo again, the ref reprimands and counts again, but Ren stops at 4. Ren stomps the bad leg, then he goes corner to corner, only for Kojima to dodge! Kojima fires off MACHINE GUN CHOPS again!

The fans cheer as Kojima empties another clip! Kojima whips corner to corner, then runs up to FOREARM SMASH! “ICCHAZO, BAKAYAROU~!” The fans fire up as Kojima goes up, COZY ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Ren survives but Kojima stays on him with a flurry of forearms, then the ROLLING ELBOW! Kick and DDT! Kojima rises up, brings Ren around, and cravats. Ren fights with body shots, then ducks the lariat to leg roll and KNEEBAR! The fans rally for Kojima as he endures! Kojima reaches out, fights around, but Ren pulls on the leg! Then Ren drags Kojima from the ropes to KNEEBAR again! Kojima still endures as the fans rally up!

Kojima fights his way over, rolls and rolls, and he has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Ren lets go in frustration. Ren huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Kojima up to BLIZZARD PLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Kojima survives and Ren is frustrated again but the fans cheer. Ren vows to end this now, and he goes up the corner. Kojima stands, but he avoids Hell’s Guillotine! Kojima kicks and cravats, COZY CUTTER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Kojima rises, and he throws off the elbow pad! The fans cheer as Kojima runs, but the ref is used as a shield! Then Ren SHOVES Kojima into the ref!

The ref tumbles out of the ring, and the fans boo as The House rushes Kojima! They mug Kojima at the ropes! Then they bump Kojima off buckles, whip him corner to corner, and Dick runs in for the ELBOW! Chase adds as forearm SMASH, then Fale SPLASHES! They snapmare Kojima, Dick goes up top, DICK CHOP! The fans boo but Ren stomps Kojima! Dick takes the timekeeper’s table?! Dick puts that in for Chase to set up in a corner! Ren stands Kojima up, and clinches again, but Kojima fights with elbows! Chase CLUBS Kojima, then Fale holds him up. Chase runs, but Kojima BOOTS him away! Kojima sends Fale into Chase!

The fans cheer as Chase falls, and Kojima RAMS Fale out of the ring! But Ren has his pushup bar! Kojima LARIATS it away?!? The fans fire up as Kojima kicks and BRAINBUSTERS! Cover, but the ref is still down! Kojima is frustrated, but he just powers up the arm! COZY- NO, Ren dodges, kicks, and DOUBLE- NO! Kojima stops the facebuster to then COZY LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Kojima crawls, the ref is back, and we have a cover! But Chase YANKS the ref out! The fans boo again, but now Dick uses the SPOILER CHOKER on Kojima! The table is now repositioned to be in the drop zone!

The fans boo as the House puts Kojima on the table, and Fale goes up! DIVING SPLASH down through the table!! The fans boo but the House hides the evidence! Now they get the ref back in, and Ren hits the DOUBLE CROSSER!! Cover, Ren wins!

Winner: Ren Narita, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Another night, another way for the House of Torture to cheat. Ren adds Kojima to the growing list of names, but will the NEVER Openweight Champion never stop his evil ways?

2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Boltin Oleg VS HENARE!

The big man from Kazakhstan already has the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships, and the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship, but he’s on a roll here in the Cup! Will he be able to put the Mauler behind BARS? Or will Henare conquer Boltin in the name of The United Empire?

The bell rings and the big men RAM shoulders! And RAM again! And RAM again! The fans fire up as the forearms start flying! Henare ROCKS Oleg again and again, then runs to RAM Oleg! Oleg stays up to ROCK Henare! Oleg runs and RAMS Henare, but Henare stays up! So now both men run and they RAM shoulders again! The fans cheer as these two go forehead to forehead, then return to going forearm for forearm! Shot for shot, back and forth, and the fans rally up again. Henare gets the edge, but Oleg CHOPS him! Henare ROCKS Oleg, runs, but Oleg drops down, and jumps up to SHOULDER TACKLE!

Henare is down, Oleg runs the ropes, BOLTIN SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Oleg stays on Henare and RAMS him into the corner! Oleg RAMS Henare again and again, then CHOPS! Oleg winds up to CHOP again, but Henare just snarls. Oleg CHOPS again, but Henare puts him in the corner to CHOP and CLUB on repeat! Oleg fires forearms in return, but Henare CHOPS again! The fans applaud as Henare whips corner to corner, but Oleg reverses! Oleg runs in, Henare dodges, and Henare comes back to RAM Oleg! Oleg rebounds, but into a WHEEL KICK! Henare adds a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Oleg toughs it out, but Henare KICKS him in the back!

Oleg writhes, but Henare winds up and KICKS again! The fans rally as Henare then runs to RUGBY KICK! But Oleg rolls through! Oleg ducks ‘n’ dodges, then CLOBBERS Henare right outta the ring! Henare stumbles into the railing then falls down! The fans fire up, and Oleg goes out to fetch Henare. Oleg CLUBS Henare, CLUBS him again, but Henare fires a body shot! Henare SMACKS Oleg off apron, then whips him into railing! The fans cheer while Oleg slumps down. Henare storms up on Oleg, wrenches and whips him again, but Oleg reverses! Henare hits railing! The fans rally up, Oleg storms over, and Oleg whips Henare, only for Henare to reverse!

Oleg hits railing, but he comes back! Only for Henare to fireman’s carry! SNAKE EYES off the railing, then Henare LARIATS Oleg up and over! The fans cheer while legs in front of the fans. Red Shoes checks on Oleg and he’s okay to continue. Red Shoes says to get this back in the ring, but Henare goes looking underneath it. Henare brings out chairs! Red Shoes reprimands but Henare tells him to shut up! Henare goes to Oleg, growls at the fans, and he CLUBS Oleg. Henare ROCKS Oleg in the back, then reels him in. But Oleg fights the suplex! Oleg tries but Henare fights the suplex. Oleg scoops Henare to SLAM him on the apron!

The fans cheer as Oleg huffs ‘n’ puffs, then he climbs up to join Henare. Oleg suplexes, but Henare lands safe in the ring! Henare RAMS down low, but Oleg ROCKS Henare back! Henare ducks the shot to full nelson! Oleg fights the nelson but Henare HOTSHOTS Oleg! Oleg wobbles, Henare runs, and Henare BLASTS Oleg off the apron! Oleg crashes into railing, as well as the chair pile on the floor! The fans rally for Oleg while he’s down, but Henare goes to fetch him. Henare fireman’s carries to WASTELAND SLAM and SENTON! The fans are torn as Henare snarls. Henare drags Oleg up and into the ring, but Red Shoes refuses to count the cocky cover!

Henare argues with Red Shoes but Red Shoes says it needs to be a serious cover. Henare drags Oleg up, but Oleg fires forearms! Henare CHOPS Oleg, then snapmares him. Henare runs to RUGBY KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Oleg toughs it out. Henare stalks Oleg, and has the half nelson! Oleg fights the full nelson, but Henare RAMS him into a corner! Henare runs up, but Oleg dodges the knee! Oleg scoops, but Henare slips free! ULTI- NO, Oleg fights the nelson again and RAMS Henare into buckles! Henare BOOTS Oleg, but Oleg scoops to SLAM! The fans fire up while both men are down, then rally up as they rise.

Oleg whips Henare to the corner, runs in and SPLASHES, then whips corner to corner. Oleg runs in again, and another SPLASH! Oleg goes to gut wrench but Henare CLUBS free. Henare ELBOWS Oleg, goes up, but Oleg catches his crossbody! Then Shake, Shake Shake, and THROW! Oleg kips up and the fans fire up! Oleg scoops Henare again, to SLAM him into the drop zone! Oleg goes up, up, and VADER BOMBS! Cover, TWO! Henare survives but the fans rally up again. Oleg drags Henare up, fireman’s carry, but Henare fights free! Henare has to catch his breath, so Oleg CHOPS him! Oleg then suplexes Henare, but Henare fights it!

Oleg still tries, but Henare slips free! Oleg again fights the nelson, but Henare ducks an elbow! Henare spins Oleg for the suplex! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Oleg rolls away to a corner, but Henare rises up. Henare runs in, LARIAT! Then a whip to the ropes, but Oleg holds ropes! Oleg BOOTS back, runs up but into the scoop, SPIN-OUT BOMB! Cover, TWO! But now Henare has the ULTIMA WEAPON! The fans rally up as Oleg endures the full nelson! Oleg fights up, up, but Henare puts on the pressure! The fans rally as Oleg is fading! Oleg gets a second wind to get the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Henare holds on!

Red Shoes counts, Henare lets go at 4, and Henare argues with the ref. Oleg sputters while Henare paces. Henare aims from a corner as Oleg stands, and Henare runs in for the- NO, Oleg fights the Rampage! FACELOCK GUILLOTINE! Oleg squeezes tight, but Henare wrenches out to ROCK Oleg! The fans rally again as Henare fires off fast hands from all sides! Then he SMACKS Oleg, and winds up to BODY BLOW! The fans for Oleg while he’s down, but Henare stands him up. Henare runs, LARIATS, but Oleg stays up! Henare runs again, and LARIATS! Oleg staggers to a corner, Henare runs in, and LARIATS again!

Oleg just fires up!? Oleg shoves Henare, LARIATS, then they DOUBLE LARIAT! They DOUBLE LARIAT again but no one falls! Oleg runs, but into the SAMOAN DROP! Oleg roars as he rises up! Henare ducks ‘n’ dodges, but runs into a clinch! BELLY2BELLY! Both men stand, and Henare hits a RAMPAGE outta nowhere! Cover, TWO!! Oleg survives and the fans fire up again! Henare is frustrated, but he watches Oleg crawl to the corner. Oleg drags himself up with the ropes, and Henare runs in! NATIVE KNEE! The fans are torn as Henare roars, and he brings Oleg back up. Henare puts Oleg up top, then ROCKS him!

Henare goes up, up, and SUPERPLEXES! The fans fire up while Henare crawls to cover, TWO! Oleg survives and the fans cheer again! Henare huffs ‘n’ puffs and stands Oleg up, but DROPKICKS him away! The fans fire up, and Henare returns to RUGBY KICK! Oleg rolls through, and he catches the Native Knee! POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO! Henare survives and the fans fire up again! Oleg shakes it off and stands back up. Oleg RIPCORDS Henare right up from the mat! Henare fights free of the fireman’s carry, and he CHOPS! Oleg comes back to CHOP Henare! The fans cheer as both men wobble. Henare comes back to CHOP!

Oleg CHOPS Henare! Henare drops to a knee from that one, but now Oleg eggs him on. Henare grits his teeth, stands up, and CHOPS! Oleg CHOPS, Henare CHOPS, repeat! Henare LARIATS but Oleg stays up! Henare LARIATS again, and then DOUBLE LARIATS! Both men lean on each other while the fans fire up! Henare and Oleg hold onto the other’s waistband as they throw LARIATS back and forth! The fans fire up as the shots keep going! Oleg gets the edge, then he stands Henare up to CHOP! Henare drops to his knees! The fans fire up as Oleg stands Henare up, but Henare HEADBUTTS! Oleg roars, but Henare LARIATS him down! Cover, ONE?!?

The fans are stunned but Henare just gets moving, and he BLINDSIDE LARIATS! Cover, TWO!! Oleg survives another shot and Henare is beside himself! Henare hurries to drag Oleg up, but Oleg fights the lift! The fans rally but Henare’s own back won’t let him lift Oleg. Henare changes the plan with a HEADBUTT! And he roars as he reels Oleg back in! But Oleg fireman’s carries! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Henare survives and the fans fire up again! Oleg drags Henare up, fireman’s carries, and he goes to the corner. Henare fights free to be on the corner! Oleg ROCKS Henare, then he climbs up!

The fans rally, but Henare fires body shots. Oleg ROCKS Henare, then adjusts position! Fireman’s carry, but Henare fires hands! Henare slips back, and HEADBUTTS Oleg down! Henare now adjusts position, and he leaps into a fireman’s carry?!? POINT-BLANK KAMIKAZE! Then Oleg fireman’s carries again, runs and KAMIKAZE!! Cover, OLEG WINS!

Winner: Boltin Oleg, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

It was a battle of big meaty men slapping meat, but Henare was out-hossed tonight. What will it take for Henare to break through and reach that next level?

As for Oleg, he grabs the mic, and he tells Henare, “Thank you for your hard work!” The fans cheer that! Oleg tells Henare thank you, and he hopes they can do this again. Oleg then tells the fans, that to be honest, this was his first main event singles match. He will be sitting cross-legged for a moment, and he says for his first New Japan Cup, his first 1v1 main event, from the bottom of his heart, he is very happy right now. The fans cheer that! Oleg says especially today, the only thing that really matters is that he got to win in a NJPW ring, against a strong Māori warrior like Henare.

Oleg knows he hasn’t been doing this that long, just three years. But that’s amazing, isn’t it? He knows he has a hard time with Japanese, but for these three years, he’s been a professional wrestler! He’s been professional wrestling! It’s been a real fight in this ring, it’s always high risk in this sport, and everyone is fighting and doing their best. To be in the same ring as them, he is very thankful. The fans cheer that, too! Oleg says thanks for NJPW letting a man from Kazakhstan wrestle on this cerulean blue. “OGA! OGA! OGAAAA! <Oh, yeah! Oh, yeah! Oh, yeeeeah!>” Oleg is all fired up, but will he soon put the Cup behind BARS?

My Thoughts:

Another great night for the New Japan Cup, kicking off a very busy weekend for this tournament. Good tune-ups, but a lot of those matches had the same results as last time. Very good stuff from Narita VS Kojima, but naturally, the House cheated. Great match from Oleg VS Henare, and great win for Oleg. Oleg is getting a great push between having tow titles and now going into round three of the tournament. Given he has those titles, I don’t see Oleg going much further, and maybe the person he loses to gets their title shot.

My Score: 8.8/10

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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (3/11/26)

Big news for Evolve!

Published

4 hours ago

March 12, 2026

Steven Mitchell

Hear ye, hear ye!

Tonight, Interim NXT General Manager, Robert Stone, calls a Town Hall meeting for Evolve because there is some big news to announce! But what could it be?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Harlem Lewis VS Sam Holloway; Harlem wins.
Harley Riggins w/ Kam Hendrix VS Trill London; Riggins wins.
WWE Evolve Women’s Championship Final Evolution: Kendal Grey VS Tyra Mae Steele; Kendal wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Robert Stone is in the ring.

The stars of Evolve surround the ring, and Suit Man Stone says, “Ladies and gentlemen, this right here around the ring is the future of the WWE.” The fans cheer that. Stone says we all know Evolve has been built on ambition and want, but it needs authority. So Stone and Shawn Michaels put their heads together, and they have found the perfect person to run Evolve. Your NEW Evolve General Manager is… TIMOTHY THATCHER! The fans cheer that! The Professor of Pain goes to the ring, and Stone tells Tim that no doubt about it, he’s been a great Player Coach, but it is time to explain his role.

Thatcher will now go all around the world to scout independent talent to help enhance Evolve and the WWE ID Program. Thatcher will be the perfect Evolve GM! The fans and superstars cheer that, and Thatcher thanks Stone. Thatcher really appreciates the trust that Stone and Mr. Michaels have in him, and everyone around the ring right now. But uh, Thatcher is no GM. Huh? Thatcher says no, Evolve is where the work starts. Hard work is rewarded here. So it is more like a work site. Don’t call him the GM, but the FOREMAN of Evolve! The fans like the sound of that! Stone says okay, then as the Foreman of Evolve, Thatcher will have to make some tough decisions.

Thatcher’s first two tasks are the two champions, Jackson Drake & Kendal Grey. Those two are about to become full-time NXT Superstars. Yes, Thatcher understands. Evolve is about building, from building new talent to building new opportunities. One door closes, another one opens. Therefore, the champions shouldn’t just disappear. They gotta earn their way out! Thatcher has already asked Drake and Kendal for one more title defense. Those will be their “Final Evolutions.” If they win, they get to leave as champion, but the titles will be vacated. And if they lose, we got a brand new standard bearer here in Evolve!

The fans appreciate the idea, and Thatcher says Kendal’s “Final Evolution” will be here tonight, against the Olympic Gold Medalist, Tyra Mae Steele! The fans are torn, but that’s a huge match made for the main event! Will Grey survive with her gold? Thatcher then says next week is Drake’s “Final Evolution,” and he will face… Stone says yeah, think about it! Now he’s cooking! Well, HARLEM LEWIS makes his entrance, and he says, “Whoa, whoa, whoa. If that clown, Jackson Drake, is having one last match here in Evolve, I want it!” Thatcher shouts at Harlem, “None of this! None of this! This isn’t going off the rails! Not on my watch!”

Thatcher already knows that every time the men’s title gets mentioned, here comes Harlem storming out here. Thatcher already planned that! And he has a match for Harlem already. Everyone else can clear out, because it is time for Harlem to get to work! The fans like the sound of that, but who will Harlem be facing tonight? And who will get their shot at Jackson Drake next week for his “Final Evolution?”

Kendal Grey watches this backstage.

The Ice Woman is already in her gear, and she says this is so crazy. One last match, one last title defense, one last time representing Evolve as champion. Evolve gave her a place to find herself, to find confidence in that ring, and she’ll never forget the ones supporting her since day one, chanting her name since the first time she came out. This will forever be her first home. But tonight is business. Kendal knows Tyra Mae Steele is dangerous. Tyra’s an Olympic Gold Medalist, and as a technical wrestler, she’s the only one who has Kendal beat. But that’s fine, because Kendal doesn’t back down from any challenges!

Kendal thrives under pressure, she thrives when times get hard! It took her months to get to the top of the mountain, she’ll be damned if she doesn’t go out on top! Chantel Monroe, Kali Armstrong, Wendy Choo, Karmen Petrovic, PJ Vasa! You name ’em, she’s taken ’em down. And Tyra’s just next on the list. So when she gets her hand raised one last time on Evolve, she walks into NXT full-time with momentum on her back. Time to strap up! Kendal is ready, but will that be enough to achieve her Final Evolution?

Harlem Lewis VS ???

Evolve returns from break as the Long Island Jackhammer waits on who he gets to fight. It’s… SAM HOLLOWAY! Harlem wants his title match with Jackson Drake, but will he have to get it the hard way against Holloway?

The bell rings and Harlem runs right up on Holloway! Harlem throws hands but Holloway THROWS Harlem to a corner! Harlem comes back, throws more hands, but Holloway scoops and SLAMS! Holloway eggs Harlem on, then scoops to SLAM again! Holloway runs, but Harlem dodges the elbow drop! And then he LARIATS Holloway up and out! The fans are torn, but Harlem runs up and WRECKS Holloway with a dropkick! Harlem fires forearms, but Holloway ducks under, picks Harlem up, and POSTS him! The fans fire up while Harlem flounders on the floor. Holloway refreshes the ring count to storm up on Harlem.

Holloway drags Harlem up, ROCKS him with a forearm, then puts him in the ring. The fans cheer as Holloway goes up the ropes for the ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Harlem survives but Holloway stays close. Harlem RAMS Holloway while fans rally up. Harlem scoops, but Holloway CLUBS him down. Harlem fires back with forearms, then runs, but Holloway hurdles! Then he BOOTS Harlem down! The fans fire up while Harlem flounders to the ropes. Holloway CLUBS Harlem, then digs his boot in! The ref counts, Holloway steps back, but Harlem puts Holloway in the corner for fast hands! The ref counts, but Holloway ROCKS Harlem!

Holloway runs up, T-REX DROPKICK! Then a cover, TWO! Harlem survives and Holloway grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally up. Holloway clamps onto Harlem’s arms and pulls him into the motorcycle stretch! The fans rally as Harlem endures. Harlem fights up, breaks free, and he DROPKICKS Holloway! Holloway comes back, but into an ELBOW! Holloway pushes Harlem to the corner, but Harlem kicks low! Harlem then goes up, up, and ELBOW DROPS on Holloway’s back! The fans rally as Harlem reels Holloway in, but Holloway is too big to suplex! Holloway GOURD BUSTERS Harlem instead!

The fans fire up as Holloway runs up, but Harlem dodges! Holloway hits buckles, Harlem runs up, but Holloway catches him! URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Harlem survives again and Holloway grows further frustrated. The fans rally for “SAM! SAM! SAM!” Holloway underhooks but Harlem wrenches free! Harlem KNEES low, then scoops, but Holloway fights free! BUTTERFLY PLEX into buckles! Harlem writhes while the fans fire up! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Harlem survives and Holloway is furious! But now Holloway waits on Harlem for the guzel! CHOKE- NO, JUMP KNEE from Harlem! Harlem builds speed and BLINDSIDE LARIATS!

Harlem snarls, powers up, and he scoop SLAMS Holloway! And then he suplexes for the BOOM SLANG!! Cover, Harlem wins!

Winner: Harlem Lewis, by pinfall

Like it or not, Harlem may have just proven himself worthy of the title match! If Thatcher does choose him, will nothing stop Harlem from taking that title from Jackson Drake?

Luca Crusifino speaks.

The former Consigliere to the D’Angelo Family looks very different from those days. “Evolve, do you feel that? Do you feel that bass in your chest? That spark that’s in the air? Well get ready, because Luca Crusifino is arriving! And when that beat drops, I’m tripping through the light, I’m rolling with the rhythm, and I’m cruising to the peak here in WWE Evolve! And just because I’m vibing, just because I’m smiling, just because I move the way that I do does not mean that I’m not dangerous. I’ve been through the silence. I found my inner self. And I figured it out. When Luca Crusifino is vibing on the frequency of love, fluidity and fun is when he is his most effective.

“On this mode, nothing can fracture my inner peace or kill my vibe. My opponents start seeing colors that they didn’t even know existed. I live through the drop, and I thrive off the energy of the big moment. I relish in the euphoria of the crowds. And when cruise begins to rise, all my opponents’ heads begin to spin, and I make Evolve revolve around Luca Crusifino.” The Legal Eagle has transformed into a technicolor butterfly, but will he still reach the highest heights in WWE?

Tyra Mae Steele speaks.

The challenger is already fired up! “Yes! Finally! I have been waiting for this moment! And now, I finally get my first ever championship match here in the WWE! Kendal, you walked into this locker room as an undefeated amateur wrestling champion. Heck, you’ve defeated every single person who’s stepped up to you in Evolve. But you’ve never gone against an Olympic Gold Medalist. And we both know that the mat and ring are two separate things. But when that bell rings, it doesn’t matter. What matters is whoever gets that 1-2-3. Now, I know that you’re moving on, Kendal. And this is going to be your Final Evolution, win or lose.

“But me? I can’t afford to lose. And I won’t be satisfied until MY name is etched in the history books as the Women’s Evolve Champion!” Tyra is ready, but will she be the one to finally dethrone Kendal?

Harley Riggins w/ Kam Hendrix VS Trill London!

Gnarly Harley and The Kam-era Man are feeling good after how they bullied and beat down Tate Wilder last week. Between not being medically cleared and too angry to focus, The Modern Day Cowboy was kept out of the building for tonight. Will Riggins get to gloat another week? Or will the Electric Enigma show what it is to keep it Trill?

The bell rings and the fans rally for Trill. Kam tries to swipe but the ref has him stay back. Riggins and Trill tie up, and Riggins powers Trill to a corner. Riggins whips corner to corner but Trill goes up and over. Trill handsprings just to show off, and then he arm-drags! And arm-drags again! The fans cheer as Trill has the armlock! Riggins fights around, fights up, and wrenches to wrangle Trill. The fans boo Riggins, but Trill fights up. Riggins wrenches, the fans cheer “Trill! Trill! Trill!” Trill rolls, stands, but Riggins THROWS him by his hair! The fans boo but Riggins bends fingers! Trill kips up, goes to the ropes, and uses them to rebound and arm-dag!

Trill dodges Riggins then DROPKICKS! Riggins bails out, Kam is there to coach him up, but Trill WRECKS them both with a dropkick! The fans fire up and Trill goes up, WHISPER IN THE WIND! Down goes Kam and Riggins! Trill is all fired up, as are the fans, and Trill puts Riggins in. Trill ROCKS Riggins, but Riggins HOTSHOTS him, then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Riggins rains down fists from all sides while the fans boo. Riggins drags Trill up, talks trash, and then runs to DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Trill survives and the fans fire up! Trill ROCKS Riggins again and again, but Riggins pulls hair! Riggins whips Trill, then tilt-o-whirl SLAMS! Cover, TWO!

The fans fire up as Trill survives again, but Riggins clamps on with a headscissor squeeze! Trill endures, pushes back to a cover, TWO! Trill is free, and he ROCKS Riggins again and again! Trill whips, Riggins reverses, but Trill ELBOWS! And ELBOWS again! Trill trips Riggins, then SENTONS! And basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Riggins is still in this but Trill hurries to drag him to the drop zone. Trill goes up the corner, throws off his shirt, but Kam gets on the apron! The ref keeps Kam back, but Riggins ROCKS Trill in the distraction! Riggins hauls Trill up for a fireman’s carry, T K O! Cover, Riggins wins!

Winner: Harley Riggins, by pinfall

It’s easy to tackle for loss when it’s 2v1, isn’t it? They did it to Trill like they did to Tate, but Chuey Martinez is ringside to interview them. Impressive win for Riggins’ first singles match, but uh, Kam was here so… Is this the new team? What’s up? Riggins knows they’re all fans, but around here, these guys do whatever they want! Oh, like they did to Tate? Yeah, is Tate crying about it? Chuey says Tate will be back. Riggins says they’re in the ass-kicking business, and business is booming! But wait! Dante Chen storms out here! Riggins mocks Chen for being picked last at recess, and Kam asks Dante if he’s mad Team PC didn’t even consider him.

Chen simply shouts, “ENOUGH!” He never would’ve joined Team PC. He welcomes ID talent! These guys do not represent the Performance Center! They are a disgrace! What?! Chen won’t stand by after seeing what they did to Tate! Kam says Dante’s coming out here all bold stepping up. If he wants to test that toughness, he’ll step into the ring next week with “Showtime,” Kam Hendrix! Riggins wants to fight right now, but Chen says Kam is on! The fans like the sound of that! Will the Singaporean Warrior teach Kam & Riggins a thing or two about respect?

Timothy Thatcher settles into his new office.

He can’t quite get his flashlight to work, until he goes and blinds himself with it. And then in steps Aaron Rourke! Thatcher sells hello to Mr. Rourke, and Rourke says hello to Mr. Thatcher. Or should he say, Mr. Foreman? Very spiffy. Yes, well, “Mr. Foreman” if you please. Okay, Mr. Foreman~. Well, alright, maybe not… Okay, then, Timothy. Rourke will get to business: He truly believes that in life, opportunities are earned, not given because we “think” we deserve them. And next week, Jackson Drake gets to have his Final Evolution. His curtain call, his final time in the spotlight of Evolve, his last chance to walk in as champion. Jackson has earned that.

But y’know what he doesn’t deserve? To walk out as champion! Drake doesn’t deserve to hold up the belt, then vacate it, as if he’s the one who built this place. Rourke knows the Vanity Project has been doing the same song and dance since day one: Cheap shots, shortcuts, and inflated egos. The personal worst is their horrendous outfits. They even have the nerve to act like they run Evolve! Rourke’s final straw was the Ten Man Tag! They just up and left in a 3v5 against a pack of wolves. Yes, but Team ID rose to the occasion. Well, Rourke will never not take a compliment. They survived, but that’s what Evolve does. You survive, you grow, and you earn.

And truthfully, Rourke feels like he represents Evolve: opportunity, development, improvement. Thatcher’s seen the past year, Rourke has given his all to show that he is the Diamond in the Rough! And he is damn proud to represent WWE ID. Thatcher agrees, Rourke’s improved every aspect of his game. Rourke says it is time he stepped up to be a leader. It is time that the Dime Piece shines in the spotlight. He just wants an opportunity. He is the man that stops Jackson Drake from rewriting history! He is the man to make sure Drake’s evolution ends while his begins! He is the m an to make sure this title stays here, right where it belongs!

Respectfully, Rourke is just asking Thatcher to give him the match. Thatcher says Harlem did make a compelling argument tonight. But he’ll get his time. It is Rourke’s time next week. Really?! Thank you, Mr. Foreman! Of course. Good luck next week. The Dime Piece is ready to cash in, but will he be able to take out Heartbreak Drake?

BREAKING NEWS for next week’s card!

On top of Rourke getting his shot at the Evolve Championship, and on top of Kam Hendrix VS Dante Chen, we will also see Laynie Luck VS Zena Sterling

WWE Evolve Women’s Championship Final Evolution: Kendal Grey VS Tyra Mae Steele!

Win, lose, or draw, this technical dream match will be the farewell match for Kendal Grey. Can the Ice Woman overcome Miss America? Or will Tyra survive the Grey Area and come out with gold on the other side?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and one way or another, Evolve makes history!

The bell rings and the two feel things out. The fans rally as Kendal shoots in, but Tyra counters with a THROW! Tyra waits on Kendal, and we see Wendy Choo and Laynie Luck hanging out in the VIP Lounge, eager to see who they’ll be chasing for this title. Kendal and Tyra go again, and Kendal waistlocks. Tyra switches, Kendal switches, and repeat. Tyra SLAMS Kendal down, then rolls her around. Cover, ONE, but Tyra rolls Kendal around more. Kendal switches, Tyra switches back, and the fans rally up. Tyra rolls Kendal to a cover, ONE! Kendal switches, Tyra switches back, bridging cover, TWO! Kendal fights up as the fans rally again.

Kendal stands, but Tyra spins her to fireman’s carry takeover! The fans applaud the technical display and Kendal nods. The two reset, tie up, but Kendal slips around and gets moving. Tyra tries but Kendal blocks a hip toss to take things to the corner, tornado fireman’s carry takeover! The fans cheer, and Tyra smiles as she shrugs that off. The two reset, but then Kendal dropkicks the leg! And dropkicks Tyra down! Cover, ONE! Kendal facelocks while the fans rally up again. Tyra rolls but Kendal rolls with her as the fans duel. Tyra fights up, and she RAMS Kendal to the corner! Then Tyra TOSSES Kendal across the ring!

Tyra storms up on Kendal to whip her hard into a corner! The fans continue to duel as Tyra whips Kendal corner to corner hard! Kendal writhes but Tyra gets her up to whip hard into another corner! The fans don’t slow down and neither does Tyra! She whips, but Kendal stops herself to ELBOW back! Kendal then goes up, out, and slides under to get moving, only for Tyra to SPINEBUSTER! The fans fire up while Kendal flounders to the apron. Tyra runs and WRECKS Kendal with a dropkick! Kendal writhes on the floor, Tyra taunts her, and Evolve goes to break.

Evolve returns as Tyra RAMS Kendal in a corner! Then she runs and returns to RAM Kendal again! The fans rally and duel as Tyra sets up again, runs back in, and RAMS Kendal again! The ref counts, but Tyra picks Kendal up to SLAM her down! Cover, TWO! Tyra stays on Kendal with a smile and a rear mount. Tyra has a leg, then the chinlock, it’s a TMSTF! The fans rally as Tyra thrashes Kendal around! Kendal endures, fights free of the leglock, then fights to her feet. Kendal fires body shots again and again, then ROCKS Tyra! But Tyra picks Kendal up, only for Kendal to sunset flip! TWO, but Kendal kicks low!

Kendal CHOPS Tyra, CHOPS again, then whips. Tyra goes up to HIP ATTACK Kendal! The fans cheer as Tyra then storms up on Kendal. GUT WRENCH PLEX! Kendal flounders across the ring, but Tyra storms up on her for another GUT WRENCH PLEX! The fans rally and duel as Tyra stalks Kendal again, for a third GUT WRENCH PLEX! The fans rally as Kendal goes to a corner. Tyra runs in and RAMS Kendal, then she stares down the camera as if she’s staring at everyone watching on Tubi! Tyra shoves Kendal from the corner, pushes her to the cover, TWO! Kendal survives the onslaught, but Tyra clamps on with a chinlock stretch!

The fans rally and duel as Kendal endures all over again. Kendal fights but Tyra bends her back! Tyra thrashes Kendal, but Kendal refuses to give in! Kendal pries at the hold as she stands back up! Kendal fires body shots, but Tyra KNEES low! Tyra GUT WRENCH- NO, Kendal flips through! They both build speed, and DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans fire up while they’re both down! Kendal crawls to a corner, Tyra goes to the other. Tyra runs up, but into a KNEE! Kendal then goes up, over, comes back, and she ELBOWS Tyra! And ELBOWS again! Kendal whips, Tyra reveres, but Kendal dodges!

Kendal SNAP GERMANS on the return! The fans fire up, and the straps come down! Kendal fire sup, clinches, and T-BONE PLEXES! Tyra staggers up, Kendal gets her again! A shove to the corner, then a JUMPING DDT! Cover, TWO! Tyra survives and both Wendy and Laynie like what they see. Kendal hurries to the apron, then to the corner. Kendal climbs as the fans duel as hard as they can. But Tyra is right on her! Kendal fights the bearhug with forearms! Tyra falls, Kendal adjusts, and Kendal leaps, only for Tyra to get under! Tyra comes back, OLYMPIC SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Kendal survives and everyone is shocked!

Tyra is frustrated, maybe even exhausted, but she drags Kendal up. Fireman’s carry, but Kendal rolls through! Kendal wheelbarrows, but Tyra makes that a GERMAN SUPLEX! Both women rise up, and Tyra waistlocks again! But Kendal wheelbarrows to a cover, TWO! Tyra has it, TWO! Both women stand again, SHADES OF GREY OUTTA NOWHERE!!! Cover, Kendal wins!!

Winner: Kendal Grey, by pinfall (still WWE Evolve Women’s Champion)

In the blink of an eye, Kendal Grey puts this one away! Kendal gets the mic to say she’s speechless! But she does say thank you to all the fans for supporting her since day one. Evolve gave her a place to find herself, and she wouldn’t have been able to do it without the fans. And just like she’s been taking over Evolve, she’ll now take over NXT every Tuesday. Thank you all, truthfully! The fans chant back, “Thank You, Kendal!” Her Final Evolution is a victorious one, but Kendal’s final act as champion is handing the belt over to Foreman Timothy Thatcher, officially vacating it. Kendal hugs and shakes Thatcher’s hand before she departs.

Evolve ends with a highlight reel of Kendal’s young career, from the Evolve premiere, both Successions, and even her part in the Women’s Iron Survivor match at Deadline 2025. Grey Graps has truly evolved, will nothing stop her from doing the same on NXT?

My Thoughts:

A great episode of Evolve to truly start on a new chapter here. The news leaked a couple weeks ago that Thatcher would be made the new authority figure in Evolve, and I like that he’s going with a special title “Foreman,” akin to Stevie Turner being the “Prime Minister.” This concept of “Final Evolution” being a sendoff for Evolve stars being called-up to NXT is really good, too, even if the timing is odd. We just had Succession 2, title changes could’ve just happened there. But Kendal getting to set the tone for the Final Evolution, it is great for her that she got another win before vacating the title and leaving on a high note. Great video package afterward, too.

Good stuff in the chase for the Men’s Championship. Harlem Lewis still wants the shot he was promised by Kam Hendrix, but they haven’t really addressed how that was just the deal with Kam, not something Evolve management is acknowledging. Harlem still got a great win over Holloway, and he’ll surely be in the running as “Season 2” continues on. Very good promo from Rourke and Thatcher to set up Drake VS Rourke. I hope they have Rourke actually win the title, a lot of his promo’s thesis was that Drake has been too cocky and underhanded as a Heel. I personally felt they could’ve taken the title off Drake when it was Sean Legacy challenging, or Cappuccino Jones just last week for Succession, so it should be the Final Evolution that finally dethrones the inaugural champion.

Very good match from Riggins VS Trill, but too bad for Trill as he keeps losing. Dante Chen confronting the bullies is good stuff, he and Kam will have a very good match. I wonder if Tate Wilder returns during that match to cost Kam. I could see Kam & Riggins VS Tate & Chen in a tag match, too, before Tate gets to go 1v1 with someone. And with all these moving parts, I’d expected Tate rebuilds momentum and heads for the title as we get past WrestleMania season.