Who is the true Alpha Female of Evolve?

Kali Armstrong is built different, but is she tough enough to defeat Kendal Grey, Brinley Reece AND Chantel Monroe in Evolve’s first Fatal 4 Way?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Trill London VS Harlem Lewis; Harlem wins.
• Six Man Tag: Jordan Oasis, Jack Cartwheel & Cappuccino Jones VS Gallus; Gallus wins.
• Oro Mensah VS Javier Bernal; Oro wins.
• Fatal 4 Way: Kali Armstrong VS Kendal Grey VS Brinley Reece VS Chantel Monroe; Kali wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Kendal Grey.

Chuey Martinez sits down with Grappler Grey, and asks how one growing up in Las Vegas found pro-wrestling. Kendal says her older brother was doing jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, other martial arts, and she joined in and fell in love. Then in high school, there was no girl’s wrestling team, only boy’s. Her dad said she should try out for the boy’s team, and she thought he was joking. He was serious, so she gave it a try. She made the team, was on Varsity, became one of the first females to win in the state of Nevada to win a tournament. She loved contact sports, it just felt right. And we know she even made Team USA for the Olympics.

Chuey brings up tonight’s intense Fatal 4 Way main event. What would it mean to be the Face of Evolve? Kendal says she knows she’s gonna be the Face of Evolve. Before coming to the WWE, she was already a champion. She is a three-time undefeated NCAA champion. That will also be her plan here in Evolve: be undefeated. She’s on a winning streak and she looks to keep it going. This Fatal 4 is just a stepping stone. Chuey believes that. He thanks Kendal for the talk, and says it’ll be a good one.

Ice Williams is in the VIP Lounge.

You could say he’s chilling while he watches tonight’s opening match.

Trill London VS Harlem Lewis!

The man who’s “too weird to be normal and too cool to care” didn’t have the best first match in Evolve, getting clobbered by Keanu Carver. But will he make up for that on the Evolve before WrestleMania? Or will he have another rough night as he runs into Harlem?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two tie up, Harlem powers Trill right to a corner, and he smothers Trill while the ref counts. Harlem lets off, to then body blow! Harlem whips corner to corner but Trill reverses to break free and DROPKICK! The fans fire up, Trill whips, but Harlem reverses. Trill goes up, but Harlem catches him to a GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans boo but Harlem pushes Trill around. Harlem drags Trill up but Trill fires body shots! Harlem CLUBS Trill, whips him corner to corner hard, and then gets in Trill’s face to talk trash. The fans boo while Harlem has Trill on the apron. Trill ROCKS Harlem!

Trill aims, and he SLINGSHOT SHOTGUNS! Even Ice is shocked to see that! The fans fire up as Trill goes to the apron. Trill climbs a corner, Harlem rises, and Trill flies, but into a SUPERMAN PUNCH! Harlem hits his antiair, then he drags Trill up! Suplex and BOOMSLANG!! Cover, Harlem wins!

Winner: Harlem Lewis, by pinfall

Trill tried, but he couldn’t get past this behemoth any better than he could Keanu. Harlem is keeping pace with Keanu, and Chuey is here to interview Harlem. Harlem’s on a win streak, just like Keanu. Harlem says the craziest thing about all this, is that he’s getting paid to do this! As for Keanu, Harlem wants his faceoff! Tell Stevie Turner to make it happen! Wait, Gallus storms out here? Joseph, Markus & Wolfie are ready for a fight, but refs and other Evolve superstars keep Harlem from going after them. The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” but Gallus will just have to settle for their opponents here tonight.

Six Man Tag: Jordan Oasis, Jack Cartwheel & Cappuccino Jones VS Gallus!

The Nomad felt the Iron King’s iron fist and it knocked him out for the night. But the men who helped Oasis to the back are here to help him take on the whole firm! Will Oasis, Cartwheel & Cappuccino get some payback tonight? Or will it still be Gallus Boys On Top?

The trios sort out and Joe starts against Jack. They circle, feel things out, and the fans rally behind “Cartwheel! Cartwheel!” The two tie up, Joe whips Jack, but Jack cartwheels! The fans cheer, Joe runs up, and he RAMS Jack to a corner! Joe TOSSES Jack, but Jack cartwheels! The fans cheer again, Jack runs up, but Joe blocks his shot to ROCK Jack! But then Jack cartwheels through, only for Joe to SHOTGUN him down! The fans fire up, Joe tags Wolfgang, and they mug Jack. Wolfgang suplexes, Jack slips free, hot tag to Cappuccino! Jones fires forearms on Wolfgang, then haymakers! Jones runs, springboards, but Wolfgang catches him!

Wolfgang pops Jones up, but Jones slips free, only for Wolfgang to UPPERCUT him! Wolfgang drags Jones up, tags Mark in, and Mark fires forearms. Jones fires back, Mark UPPERCUTS, but Oasis tags in! The fans fire up as Oasis storms up to throw forearms with Mark! They go back and forth, but then Oasis fires a flurry! Mark gets around, Oasis bucks the O’Conner, but Mark UPPERCUTS him down! Tag to Joe, the Coffey Brothers mug Oasis, and Joe eggs Oasis on. The forearms continue as Oasis gets the brother he wanted! Oasis fires a flurry, but then Joe fires body shots! Oasis avoids the haymaker to ROCK Joe!

The fans fire up as Joe staggers back! Mark & Wolfgang storm in, Oasis dodges then, Cappuccino & Cartwheel DOUBLE MISSLE DROPKICK Gallus! The fans fire up as Cappuccino & Cartwheel then DOUBLE DROPKICK Mark & Wolfgang out of the ring! Then they build speed, Cappuccino FLIES onto Mark while Cartwheel FOSBURY FLOPS onto Wolfgang! The fans fire up more and Oasis tells Joe, “That’s right! You wanted to knock me out? You wanted a fight? This is what you’re gonna get! A fight!” Oasis rains down fists, and Evolve goes to break.

Evolve returns and Jack brings Joe up. Jack ROCKS Joe, CHOPS Joe, and then shoves Joe. Joe shoves back and pops Jack up for an UPPERCUT! Hot tag to Mark and he runs up to LARIAT Jack! And CLOBBER him! Oasis is in but Mark CHOPS him down! Jones runs in but Mark suplexes him away! The fans fire up and Mark back suplexes Jack! Jack lands out, then cartwheels through, for the WHIRLY DIRLY! Wolfgang tags in, and he CLOBBERS Jack! Jones is up but Wolfgang kicks him low! Wolfgang then reels Jones in and lifts, POWER DRIVER! The fans fire up and then Jack mule kicks! Wolfgang UPPERCUTS!

Jack comes back, to tilt-o-whirl FLYING DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Jack and Wolfgang crawl, hot tags to Joe and Oasis! The fans fire up as Oasis dodges Joe to BLAST Mark! Joe runs up, blocks a boot, but not the KNEE! Oasis LARIATS Joe, ELBOWS him down, then waits on Joe to get back up. Oasis blocks a kick, slips through, and lifts Joe for a BACKBREAKER! Oasis puts Joe on the ropes, calls his shot, BLACKOUT CANNONBALL! The fans fire up as Oasis lands on his feet on the apron! Oasis hurries back in and covers, TWO! The fans fire up as Oasis wrenches Joe, but Joe ROCKS him!

Tag to Wolfgang and he runs up, RAMPAGE SPEAR! Then a run and SENTON! Tag to Mark, but here come Cartwheel & Cappuccino! Wolfgang gives them a DOUBLE RAMPAGE! Mark tags Joe, and the Coffey Brothers have Oasis for the BLUE HAMMER, and ALL THE BEST FOR THE BELLS!! Cover, Gallus wins!

Winners: Gallus, by pinfall

Oasis wanted his payback, but it was just another heavy shot from the Iron King! Will nothing stop Gallus from making Evolve their kingdom?

Backstage interview with Chantel Monroe.

Chuey now sits down with the Debutante, and says it is not every day he sits down with world class athletes. How does one go from gymnastics at Auburn to WWE Evolve? She was scouted at the nationals, and at first she didn’t think this was for her. She’s admittedly prissy and girly, but she does like to perform, does like to dress up, loves to connect with the audience. It was the theatrics of pro-wrestling that intrigued her. It wasn’t that different from gymnastics, so she thought this could be a calling. Chuey says Chantel is surely prepared for all of this from gymnastics and Chantel agrees.

Gymnastics is not only physical but 90% mental. That prepared her for so much in this life, and especially this moment. Then what does it mean to hear that she could be the Face of Evolve? That means everything to her. She knows she has the spark, she knows she’s “that girl,” and that she can be the Face of Evolve. Chuey brings up the Fatal 4 Way, how is she preparing? Just training every day, going for it, no doubting. She is That Girl in every way. Chuey says there you have it! Will Chantel’s confidence be unstoppable tonight?

Backstage interview with Kali Armstrong.

Chuey now sits down with the Pride of Inglewood, and asks that when he says that, what does it mean to represent Inglewood, California? Kali says Inglewood is a city of champions. The fact she is born and raised there, you know she’s winning at something. Chuey says she is indeed a superstar, 100%. She says she appreciates that. If he were to tell her years ago that she’d be here, what would her response be? She says if this was even five years ago, she’d believe you. Thinks sound crazy, but the type of person she is, if it doesn’t sound crazy, it ain’t big enough. Once she locks in, once she puts her mind to it, it’s a wrap.

Then how does one prepare for a Fatal 4? With this match, everyone is physically able to do it. What decides the match is who is mentally toughest, because they’re going to war. This is all mental, and we’ll see who can sustain at the end of this. And she promises, it’ll be Kali Armstrong. Will there be a Kali Connection to cap off Evolve?

Luca Crusifino steps into the VIP Lounge.

Ice is still chilling with drinks, but he’ll have to make room on the one couch now that The Consigliere is here. Is Luca checking in on the emotional investment he’s put into this next match?

Oro Mensah VS Javier Bernal!

It’s a tale of two records. Where one is on the rise, the other is struggling to even stay afloat. Will Oro become the Main Man of Evolve? Or can Big Body Javi finally get on the board?

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two tie up. Oro waistlocks and wrangles Javi to the mat. Javi fights up, switches, but Oro pries at the hold. Oro wrenches free, wristlocks, but Javi rolls, steps over, and wrenches to wristlock back. The fans rally and duel as Oro fights up. Javi twists the wrist, Oro rolls, then UP KICKS! Oro CHOPS, the fans “WOO~” and then Javi CHOPS! Oro CHOPS again, dodges Javi’s boot, then runs up. Javi dodges, goes up and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! The fans cheer as Javi tilt-o-whirl RANAS, then DROPKICKS! Javi fires up and the fans are behind him! Javi runs up to whip, but Oro blocks!

Oro breaks free, SOBATS, and then clinches for an EXPLODER! Javi flounders and writhes while the fans fire up again. Oro stomps Javi around, drags Javi up and CHOPS! The fans duel, “ORO!” “JAVI!” as Oro snapmares and KICKS Javi in the back! Cover, TWO! Oro is annoyed but he stalks Javi. Javi fires body shot after body shot, then a haymaker! Oro STEP PUNCHES and Javi goes down! Oro eggs Javi on, “Who are you?” Javi gets up to fire fast hands from all sides! Javi underhooks to BUTTERFLY- NO, Oro slips free to LARIAT! Oro then reels Javi in, but Javi BACKDROPS free! Both men are down and the fans fire up!

Javi goes to the apron, the fans rally behind him, and he ROCKS Oro! Javi has Oro in the ropes to SUPERKICK! Oro staggers, Javi climbs, and Javi CROSSBODIES! Javi fires up more and he rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! Then a KNEE SMASH! But Oro kicks a leg out! Javi dodges the step punch to SUPERKICK again! Oro wobbles and Javi roars! RUNNING DDT! Cover, TWO!! Oro survives that onslaught and both Luca and Ice are impressed. “This is Awesome!” as Oro and Javi rise. Javi waistlocks to full nelson, but Oro runs to the corner! Javi hits buckles, but he comes back, only for Oro to BOOT him!

Oro reels Javi in for a TORNADO HOTSHOT! Then a springboard, RIDER KICK! Both men are down again and Javi flounders away. The fans rally while Javi goes back to the apron. Oro runs up, but Javi ROCKS him first! Oro staggers, Javi climbs again, but Oro TIGER WALL KICKS! Javi falls off the corner, Oro hooks him up, ripcord and CALL OF AUTUMN! Cover, Oro wins!

Winner: Oro Mensah, by pinfall

Another big win for the Main Man, and another big loss for Big Body Javi. Will Oro move up and become the Face of Evolve? What must Javi do to have his breakthrough?

Backstage interview with Brinley Reece.

Chuey sits down with the fourth and final part of tonight’s main event in #Binergy. If he told Brin six or seven years ago that she’d be a pro-wrestler, what would her reaction be? Brin is pretty sure she would not believe him. She wakes up every morning, open to whatever possibilities and opportunities present themselves, and well, here she is. Let’s talk about the Fatal 4 Way. Imagine being the Face of Evolve. Brin says every woman here wants that same thing. She will go in there and prove that she’s the Face of Evolve. The Brin Active Mindset is also a confident one, and Chuey is sure the main event is gonna be bananas!

Stevie Turner speaks.

The Evolve General Manager introduces herself, and then says as a result of what happened last week, she has scheduled quite the line up for next week. We will have Timothy Thatcher VS Bryce Donovan, and Jackson Drake VS Sean Legacy! Plus, “The Sunshine,” Carlee Bright returns to action in her first Evolve singles match. It’ll be a big night, but who proves themselves to be the more evolved?

Carlee Bright is in the VIP Lounge!

The gentlemen excuse themselves so that the cheery cheerleader turned wrestler can have the lounge all to herself. Will her moral support help her friend, Kendal Grey, win big tonight?

Fatal 4 Way: Kali Armstrong VS Kendal Grey VS Brinley Reece VS Chantel Monroe!

We heard from all four women tonight, and naturally, they’re all confident and determined to win. But only one can be the Alpha Female, who wins to prove themselves worthy of the title, “Face of Evolve?”

The big fight introductions are given, and the bell rings. The fans rally as the four watch each other. Kali dares someone to make a move, then she shoves Kendal. Kendal shoves back, then mule kicks! Brin adds a forearm, then Chantel adds a forearm! Brin adds another, then Kendal UPPERCUTS! Brin HEADBUTTS Kali, then she and Kendal dodge so Chantel can SUPERKICK Kali! Brin & Kendal TOSS Kali and the fans fire up! Brin says kiss this, Kendal mocks “Too Strong Armstrong” by flexing. Now they and Chantel feel things out. They triple knuckle lock, but then Chantel kicks Kendal! Chantel kicks Brin and headlocks.

Brin powers out but Chantel runs Kendal over! Chantel flexes but Brin rolls her up! Kendal sunset flips Brin, but Chantel ghost pins Kendal! TWO and Kendal has the cradle! But then Brin jackknife bridges Kendal! Kali breaks that and the fans fire up! Kali fires off on Brin in the corner, then storms over to Chantel. The fans chant, “This is Wrestling!” as Kali ROCKS Chantel, then ROCKS Kendal! Kali ROCKS Chantel again, then ROCKS Kendal again! kali sends Kendal into Brin, and RAMS them both in the corner! Kali then ROCKS Chantel and whips her into the others! Kali fires up, runs up, and TRIPLE RAMS!

The fans fire up with Kali while all three opponents flounder on the mat. Kali storms up on Kendal, Chantel finds Brin, but Brin and Kendal each get a cradle! TWO! Brin goes back for Chantel but Chantel gives her a JAWBREAKER! Kendal has Kali and whips, but Kali reverses! Kali then blows past Kendal, only for Chantel to HIP TOSS Kendal! Cover, Kali breaks it! Kali says not on her watch, and she TOSSES Chantel! Brin TOSSES Kendal! Brin and Kali circle now, then tie up. Brin waistlocks, wrenches, whips, but Kali reverses. Kali runs up, ROCKS Brin, then hoists her up top! Kali tucks Brin in, but Brin hits a TORNADO SNAP SUPLEX!

The fans fire up, Brin hurries to cover, TWO! Brin clamps onto Kali with a chinlock, and adds body scissors! It’s turning into a REAR NAKED CHOKE! Kali endures, but Chantel wraps a HEADSCISSOR SQUEEZE on Brin! The fans fire up as Kali pries at the legs! Brin endures Chantel’s squeeze, but Kendal puts a HEADSCISSOR SQUEEZE on Chantel! The fans fire up for this chain of submissions, but Kali pries free! The fans cheer on “EVOLVE! EVOLVE!” as Kali stomps Kendal! Kendal lets Chantel free but Chantel still holds onto Brin. Kali grabs Brin’s legs, and she turns Brin and Chantel over, BOSTON CRAB!

Brin’s enduring double submissions now, but then Kendal jumps onto Kali’s back for a SLEEPER! The fans fire up as Kali flails! Kali RAMS Kendal into a corner, but Kendal holds on! Kali RAMS Kendal into buckles again and gets free! Brin pushes back on Chantel for a cover, TWO! Brin is free, and she stops Chantel going for her leg to hook the arms! But Chantel fights the backslide, so the two end up sitting down. Kali storms up to push them both over, double cover! TWO! Kali DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up as Kali is back on Kendal! Kali ROCKS Kendal, then she runs, only for Brin & Chantel to trip her up!

The fans fire up as Brin & Chantel drag Kali outside, and the three start brawling! Kendal goes up top to SUPER CROSSBODY! Direct hit on everyone and the fans fire up with Kendal! Kendal shouts, “I’m the face of the company!” and Evolve goes to break.

Evolve returns as Kendal has Kali down for a cover, TWO! The fans rally and Kendal goes up the corner. But Kali runs up to ROCK her first! Kali climbs, Kendal fires a forearm, and then Chantel adds on! Chantel CLUBS Kali, climbs up to go after Kendal, but Brin gets under them all! The fans fire up for Evolve’s first TOWER OF DOOM!! Brin has her pick, and she runs up to ROCK Kali! Then she ROCKS Chantel! Then she CLOBBERS Kali, CLOBBERS Chantel, and the fans fire up! Brin dodges, handsprings and LARIATS! Brin whips Chantel, hoists her up, SPINEBUSTER! Brin then fireman’s carries Kali!

Chantel drags Kali down to then THROW Brin by her hair! Chantel runs, NECK SNAPPER! HANDSPRING KNEE DROP! Cover, Kendal YANKS Chantel away! But Chantel ENZIGIRIS! Kendal flounders away, Chantel gives Kali a CODE BREAKER! Chantel runs, SHOOTING STAR! Cover, Kendal AND Brin break it! The fans declare, “This is Awesome!” as all for women are down! The four crawl around, taking a corner each. Brin and Kendal then go after each other, and they trade forearms and haymakers! Kendal then blocks to ROCK, CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Kendal whips, ELBOWS, and roars! Then she LARIATS Kali!

Chantel is back, Kendal hits the fireman’s takeover! Then a fireman’s takeover for Kali! And one for Brin! Kendal dodges Chantel, then OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! The fans fire up, Carlee cheers Kendal on, and Kendal says this is why she’s the best on Evolve! Brin storms up, but into an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! Brin endures, clasps hands to fight the hold, but Kendal pries it apart! But Kali SPLASHES DOWN! The fans are torn, but Kali drags Kendal up. Kali ROCKS Kendal, whips her to a corner, but Kendal goes up, up, CROSSBODY, but into a POWERSLAM! Kali covers, Brin breaks it!

Brin drags Kali up to TOSS her out! Brin hurries to cover Kendal, with feet on the ropes!? The ref sees that and says no can do! Brin apologizes, she didn’t even realize she did it! Oh, sure. But then Chantel O’Conner Rolls Brin, with tights! TWO and Brin has the roll, but the KALI CONNECTION CLOBBERS Brin!! Kali hurries to whip Chantel and pop her up, POWERSLAM!! Cover, KALI WINS!

Winner: Kali Armstrong, by pinfall

Kendal is stunned, but Kali did say herself that the mental game was the key. Kali knew when to strike and that’s why she won the biggest main event in Evolve history so far. Stevie Turner is on stage to applaud, is Kali going to be primed for a title opportunity?

My Thoughts:

A great episode of Evolve, especially with that main event. Very good promos from each of the four participants, though I was expecting a little more from Brinley Reece. Brin’s been in WWE the longest with a solid start on NXT, and clearly there’s a good story going with her identity crisis of “Is she Face? Is she Heel?” And as Fatal 4 Ways go, that was great stuff, something already on the level of NXT or maybe even main roster. Kali winning out makes sense, though, she has been leading the way as perhaps the most complete in-ring and on-mic talent of Evolve. Whatever title match is made, you can bet Kali is part of it.

Very good stuff on the men’s side of things, too, though poor Trill London keeps facing big meaty men and getting beat. Harlem Lewis and Keanu Carver are quite truly top contenders to the men’s title, but I really appreciate a lot of the different intertwining stories. The Gallus boys wanted after Harlem, and then they got a great match out of Oasis, Cartwheel & Cappuccino. Gallus hasn’t had much to go on in a long time, here’s hoping they’re considered for like, Evolve Tag Team Champions or something. Joe Coffey can also get in on the Evolve Championship story, but I don’t know he wins it. Joe has found himself in a really odd place where he’s a great talent, but just can’t get titles.

Oro VS Javi was really good, too, and a great win for Oro. I do appreciate Luca is keeping an eye on Javi, and I could see a partnership being formed, with Luca helping Javi bring out the best in himself. They might even join the tag division, but I suppose a lot of it could depend on the D’Angelo Family story on NXT. Stacks starting to be rebellious could change the dynamic of the group, but that remains to be seen at Stand & Deliver when the D’Angelos have their Six Man Tag against Dark State.

My Score: 8.8/10

Time to pin the blame!

After they both lost their first match in Evolve, Dani Palmer and Kali Armstrong look to settle who really lost it for them by going 1v1 with each other!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Riley Osborne VS Javier Bernal; Riley wins.
• Drako Knox VS Bryce Donovan; changed to…
• 8 Man Tag: Drako Knox, Ice Williams, Cappuccino Jones & Jack Cartwheel VS Bryce Donovan, Jackson Drake & Swipe Right w/ Zayda Steel; Donovan, Drake & Swipe Right win.
• Dani Palmer VS Kali Armstrong; Kali wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Swipe Right arrives.

Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes both go, “Bro!” Brad says they totally proved to the WWE Universe what they’re all about! Ricky says that’s Fo Sho Hundo! Though, they did lose… But they proved to the NXT Tag Team Champions, arguably the BEST tag team in the world, that they have big competition coming up. BIG hundos, bro bro! Swipe Right took the L, but they showed resilience, and they’ve proved to all of Evolve that Swipe Right is gonna be a problem. Facts! But will Swipe Right keep their egos in check so they can get those W’s?

Riley Osborne VS Javier Bernal!

Speaking of W’s, both men in this match could use that W to stay afloat. Will the Daredevil finally bring out some of that #TurboTerry that got him here? Or will tonight belong to Big Body Javi?

The bell rings and the two tie up. Riley wrenches but Javi rolls, then headscissors. Riley kips up but Javi wrenches to wristlock. Riley rolls, cartwheels, handsprings, wrenches and wristlocks back. The fans rally, Javi puts Riley in a corner, and Javi whips. Riley reverses but Javi goes up and up and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! Javi keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then tilt-o-whirls! Riley ends up on ropes, Javi goes to the apron! Riley avoids the superkick to SHOVE Javi down! Riley builds speed, but Javi moves aside. Riley goes to the apron, avoids the sweep and mule kicks! But Javi avoids the Asai Moonsault!

Javi knees Riley, whips him at the ring, but Riley tiger feint kicks from the apron! Riley puts Javi in, then somersaults and jumps up to RANA! Cover, TWO! Javi escapes, but Riley LARIATS! The fans fire up for Riley as he drops a knee on Javi’s face! Riley then drags Javi up, UPPERCUTS him down, then brings him up. The fans rally and duel while Riley drags Javi up again. Javi fires a body shot, but Riley DECKS Javi! Riley drags Javi up again, scoops and SLAMS, then sets up to STANDING MOONSAULT, but onto knees! The fans rally, Javi and Riley stagger up, and Javi runs in. Riley BOOTS Javi down, then goes up!

Riley aims and SHOOTING- NO, Javi dodges, Riley rolls through, and Javi hits a RUNNING DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Javi and Riley rise up, and Riley swings! Javi blocks to ROCK Riley! And again! And again! And again! Javi whips, Riley reverses, but Javi CLOBBERS him! And CLOBBERS him again! Javi hits a KNEE SMASH, then a SUPERKICK! Javi roars and the fans fire up! Javi drags Riley up, underhooks, BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Riley stays in this and Javi can’t believe it! Javi is already despairing, but he drags Riley up> Javi full nelsons, but Riley victory rolls, TWO!

Riley SUPERKICKS Javi now! The fans fire up, Riley runs in, but Javi puts him on the apron. Riley ROCKS Javi, climbs again, but Javi ROCKS Riley. Javi climbs up, CLUBS Riley, but Riley fires elbows. Javi falls, Riley aims, SHOOTING STAR! Cover, Riley wins!

Winner: Riley Osborne, by pinfall

The #StarStream takes down Big Body Javi, meaning Riley is finally on a winning track. Will Riley finally have success he can call all his own? As for Javi, Chuey Martinez is here to interview him on the way out. Chuey makes sure Javi doesn’t forget his jacket. Javi thanks Chuey, but then he drops the jacket. Is Big Body Javi’s heart just not in it?

Haze Jameson is in the VIP Section!

She may have lost alongside the mysterious masked Kalyx last week, but she’s making herself feel better with a bit of that bubbly.

Drako Knox VS Bryce Donovan!

Hard Knox was upset in his Evolve debut over not just losing, but over his tag partner and friend, Tate Wilder, going down with injury. And it didn’t help that Swipe Right was trolling them from the VIP Section, or that Bryce was acting as the bouncer. Will Knox take out that frustration on Bryce here tonight? Or will he be unable to solve The Paradox?

Wait, speaking of Swipe Right, not only do they walk out here, but they’ve got Zayda Steel & Jackson Drake with them. They’re all taunting Knox and he asks what this is even about. They claim Bryce is on their team, duh. Knox is wary of Swipe Right and the party flanking the ring. They all slip into the ring, but then here come reinforcements for Knox! Cappuccino Jones, Jack Cartwheel & Ice Williams step to Drake & Swipe Right! Here comes Stevie Turner! The Evolve General Manager says whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold on now! She has an idea how to handle this. How about a tag match? Not just a tag match, but an 8 MAN TAG?

The fans like that, the eight superstars like that, so Stevie says it is official! This Evolve opener just escalated quickly, but who will come out the winning side?

8 Man Tag: Drako Knox, Ice Williams, Cappuccino Jones & Jack Cartwheel VS Bryce Donovan, Jackson Drake & Swipe Right w/ Zayda Steel!

The teams sort out, and Bryce wants to start, but the Carolina Reaper insists. He steps to Knox, which is fine by Knox. The bell rings, the fans rally for Knox’s side, but Drake shoves him. Knox shoves back! They tie up, go around, and Drake waistlocks. Knox switches, headlocks, but Drake pries at the hold. Knox clamps on tighter, but Drake fires body shots. Drake powers up and out, but Knox runs him over! The fans fire up with Knox but Drake trips him. Knox kicks Drake away, then arm-drags him down! Knox has the armlock but Drake fights around. Drake rises up, reaches out, but Knox keeps him from his team.

Drake pulls Knox’s bear and puts Knox in a corner! The ref reprimands, but Drake lets go to CHOP! Drake stomps Knox, ROCKS him, then whips Knox into the corner! Knox staggers forward, but he blocks a hip toss to LARIAT! The fans fire up for Knox and he drags Drake into a headlock. Knox calls to his corner, Cappuccino tags in. Jones wrenches and CLUBS Drake’s arm, then wrenches again. Drake rolls, waistlocks, and he ROCKS Jones! Jones ROCKS Drake, Drake ROCKS Jones, repeat! The fans rally, Jones ROCKS Drake and CLUBS him on the back. Drake kicks in return, then fireman’s carries.

Jones fights free, shoves Drake to ropes, but Drake hurdles! Jones hurdles, hurdles again, then DROPKICKS Drake down! The fans fire up, Jones covers, TWO! Drake scrambles away, tag to Smokes! Jones dodges Smokes, dodges again, then hits an atomic drop! And a LARIAT! Cover, ONE, but Jones clamps onto Smokes’ arm. Jones fights up, smothers Jones, but Cartwheel tags in! Jones scoops Smokes for a BACKBREAKER, and Jack slingshots to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Jack keeps Smokes from his corner with an armlock, but Smokes fires body shots. Smokes CLUBS Jack, whips him to ropes, but Jack cartwheels over!

Jack HIP TOSSES, cartwheels, but Smokes avoids the Penalty Kick! STANDING MARIPOSA! Cover, TWO! Jack clamps on with a chinlock, but Smokes fights up to pull hair. Smokes puts Jack on ropes, Bryce tags in, then Smokes powers out. Jack comes back, Smokes drops down and Bryce CLOBBERS Jack! The fans fire up and even Smokes is surprised. Bryce CLUBS away on Jack’s back, then scoops Jack to SLAM him, and ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bryce drags Jack up, Brad wants a tag, so Bryce tags him in. They mug Jack, the fans boo, but Zayda’s having fun watching as Brad CHOPS Jack and fires hands.

Brad CLUBS Jack, but Jack fires body shots. They scrap, Brad UPPERCUTS then fires more hands. Jack CHOPS, Brad CHOPS, and Brad fires more hands. Brad CHOPS Jack, then fireman’s carries. Jack fires elbows to get free, but Brad shoves to kitchen sink knee! Brad says “Swipe Right!” but fans chant “Swipe Left!” Jack stands, and he CHOPS! Brad CHOPS! Jack CHOPS! The CHOPS keep going, and Jack fires a flurry! Brad keeps Jack from his corner, then short arm LARIATS! The fans boo but then Brad sucker punches Knox & Ice! But Jack DUMPS Brad out! The fans fire up, Smokes & Drake storm in, but Ice & Knox CLOBBER them!

Knox sends Jones in and he BLASTS Bryce off the apron! Knox has the team regroup, and Jack gets a sip of Cappuccino’s cappuccino! Jack is feeling jacked up! FOSBURY FLOP onto Drake & Swipe Right! The fans fire up while Evolve goes to break.

Evolve returns as Ice arm-drags Smokes! And UPPERCUTS him! Ice brings Smokes around to bump off buckles, then he tags in Knox. Knox scoops Smokes, Ice tags back in. Knox SLAMS Smokes, Ice slingshots for the ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Ice keeps Smokes from his corner, UPPERCUTS him, then whips him corner to corner. Smokes reverses, runs up, but Ice BOOTS him away! But Smokes sucker punches Jack! The ref is busy with Smokes, as well as Knox and team, but that lets Bryce CLOBBER Ice from behind! Smokes then bumps Ice off buckles, tags in Brad, and Smokes sends Brand into RAM Ice! Brad feeds Ice to Smokes’ BOOT! Cover, WTO!

Brad clamps onto Ice with a facelock then CLUBS him down! Zayda talks trash, Brad UPPERCUTS Ice, then taunts him. Brad CLUBS Ice again, then drags him over to tag Drake. Drake kicks Ice down, then drags him up to facelock. Drake CLAWS Ice’s back, then KNEES him, and wrenches for a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Drake stays between Ice and his corner, then KICKS Ice in the back. Drake pushes Ice to the ropes, then springboard knee drops! The fans boo but Drake drags Ice up. Ice fires body shots, then he CHOPS! Drake blocks a kick to CHOP! Then he reels Ice in, for a POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!

Drake floats over, tags Smokes, and they stomp Ice. Smokes smothers Ice, rains down fists, then lets off to soak up the heat. Smokes drags Ice up, suplexes, but Ice fights that! Ice spins things around to BACKDROP free! The fans fire up, but Smokes tags Bryce! Bryce THROWS Ice away, then gets under him to FLAPJACK! Then he ELBOWS Ice down! Bryce drags Ice up, tags Brad, and they mug Ice. The fans boo but Brad CHOPS Ice! Brad snapmares Ice, KNEES him in the back again and again, but Zayda tells the fans to stop booing, Brad is winning! Cover, TWO! Brad clamps a chinlock onto Ice but Ice endures.

The fans rally, Ice fights around, then fights up to his feet. Ice fires body shots, reaches out, but Brad keeps him back! Ice fires haymakers, reaches out, repeat! Brad KNEES Ice low! Brad whips, Ice reverses and ENZIGIRIS! Brad tags Smokes, Smokes runs to BLAST Cappuccino & Cartwheel! Smokes goes back to Ice, ducks a haymaker, but so does Ice. Smokes ducks another haymaker but Ice spins through to LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men crawl, hot tags to Drake and Knox! The fans fire up as Knox rallies on Drake with big forearms! Then an ELBOW for Smokes! Knox roars, clinches Smokes to spin him around and suplex!

The fans fire up as Knox LARIATS Drake in the corner! Scoop and OKLAHOMA STAMPEDE! Cover, TWO!! Zayda cheers but the fans boo. Knox tags Jones, they mug Drake, then Jones hits a back suplex! Drake lands out, tag to Brad! Jack tags in, Jones catches Brad, CARTWHEEL SUPERKICK HALF ‘N’ HALF COMBO!! Cover, Bryce breaks it! Bryce then grabs Jones, but Jack kicks Bryce! Jones hits a CODE BFRAEKER! Knox is in, he dodges Bryce to BOOT him down! Cappuccino & Cartwheel get Brad up, but Zayda distracts the ref! Smokes slides in and TOSSES Jones out! Brad wrenches Jack, holds him up, DROPKICK SPINEBUSTER COMBO! Cover, ICE BREAKS IT!

The fans fire up as Ice saves  his team! But Smokes SLINGSHOT SPEARS Ice! Knox gets Smokes for the REDBONE PLEX! Knox kips up, but Drake handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION! Jones kicks Drake for the OVERDRIVE! Brad kicks Jones and hits the SILENCER! Brad has Jack now, suplexes, but Jack cradles through, TWO!! Brad escapes, but Jack cartwheels to dodge, JUMP NECKBREAKER! Zayda panics while Jack fireman’s carries! DEATH VALLEY CARTWHEEL! Jack goes up, SHOOTING- NO, Brad dodges! Jack rolls through the Shooting Star but Bryce tags in! Jack comes back, into the BLACK HOLE SLAM!! Cover, Bryce’s team wins!

Winners: Bryce Donovan, Jackson Drake & Swipe Right, by pinfall

Zayda celebrates with her guys, and it was certainly a team effort to get this win. Will they all be partying in Orlando tonight?

Chuey Martinez is here to interview the winning side, and asks what the association is here. Smokes mocks Chuey and tells him to shut up. The fans boo and Chuey says if they’re not going to answer the questions, then the fans know what to do. “SWIPE LEFT! SWIPE LEFT!” Brad asks what that smell is, and they all mock Chuey. Chuey says no, that’s just the dirt on Brad’s own upper lip. The fans continue to “SWIPE LEFT! SWIPE LEFT!” at the immaturity, but wait! Sean Legacy storms in! This ain’t what the WWE ID or Evolve is about! They’re all a bunch of punk kids. Whoa, Super Sean ain’t alone, cuz TIMOTHY THATCHER is here!

Swipe Right and friends talk smack, but are they barking up the wrong tree?

Dani Palmer VS Kali Armstrong!

The very first match of the very first episode of WWE Evolve was a good one, just not a victorious one for these two. And while one says teams share the wins and the losses, the other says the blame is pinned on the one who took the pin. Will the Bluegrass Badass just have to show the Ironwoman of Inglewood isn’t all she’s cracked up to be? Or will Kali prove she ain’t a loser, #StraightLikeThat?

The big fight introductions are made, and the bell rings. The two circle, tie up, and Kali powers Dani back. Dani slips around to waistlock then headlock. Kali powers up and throws Dani away! The fans rally and duel as the two reset. Kali and Dani circle, Dani goes for a leg, but Kali blocks that. Kali brings Dani up, wrenches to a wristlock, but Dani fights the hold. Dani rolls, backflips, then arm-drags to put Kali in an armlock. Kali endures, fights around, but Dani shows she has the technical superiority. The fans rally, Kali reaches up to headscissor, and she brings Dani down. Kali squeezes tight, but Dani moves around.

Dani headstands, then sits on a cover! TWO, but Dani handsprings through to come back and jackknife bridge! TWO, and Dani SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Dani keeps Kali down with an armlock! Dani wants the Fujiwara Armbar but Kali powers up to her feet. Dani wrenches, YANKS the arm, then wrenches and YANKS again. Dani wrenches but Kali ROCKS her! Dani ROCKS Kali! Dani runs, but into a FLAPJACK, but Dani lands out on her feet! Kali CLOBBERS Dani and Dani tumbles out of the ring! Kali drags Dani up by her hair, but Dani RAMS into Kali! Dani slingshots up and over, keeps moving, but runs into a military press!

The fans fire up, but Dani slips free to SHOTGUN Kali! Dani kips up, then Dani brings Kali around to TOSS out of the ring! Dani goes up the corner, flashbacks to the Evolve premiere! But Kali slips into the ring, runs up tot he corner, and springs right up to SUPER BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up for Kali as CLUBS away on Dani. Kali talks trash, then drags Dani up. Kali whips Dani to a corner hard, then scowls as she storms over. Kali talks trash, brings Dani up for a BIG back suplex! Kali snarls, looks to the camera, “You thought I was playing? I said I was different! And now I’ma show you!” Kali CLUBS Dani, #StraightLikeThat.

Kali looms over Dani while the fans rally, and Evolve goes to break.

Evolve returns and Kali has Dani down in a chinlock. Dani endures, fights up, and JAWBREAKERS free! Kali staggers, Dani runs up, but Kali JAWBREAKERS in return! Both women stagger, and they DOUBLE LARIAT! Both women flounder to corners, then they both shriek! They both run in and DOUBLE CROSSBODY!! The fans fire up for that bit of demolition derby! Kali and Dani slowly rise up, and Kali fires a forearm! Dani fires one back! Kali grabs Dani by the hair and fires another forearm! Dani fires another forearm! Then she fires counter punches! Dani CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Dani whips, Kali reverses, but Dani FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES!

Dani rallies on Kali, then CHOPS, KICKS, and ENZIGIRIS! Kali flounders to a corner, Dani runs up, jump and DOUBLE KNEE to the back! Dani pushes Kali to the drop zone, then she climbs up. Kali stands, but into a METEORA! Cover, TWO! Kali stays in this but Dani stays on her. Dani cravats, but Kali says no to Sliced Bread! Dani ducks ‘n’ dodges, but runs into a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Dani survives and Kali is frustrated. The fans rally, Kali reels Dani in and back suplexes, but Dani lands out! Dani shoves Kali to a corner, runs up, but ducks a back elbow! Dani BOOTS Kali down, then hurries up top!

But Kali’s up after Dani again! Dani holds onto the ropes, then HEADSBUTTS Kali down! The fans fire up and Dani hits the FIVE STAR FROG FLOP!! Kali avoids the splash, then builds speed! KALI KONNECTION!! Cover, Kali wins!

Winner: Kali Armstrong, by pinfall

All gas, no brakes, and Kali breaks through with her second singles win! Kali grabs the mic to say, “I told y’all, I’m different! And I’m calling out all y’all chicks in the locker room! I ain’t duckin’ none of y’all! All y’all can get it! But I’m out here to tell y’all that I’m about to make history by being the first ever Evolve Champion! And ain’t nothing none of y’all can do about it!” The fans like that, but Chantel Monroe is in the VIP Section and takes offense. Kali tells Chantel she’s LAST in line! Ouch. Kendal Grey comes out and Kali says she’s barely in front Chantel! Brinley Reece also walks out here, Kali says Brin has some nerve. She’s third to last, stepping to Kali!

But y’know what? Kali is happy all y’all are out here, so she can say this to their face. Kali’s built different! Will no one stop “The Omega” from being the first WWE Evolve Women’s Champion?

My Thoughts:

A very good Evolve, and though it technically only had three matches, it all flowed so well. Quite the bait ‘n’ switch on Knox VS Donovan becoming an 8 Man Tag, but what a great 8 Man Tag! Clearly Evolve has its first faction already with Swipe Right bringing Zayda, Drake and even Donovan along, and they could probably call themselves “The VIPs” or something similar since they all think so highly of themselves. Their promo with Chuey was a bit cheesy, a little 1990s sophomoric, but I liked Sean Legacy AND Timothy Thatcher showing up. Thatcher could definitely rough up Swipe Right and Drake, that’d be fun to see. Donovan is tall, jacked, has great hair, he could be a dark horse for Men’s Evolve Champion.

Very good opener from Riley VS Javi, and that was a very good win for Riley. I like this crisis of confidence story Javi is on now, I hope this leads to big things for him. He’s been in the WWE system for a minute now, hopefully he can finally find his footing. And a great move to make Dani VS Kali the main event. That’s like one of the long standing stories in Evolve already, given it had the premiere episode kick it off. Great win for Kali, very good promo to end the show, her calling out the roster and some of the roster responding. I suppose seeds are planted for the final four there of Kali, Chantel, Kendal and Brinley.

The only problem is, Kali and Chantel are definitely Heels, while Kendal and Brin both feel one step away from turning Heel because of the new attitudes they’ve been showing. Maybe one of these Heels is beat by a Face in whatever tournament we get, but Kali does feel like a frontrunner for first champion.

My Score: 8.7/10