The only true constant is change!

As WWE Evolve itself continues to evolve, NXT General Manager Ava hands the reins over to new management! What will “The Prime Minister” decree?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Sam Holloway VS Wolfgang w/ Joe Coffey; Wolfgang wins.
• Kendal Grey VS Zara Zakher; Kendal wins.
• Layla Diggs & Aria Bennett VS Haze Jameson & Kalyx; Layla & Aria win.
• Sean Legacy VS Timothy Thatcher; Legacy wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Ava Raine talks with Stevie Turner backstage.

The NXT General Manager tells her assistant that she has been absolutely phenomenal the past couple of weeks. The matches she’s pitched, the talent she’s acquired, and she even has an OG Evolve Champion on the show! That is very impressive. With that said, Ava feels it is time for the next step in Stevie’s journey. Ava asks Chuey Martinez to accompany Stevie out there for the big announcement, and he says absolutely. Stevie is surprised by all this, but the two head out on stage. Chuey says, “Make some noise, Evolve, make some noise!” The superstars are ringside as well, and Chuey says this is a special announcement.

Ladies and gentlemen, the NEW Evolve General Manager! It’s Stevie Turner! Stevie is so surprised! It is an absolute honor to be the new GM of WWE Evolve! The fact Ava put her trust in Stevie, not Robert Stone, makes this so much sweeter. If the last few weeks have been anything to go by, this is truly where pro-wrestling evolves! And it will continue to be that way under Stevie’s leadership! Everything is up for grabs! Who will take the top spots? Who will be in eventual title contendership? And who will be the first-ever Face of Evolve?! The fans cheer that, and Stevie says that all comes down to who impresses her, and the fans.

So let’s get things kicked off with two men who were after it a few weeks ago. That’s Wolfgang and Sam Holloway! Let’s do that… NOW! Fans cheer for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” But will Wolfie be able to put Gallus Boys On Top? Or will Holloway prove he’s the Alpha Bully?

While these two big men step into the ring, the other superstars exit, and two other big men cross paths. Harlem Lewis and Keanu Carver stare down, then they start shoving! Referees and even Luca Crusifino step in, but that only gets Luca on Keanu’s radar. Other superstars step in to keep them from getting physical, and Evolve goes to break. Are all these combustible elements going to make Evolve explode?

Sam Holloway VS Wolfgang w/ Joe Coffey!

Evolve returns and the bell rings. The fans rally behind Wolfgang as he and Sam tie up. They’re in a deadlock so they break. The fans chant for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as the two tie up again. The two go back and forth, and Sam puts Wolfgang on the ropes. The ref counts, Sam lets off, but the two tie up again. Wolfgang puts Sam on the ropes, the ref counts, and the two break. Joe Coffey coaches Wolfgang as he and Sam tie up again. Wolfgang headlocks, but Sam powers up and out. They RAM shoulders, and the fans fire up as neither man moves! They RAM again, and again, and again! Fans chant “SLAP THAT MEAT! SLAP THAT MEAT!”

Sam ROCKS Wolfgang, but Wolfgang ROCKS Sam! The forearms go back and forth, Sam CHOPS, but Wolfgang CHOPS back! The CHOPS keep going now, then Wolfgang RAMS down low! Wolfgang UPPERCUTS, UPPERCUTS, and then runs in at the corner, CROSSBODY SPLASH! Sam staggers, Wolfgang ROCKS him from the apron! Wolfgang climbs the corner, takes aim, and he FLYING AX HANDLES! Sam only drops to one knee?! Wolfgang hurries to get him for a clinch, but Sam fights it! Sam whips and BOOTS Wolfgang down! The fans boo but Wolfgang goes to the apron. Sam storms out after him as the fans boo more.

Sam stands Wolfgang up, scoops him, and SLAMS him on the apron! Wolfgang writhes and slumps to the floor! Sam soaks up the heat while Joe checks Wolfie. Joe coaches Wolfgang but Sam storms up to RAM Wolfgang into the POST! The fans boo more but Sam puts Wolfgang in the ring. Sam goes up the ropes and ELBOW DROPS! Sam stomps Wolfgang around, then drags him up for a scoop. Sam SLAMS Wolfgang, covers, TWO! The fans rally behind Wolfgang but that just annoys Sam. Sam pushes Wolfgang around, slaps him, then pie faces him. Wolfgang glares at Sam, and RAMS low! Wolfgang UPPERCUTS, then fireman’s carries!

But Sam’s so big! Sam slips free, and has the COBRA TWIST! Wolfgang endures, even as Sam digs knuckles into the ribs! Wolfgang fights against the hold, the fans rally harder, and Wolfgang switches the COBRA TWIST, only for Sam to HIP TOSS! Cover, TWO! Sam talks trash on Joe, asks where Markus went, but Joe says he’ll knock the smack talk right out of his face! Wolfgang fires body shots, then rises up, but Sam KNEES low! Sam whips Wolfgang to a corner, runs up, but Wolfgang ELBOWS him! Wolfgang goes up, FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans rally as both men stand. Wolfgang blocks a shot to fire forearms!

The fans rally as Wolfgang has Sam in a corner for heavy hands! The ref counts, Wolfgang stops at 4, then runs in, only to be put on the apron! But Wolfgang slingshots in! Only for the back to give out! Sam reels Wolfgang in, but Wolfgang fights the suplex! Sam HALF HATCH SUPLEXES Wolfgang into the corner! Cover, TWO! Wolfgang survives and the fans fire up again! Sam drags Wolfgang up, RAMS him into the corner, and RAMS him again and again! The ref counts, Sam stops at 4, then he hoists Wolfgang up top. Sam ROCKS Wolfgang, then climbs up. But Wolfgang fights the suplex!

The fans rally as Wolfgang fires body shots in return! Wolfgang CLAWS Sam’s face, then HEADBUTTS him down! Sam flops into the drop zone, and Wolfgang hits the HOWLING SWANTON! Cover, Wolfgang wins!

Winner: Wolfgang, by pinfall

It’s Gallus Boys On Top because they know how to grit through the pain! “Hard Way” Holloway found out the hard way, but is this enough for Wolfgang to impress Stevie Turner? The Iron King also wants to remind everyone that he knocked out Mr. Oasis. Send anyone that wants a scrap, they’ll be ready for it! Will Evolve soon be Gallus’ Kingdom?

Aria Bennett talks with Layla Diggs backstage.

Aria asks Layla what’s up, and Layla says she needs some help from the coaches. She cannot lose on Evolve like she did last week. Aria agrees, she did not like the way her match with Wendy went. Layla says this is the place that catapults their careers into the spotlight. Aria says catapult, slingshot, springboard, c’mon now. But Aria figures they can turn this around, they pool their resources, and then get in the ring together. Layla is feeling it, and they head into the gym together. Will they become a dynamic duo here tonight? Or will they take another loss, this time to Haze Jameson and the debuting Kalyx?

Kendal Grey VS Zara Zakher!

With Carlee Bright cheering her on from the VIP Lounge, the grittier Grey is taking on the Petite Powerhouse. Zara’s been helping Kylie Rae watch out for Wendy Choo, but will she be able to focus on this match? Or will Kendal keep up her own momentum and really impress Stevie Turner?

The bell rings and the fans rally. The two tie up, Kendal waistlocks and SLAMS Zara down. Kendal holds on, but Zara switches. Kendal switches back, but Zara stands up to pry at the hold. Kendal facelocks, but Zara wrenches out to facelock. Kendal grabs a leg, rolls Zara up, ONE! Zara and Kendal DOUBLE DROPKICK, those cancel out, and so they double kip up! The fans fire up while the two circle. Kendal shoots in and waistlocks, half nelsons, then spins Zara to a wristlock. Zara fights up, rolls, kips up, and then wrenches to wristlock. Kendal rolls, rolls and handsprings, then wrenches. Zara wrenches, whips, but Kendal blocks the hip toss to fireman’s carry takeover!

The fans cheer this technical display as Kendal has Zara down with an armlock. Zara endures, fights around, but Kendal grinds the arm. Zara fights up, powers Kendal to ropes then arm-drags free. And arm-drags again! And again! Zara has the armlock now and the fans cheer. The fans rally as Kendal endures, fights up, and powers Zara to the ropes. Kendal whips Zara, drops down, then DROPKICKS! Zara scrambles to a corner, Kendal storms up to CHOP! The fans fire up as Zara CHOPS back! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Zara whips, handsprings, and ELBOWS Kendal in the corner! Then snapmare to a basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!

Zara clamps onto Kendal with a facelock. The fans rally and Carlee cheers Kendal on. Kendal fights up, wrenches free, and serves up SOLE FOOD! Zara falls over, Kendal hurries after her, and Kendal drags Zara up. Kendal hammerlocks and RAMS Zara’s arm into the corner! Kendal drags Zara up to hammerlock and RAM her into buckles again! Kendal then reels Zara in for a snap suplex! Float over to the cover, TWO! Zara is still in this, but Kendal drags her around by the bad arm. Kendal goes to suplex but Zara blocks! Zara wrenches, but now Kendal fights the suplex! Kendal wrenches and YANKS the bad arm!

Kendal hauls Zara up, reels her in, but Zara suplexes first! The fans rally while both women rise. Zara fires forearm after forearm, then whips. Kendal reverses but Zara CLOBBERS her! And LARIATS! Zara then ducks a shot to ROCK Kendal! Kendal goes to a corner, Zara runs in, UPPERCUT! Zara whips Kendal, but Kendal KICKS her! Kendal runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, ONE!! Kendal gets away to the apron but Zara storms after her. Kendal RAMS into Zara, SLINGSHOT SUNSET, but Zara sits on it! TWO, and Kendal finishes the sunset, TWO! Zara avoids a boot to ENZIGIRI! Zara drags Kendal to a drop zone, and she goes up top!

Zara takes aim, for the FROG- NO, she has to roll through as Kendal moves! Kendal BOOTS Zara in the face! Kendal then runs back up to ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! Zara TAPS, Kendal wins!

Winner: Kendal Grey, by submission

From the first win on Evolve to this big win here tonight, Kendal is kicking things up a notch! Kylie Rae walks out to encourage Zara, but then they both spot a teddy bear sitting in one of the corners…! When did Wendy sneak that bear there? And why is she obsessed with Kylie?

Drako Knox pops in on commentary.

Pete Rosenberg asks how he is, and Knox says he’s doing great. But he does have something to say and they’re gonna let him say it. Robert Stone says go ahead. Knox says last week was the biggest opportunity of his life. A chance to make a name for himself. A chance to change his life. That opportunity came as he teamed with Tate Wilder against Tyson & Tyriek. When Knox gets in that ring, he feels alive. He feels a hunger he hasn’t felt since his college gridiron days. When he connects fist to face, that’s a good feeling! Now, he knows the results didn’t show what he wanted, but he can handle that. He can learn and grow from it.

What he can’t handle is that big, no-name goof just sitting in the VIP Section, thinking he can show them up! Tate’s out with injury, so Knox is here for himself. If anybody thinks they can show him up, he’ll handle that. Whoever that was, whatever their name is, let’s handle it in the ring! Is Knox calling out the bouncer? We also see Swipe Right & Zayda Steel scooting into said VIP Section. Will Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes be adding on more trolling as Knox just simply tries to make a way?

There are even more VIPs!

As WWE Evolve returns from break, Ice Williams joins Swipe Right in watching the action from the posh couch behind the velvet ropes. But does he really vibe with Swipe Right? Or is it just the fact there’s limited seating?

Layla Diggs & Aria Bennett VS Haze Jameson & Kalyx!

We saw how Layla & Aria decided to become gym partners, and now they’ll try out being tag partners. They already gel together, but can they win together? Or will the Wild Child find a way to make it work with her mysterious masked partner?

The teams sort out and Kalyx starts against Layla. They tie up, Kalyx waistlocks but Layla switches and shoves Kalyx to the corner. Haze offers a tag, Kalyx refuses and storms up on Layla. Layla drop toeholds, but Kalyx stays up! Kalyx drags Layla up by her hair, whips her to ropes, and then hip tosses, but Layla arm-drags through! And DROPKICKS! Tag to Aria, and she gets a boost from Layla for the MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Aria keeps on Kalyx with an armlock, but Kalyx fights up. Kalyx pulls on the tights to put Aria on the ropes! Kalyx ROCKS Aria, tags Haze, and then whips to ELBOW Aria down! Haze hurries to Oklahoma Roll, TWO!

Haze clamps onto an arm, but Aria rolls, kips up, and arm-drags! Haze comes back, into another arm-drag! Aria fires up and arm-drags again, but Haze slips through to headlock! Haze thrashes Aria but Aria fights up. Aria fires body shots but Haze CLUBS her down. Haze swings on Layla but Layla gets away. Haze hurries to tag Kalyx, then she brings Aria around. Haze snapmares Aria for Kalyx’s BASEMENT SHOULDER TACKLE! Cover, TWO! Aria survives but Kalyx looms over her. Haze takes a drink break? Kalyx is upset with Haze but Haze says Kalyx has got this. Except Aria crawls, and hot tags to Layla!

The fans fire up as Layla dodges Kalyx, kicks low, then reels Kalyx in! Suplex for the SIT-OUT GOURD BUSTER! #DiggitySplits! Cover, Diggs & Bennett win!

Winners: Layla Diggs & Aria Bennett, by pinfall

Haze can’t believe it, but she’s the one who dropped the ball here. She’s now 0-2 while Layla & Aria turn things around together. Kalyx is furious and she shoves Haze aside. Will James get out of her haze and focus on the ring?

Sean Legacy VS Timothy Thatcher!

When Ava mentioned Stevie got a former Evolve Champion to return, surely the WWE Universe was not expecting THE longest reigning Evolve Champion, the most dominant and fearsome champion, The Professor of Pain! Thatcher isn’t here for popularity contests, he’s here to win! Will “Super Sean” survive what Thatcher is about to put him through?

The big fight introductions are given as Thatcher stares daggers into Sean. The bell rings and Sean DROPKICKS Thatcher right away! And PENALTY KICKS! And STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up for this fast start, and Sean hurries after Thatcher, only for Thatcher to trip him up! Thatcher rains down fists and forearms, then KNEES him in the back! Thatcher KICKS Sean in the back and Sean writhes. Thatcher stands Sean up, UPPERCUTS, then whips. Sean redirects on a dime and dropkicks a leg out! Then he DOUBLE STOMPS and basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally as Thatcher goes to ropes. Sean storms up, whips, but Thatcher reverses. Sean ELBOWS back, then he TOSSES Thatcher out! Thatcher hurries up onto the apron, Sean goes after him, but Thatcher fights the suplex. Thatcher ROCKS Sean, but Sean slips under to YANK Thatcher down! Sean slides in, builds speed, and DIVES! Down goes Thatcher and the fans fire up! Sean checks his jaw while Evolve goes to break.

Evolve returns and Sean has Thatcher in a corner. Thatcher UPPERCUTS Sean away, then goes to another corner. But Sean storms up to CHOP! Sean ROCKS Thatcher, Thatcher BODY BLOWS Sean! Thatcher CLUBS Sean down, then TOSSES him to the apron. Thatcher storms up, Sean ROCKS him, then Sean springboards, only for Thatcher to swat the missile dropkick! Thatcher drags Sean up for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Thatcher clamps onto Sean’s legs, ties them up, and then fishhook’s Sean’s face! The ref counts, Thatcher pulls Sean into a BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Sean endures, pries at the grip, but Thatcher makes it a cover, TWO!

Sean is free but Thatcher hurries to hammerlock. Thatcher puts Sean on the ropes, fires a BODY BLOW, then another BODY BLOW! The fans are torn as Thatcher brings Sean around and snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Thatcher keeps Sean down with a wristlock, but also a knee in Sean’s face! Sean fights but Thatcher bends the fingers! Thatcher JAMS the fingers into the mat! The fans rally as Sean goes to the ropes. Thatcher drags Sean from the ropes, grabs the bad hand again, and he stands Sean up. Thatcher CLUBS Sean, CLUBS him again, then UPPERCUTS! Sean staggers to ropes, but Thatcher is on him.

Sean fires haymakers and forearms! The fans fire up as Sean fires off, then CHOPS in the corner! Thatcher ELBOWS Sean back, clinches, and then rebounds off ropes for the BELLY2BELLY! Cover, TWO! Sean stays in this but Thatcher stays on him with a chinlock. Sean endures, Swipe Right mockingly coach him, but the fans rally up. Sean pries at the hold, but Thatcher grinds and twists Sean around! Sean endures, the fans rally, but Thatcher shifts around to get a cover, TWO! Thatcher KNEES Sean right in the back! Thatcher continues to torture Sean with a straitjacket stretch! Sean endures, the fans rally up, but Thatcher pulls on the arm!

Sean fights up, but Thatcher spins him around into a facelock GUILLOTINE! Sean goes to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Sean DUMPS Thatcher out! The fans fire up as Thatcher rises. Sean runs up to ROCK Thatcher, but Thatcher ROCKS Sean! They go back and forth, then Thatcher DECKS Sean. But Thatcher falls off the apron! Thatcher flounders back up, gets to the ropes, but Sean is on him! Sean suplexes Thatcher up and in! The fans fire up as Sean rises, and he runs up to rally with FOREARM after FOREARM! The fans rally for “LEGACY! LEGACY!” as he kicks, KICKS, and SNAP BACK SUPLEXES!

Sean hurries to the apron, he takes aim as Thatcher rises, and Sean springboards, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Thatcher survives and the fans fire up! Sean thinks on what he has to do, but this is the longest-reigning Evolve Champion ever. Thatcher rises, Sean torture racks, but Thatcher headlocks! Thatcher then slips around to UPPERCUT Sean in the back! Thatcher runs in, Sean goes up and over to GAMANGIRI! Thatcher staggers, Sean torture racks again! SHAMBLES!! Cover, SEAN WINS!

Winner: Sean Legacy, by pinfall

Even Swipe Right have to admit, that was an impressive win. Sean gets another big win in Evolve’s main event, and perhaps bigger than that, he just won Thatcher’s respect! Will Sean’s legacy include becoming the new face of Evolve? Wait, Swipe Right hops the railing to bark at Sean more. They go to the ring, but Sean has back-up! Cappuccino Jones & Jack Cartwheel back up Sean! Ice Williams figures he might as well get in on this. Ice steps into the ring, this is a good 3v3, until Ice says nah, 4v2! Ice likes Sean’s vibe better than Swipe Right’s, so Swipe Right bails! Will Baylor & Smokes show them what happens when you don’t swipe right?

My Thoughts:

Another very good episode for Evolve, and I’m a little surprised they decided to have a new authority figure. I’m not sure if this is too soon or not soon enough, but it is still a great move for it to be Stevie Turner given everything she’s done character wise. Great opening match from Holloway VS Wolfgang, and very good win for Wolfgang. While we haven’t even gotten WWE Evolve singles champions, they obviously have plenty of great choices for tag champions, too, with Gallus hanging around and Swipe Right doing stuff. Kendal & Carlee might have their break-up because of what titles are available, so Kendal gets a strong win off Zara to make her case. And good bit with that teddy bear “mysteriously appearing” to keep Wendy on our minds.

Layla & Aria had a great tag team debut, they have the athleticism and in-ring charisma that can make them future women’s tag team champs. “Kalyx” is certainly a mystery. There was talk when that name was registered that it was for referee Jessica Carr as she starts on her own wrestling journey. If that is Carr, she did a good job playing a menacing Heel, even in losing because of Haze’s story that she’s still too party girl and not serious enough yet. Not sure “Kalyx” is the best name, though, it’s literally one letter off from Sol Ruca’s legal name. Why not add to the mystery and give her a much more mysterious name? “Lady X” comes to mind, even if it’s a bit cheesier.

Very good promo from Knox, and a shame if Tate Wilder really did end up injured, as fans already took quite a liking to “Cowboy Tate.” But Knox also calling out the bouncer and/or Swipe Right is good stuff, too. Swipe Right love hanging out in the VIP Section but I feel like they need to be less college preppy and more red carpet and suits. And good move from Ice Williams turning on them to be a Face. Legacy VS Thatcher was a great main event, great to see Thatcher back in the WWE and I hope Thatcher goes right to NXT to start where he left off. Cappuccino Jones & Jack Cartwheel sticking together is good stuff, too, I wonder if they become an official tag team.

My Score: 8.7/10

Will Big Body Javi have his breakthrough?

The Consigliere had a sit-down with Javier Bernal, and wants to see if Big Body Javi can Evolve into someone that can back up his words with actions.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Brinley Reece VS Masyn Holiday; Brin wins.
• The Coffey Brothers VS Jordan Oasis & Sam Holloway; The Coffey Brothers win.
• Chantel Monroe VS Layla Diggs; Chantel wins.
• Kali Armstrong VS Haze Jameson; Kali wins.
• Drako Knox & Tate Wilder VS Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe; Dupont & Igwe win.
• Luca Crusifino VS Javier Bernal; Luca wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Brinley Reece VS Masyn Holiday!

While #Brinergy is still at maximum, she wants us to understand there is so much more to her than meets the eye. Will Brin win and truly Evolve? Or will she have to take time off after this Holiday?

The bell rings and the two circle. Brin and Masyn tie up, Masyn powers Brin back, but Brin powers Masyn back to ropes. The ref counts, Brin lets go, but Masyn wrenches her back. Brin rolls, but Masyn throws her down! Masyn steps over, cranks the arm, but Brin endures. The fans rally and duel as Brin fights around. Brin stands, rolls, handsprings, and wrenches to WRING Masyn out! The fans fire up, Brin dodges Masyn to headlock, wrench then YANK the arm! And YANK! And YANK! Masyn whips Brin away, but Brin runs Masyn over! Things keep moving, Brin handsprings over Masyn to arm-drag her away!

Masyn goes to a corner, Brin runs up to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Brin drags Masyn up, but Masyn fireman’s carries! But Brin slips free, shoves Masyn, but Masyn blocks the hip toss to THROW Brin away! Masyn stomps away on Brin, then drags her up to KNEE her low! Masyn stomps Brin, digs her boot in, then whips Brin to the corner. Brin bounces off buckles, Masyn scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Masyn is frustrated but she clamps on a body scissors squeeze. Brin endures, reaches out, and the fans rally up. Brin pushes back to a cover, TWO! Masyn lets Brin free, Brin SPLASHES for a cover, TWO!

Brin ELBOWS Masyn away, then dodges a lariat! Brin CLOBBERS Masyn! And CLOBBERS her again! Brin scoops and SLAMS Masyn, then runs to HANDSPRING LARIAT! The fans fire up and Brin says she should’ve been the headliner! Brin fireman’s carries Masyn for a REECES PIECES! Cover, Brie wins!

Winner: Brinley Reece, by pinfall

A great fight leads to sweet victory for Brinley, and there is definitely strength to go with that energy! Chuey Martinez is there at ringside to congratulate Brin. He says what up, she says what up! Congrats on the first win in Evolve! How is she feeling? She’s feeling great! That is the Brin Active Mindset! Sure thing, but before she goes, what did she mean there, shouting about, “It should’ve been me.” Well, Brin doesn’t really remember saying that, but the match speaks for itself. Brin flexes and kisses the bicep, but is her ego saying one thing while her heart says another?

Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont are in the VIP Section.

Pete Rosenberg checks in with Ty & Ty and asks how they’re liking Evolve. Oh, Pete thought they were just going to sit around and watch everyone else get their shot? They were taught by Wes Lee that there’s no glory in sitting around and waiting their turn. They’re going to take what is theirs! They’re chasing checks and championships! That’s not a mantra, that’s a way of life! Someone better step up and catch a beat down, because you don’t want them to come looking. Pete thanks them for their time, will Ty & Ty make this their time?

The Coffey Brothers VS Jordan Oasis & Sam Holloway!

Joe & Mark see Ty & Ty watching and dare Ty & Ty to leave the VIP Section and get that fight they want. Security keeps that from happening, so Joe & Mark will just have to settle for the “fresh meat” here in Evolve. Will Gallus make every level their Kingdom?

Evolve returns from break and we learn about The Global Nomad’s journey, having been trained by Rikishi, and about “Hard Way” Holloway turning being bullied into being a bully. Will these two mismatched partners find a way to make it work? The teams sort out and Sam insists on starting. He and Joe circle, feel things out, and tie up. They’re in a deadlock, then break, then they tie up again. Sam headlocks but Joe fires body shots. Joe powers up and out, Sam RAMS Joe, but Joe says he’s still standing! Sam fires a forearm, Joe fires back, so Sam CHOPS! Joe fires another forearm, Sam fires back, and the shots keep going!

Joe bobs ‘n’ weaves, HEADBUTTS then wrenches an arm. Tag to Markus and he CLUBS an arm! Mark wrenches, RAMS Sam, then wrenches again. Mark RAMS Sam, dodges a lariat to UPPERCUT, and then wrenches. Sam fires a HAYMAKER, then a BOOT! Sam tags Jordan and tells him to get after Mark. Jordan steps up but Mark arm-drags! Jordan turns that right into a headlock, but Mark fights up and powers out. They RAM each other, Mark headlocks, but Jordan powers up. Mark holds on tight, Jordan fights out the second time, and he FLYING FOREARMS! Mark fires up, he and Jordan start firing forearms of their own!

The fans fire up as the shots keep going! Jordan ROCKS Mark, but Mark likes it! Mark fires a flurry, then he whips. Sam sneaks a tag, Jordan reverses the whip, but Mark dodges Jordan, only for Sam to slingshot SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up but Jordan had no idea Sam tagged in! Sam stomps away on Mark, then he sucker punches Joe! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Mark fires hands! Sam ROCKS and KNEES and CLUBS Mark down! Sam snarls, stalks Mark, and he scoops Mark for a SLAM! Cover, TWO! Sam snarls but the fans rally up. Sam clamps onto Mark with a chinlock and he grinds Mark down.

Mark endures, fights up, and he JAWBREAKERS free! But Sam CLUBS Mark! Sam whips Mark to the corner, tags Jordan in, and he tells Jordan to get at it again. Jordan and Mark trade forearms like they did before, but Jordan keeps Mark from Joe. Mark switches, O’Conner Roll, TWO! Jordan puts Mark on the ropes, to then run and CANNONBALL! But then Sam tags back in! Jordan asks what Sam’s problem is, then shoves him! The fans cheer Jordan as he tags himself back in! Jordan and Sam argue, but then Mark runs up! Mark sends Jordan into Sam! Jordan bucks the O’Conner, but the GAMANGIRI hits!

The fans fire up as Mark stirs, then kips up! Hot tag to Joseph! The Iron King rallies on Jordan with forearms, then whips. Jordan reverses, but Joe CLOBBERS Jordan! Joe runs to CLOBBER Jordan again! Joe then ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING SHOULDER! Jordan goes to a corner, Joe runs up, but Jordan dodges! Joe ELBOWS Jordan away, goes up and up and CROSSBODIES! Cover, Sam breaks it! Mark gets in and he TOSSES Sam out, but then Sam drags Mark out! Sam POSTS Mark, but here comes Wolfgang! The third man of Gallus tells Sam to know his place, and Joe tells Wolfgang to calm it down.

Jordan storms up on Joe, Joe DECKS Jordan! The ref has Joe hold on, and he checks Jordan. Jordan is OUT! Gallus wins!!

Winners: The Coffey Brothers, by knockout

The Iron King has iron in those fists, and Sam couldn’t do anything to stop that knockout punch! Not that Sam cares, he leaves Jordan behind. Jack Cartwheel & Cappuccino Jones come out here to help Jordan to the back, will the Global Nomad do better with a better partner?

Chantel Monroe VS Layla Diggs!

Two more great athletes emerge as bright stars in the WWE Universe, but only one can shine with a win. Will The Debutante crown herself the showstopper? Or can Layla dig deep and bring out that inner confidence and strength?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Chantel powers Layla to a corner, then pats her on the head. The ref has her back off but Chantel runs back in, only for Layla to dodge and then hit a headlock takeover! The fans cheer, Chantel headscissors, but Layla kips free. Chantel knees low, headlocks, but Layla powers out. Chantel runs Layla over, fixes her hair, then things speed up. Layla stays low, then hurdles over, but Chantel throws her down! Chantel stomps away on Layla, then SLAMS Layla’s arm off the mat! Layla goes to ropes, Chantel whips, but Layla sunset flips! TWO, and both women hurry up!

Layla whips, Chantel reverses, but Layla handsprings up and out! Layla RAMS into Chantel, slingshots up an dover, and mocks the diva attitude before she LEG LARIATS! Layla then scoops and SPINNING POWERSLAMS, into a STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Layla and she whips Chantel to a corner. Layla runs in but Chantel dodges, and Chantel comes back to CHOP BLOCK a leg! Layla crawls to a corner, Chantel storms up and grabs that leg. Chantel puts the leg in the ropes, pulls on the leg, but the ref reprimands. Chantel stops, then ROCKS Layla before she JUMP STOMPS the leg!

Layla writhes and clutches the knee, but Chantel snarls as she storms up. Chantel pushes Layla down, then handspring KNEE DROPS! Cover, TWO! Layla stays in this but Chantel grabs a leg. Chantel turns Layla over, HALF CRAB! Layla endures, crawls forward, but Chantel drags her back! Layla rolls Chantel up, TWO! Chantel stands, into the LEG LARIAT! Layla powers through the pain and brings Chantel back up. But Chantel wrenches and ROCKS Layla! And dropkicks the leg out! Layla falls back to a corner, Chantel runs in, but Layla ELBOWS her away! Layla goes up the corner, but Chantel runs up again!

Chantel grabs the leg, Layla kicks her away, and then with one leg, FLYING SUNSET FLIP! But Chantel sits on the cover, AND WINS!

Winner: Chantel Monroe, by pinfall

The Debutante’s debut is a success! Her game plan of working over Layla’s legs brought her this victory, will this diva soon take over Evolve?

Kali Armstrong interrupts the show!

She takes Robert Stone’s headset to cut right into video packages! She is not waiting around anymore, she wants a fight! And she’ll take whatever match she wants! Why? Because she’s different! Will Kali strong arm her way into being the top woman of Evolve?

Kali Armstrong VS Haze Jameson!

The video package Kali interrupted was for none other than the wild child party girl, who simply wanted to share her inspirations in life and wrestling: Ke$ha and Dennis Rodman! But will Jameson leave Kali in a haze? Or will it be crystal clear that Armstrong will not be denied?

The bell rings and Haze welcomes Kali to the ring. But Kali RAMS Haze into a corner, rains down fists, then argues with the ref. Kali hauls Haze up to whip and scoop, POWERSLAM! The fans are torn but Kali is all fired up. Kali tells Haze this is just business, then she runs to CLOBBER her! The #KaliConnection! Cover, Kali wins!

Winner: Kali Armstrong, by pinfall

The powerhouse brings out that track ‘n’ field speed to run right through her competition! Kali says she stands on everything she says, and she said she is different! Straight like that! Will Kali make her way to the top and get herself some gold?

Pete Rosenberg is on stage.

He welcomes us back to Evolve, and notes that we have all been wondering the past seven days: What was on the note from Wendy Choo? At this point, Pete invites Kylie Rae out on stage. Smiley Kylie is here and the fans cheer! Pete wants to get right to it, and he asks Kylie herself: What’d the note say? Kylie understands everyone’s curiosity, but she wants to preface this with how she doesn’t really know Wendy Choo, and isn’t so sure she wants to now. Respectfully! Cuz she kinda scares Kylie. And honestly, there are a lot of other talented women Kylie wants to focus on, so she doesn’t have time for mind games. Kylie TOSSES the note and the teddy bear it came with!

But now WENDY is on the tron! Is she watching? Where is she watching from? Zara Zakher comes out to check on Kylie, and she spooks Kylie into almost swinging on her! Kylie calms down, apologizes, and they talk about how to handle this. Zara & Kylie get out of here, but there is still a big question on our minds: What does Wendy want with Kylie?

Drako Knox & Tate Wilder VS Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe!

Where Knox is from, the lottery is a way out of the same old cycle. So for Drako, this opportunity in the WWE is his lottery ticket. The difference is, he has a hand in his own destiny. As for the fifth generation rancher, he is no stranger to getting down and dirty. Both men are ready to throw down, can they cowboy up? Or will Ty & Ty leave these country boys lost on the Wes Side?

The teams sort out and Knox starts against Dupont. They tie up, Dupont powers Knox back to a corner, but lets off as the ref counts. The two tie up again, Knox puts Dupont in the corner, and he lets off as the ref counts. Dupont sucker punches him! Dupont headlocks, Knox powers up and out, but Dupont runs him over! Dupont scoops, Knox slips free and fires forearms! Knox headlocks, Dupont powers up and out, but Knox ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up, Knox headlocks Dupont and brings him over. Tag to Wilder, he and Knox double whip, then Knox drops down for Wilder to DROPKICK Dupont!

The fans fire up and Knox high-tens with Wilder. Igwe tags in, runs up on Wilder, but Wilder gets around to waistlock. Igwe throws Wilder off, but Wilder goes for a leg. Igwe CLUBS Wilder, SMASHES him with a knee, then fireman’s carries. Igwe DROPS Wilder, only for Wilder to land on his feet! Wilder shoves Igwe, dodges, and springboards to FLYING ARM-DRAG! Wilder runs up on Igwe but Igwe kicks low! Igwe scoops and aims, LAWN DART off the corner! Tag to Dupont, and Igwe feeds Wilder to an UPPERCUT! Wilder tumbles out, Dupont pursues, and Dupont talks trash. Wilder fires body shots but Dupont ROCKS him!

Dupont puts Wilder in, tags Igwe, and Ty & Ty mug Tate! Tate eggs them on!? Igwe CHOPS and kicks, then Dupont FULL NELSON SLAMS! Igwe covers, TWO! Wait, what’re Swipe Right doing walking out here? And they have Zayda Steel by their side? Zayda sneaks that note Kylie threw away into her pocket, is she interested in what Wendy Choo’s up to? Igwe drops a knee, Wilder goes to a corner, and Robert Stone tries to get any attention from Swipe Right as they and Zayda go to the VIP Section. Igwe whips Wilder corner to corner, runs up and UPPERCUTS! Igwe whips Wilder back the other way for another UPPERCUT!

Igwe swaggers, whips Wilder corner to corner, but Wilder goes up and over with a BIG backflip! Wilder stumbles, Igwe waistlocks, but Wilder switches to go to ropes! O’Conner Roll, TWO! But hot tag to Knox! The fans fire up as Knox dodges Igwe, ROCKS Dupton, then DECKS Igwe! Knox scoops and SLAMS Igwe, then runs to KNEE Dupont at the ropes! Knox runs, Igwe dodges, the knee hits buckles! Igwe calls his shot, and he BOOTS Knox down! Tag to Dupton, and they hit the HEART STOPPER PLEX!! Cover, Ty & Ty win!

Winners: Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe, by pinfall

A big win for the Wes Side, and they dust off their Timbs. Will Ty & Ty use those boots to stomp out everyone and head for titles?

As Wilder & Knox are on their way out, Swipe Right gets at them! There’s arguing and swiping, but the bouncer keeps things from getting out of hand. Oh hey, there’s a bouncer now. But will Smokes & Baylor get their chance to show off in that ring?

Oro Mensah is in the VIP Section.

Swipe Right has left, so The Main Man gets to hang out in celebration of his main event win last week.

Luca Crusifino VS Javier Bernal!

After the first-ever Evolve Faceoff, The Consigliere wants to see Big Body Javi finally grow up and live up to his potential. Javi is ready to prove he is ready, but will he fail to Evolve in this main event?

The bell rings, the two tie up, and Luca hits a headlock takeover. Javi headscissors, Luca kips free, but now Javi headlocks. Javi uses the corner for a tornado takeover! Luca headscissors, Javi kips free, and the two reset. Javi offers a handshake, Luca accepts, and the two go again. They tie up, Luca wrenches and wristlocks, but Javi rolls. Luca wrangles Javi, steps over to LA MAGISTROL, TWO! Javi goes for an arm but Luca wrenches through. Javi whips, Luca reverses, but Javi grabs ropes. Luca runs up, but Javi DUMPS him to the apron! Javi runs up, but Luca slingshots to SHOULDER TACKLE!

The fans cheer Luca while Javi goes to a corner. Luca runs up, LARIATS, and then he whips Javi back into the corner. Javi goes up, FLYING ARM-DRAGS, then gets moving! Javi ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Luca tumbles out, the fans cheer Javi, and Javi builds speed, to WRECK Luca with a dropkick! Javi drags Luca up, puts him in the ring, but Luca slips right back out to APRON BACK SUPLEX! Javi writhes, Luca CLUBS Javi in the chest, and then Luca RAMS Javi into the apron! The ring count climbs, but Luca refreshes it so he can put Javi back on the apron. GUILLOTINE LEG DROP!

The fans rally while Javi sputters. Luca storms up to STOMP Javi right on the leg! Javi clutches his knee, Luca stomps him more, and the Legal Eagle knows how to pick apart an opponent. Luca whips Javi corner to corner hard, and then whips him back the other way. But Javi dodges to roll Luca! TWO, and Luca DROPKCIKS Javi down! Cover, TWO! Javi shows that toughness, but Luca clamps on with a facelock. The fans rally, Javi fights up, and he BACKDROPS free! Both men are down again and the fans fire up! Luca rises, he is after Javi, but Javi fires forearms! Luca fires back, but Javi fires a flurry!

Javi whips, Luca reverses, but Javi CLOBBERS Luca! And CLOBBERS him again! And BOOTS, to a SNAP GERMAN! Luca flounders around, Javi goes up, up, and FLYING DDT! Cover, TWO! Luca shows his own toughness and Javi is beside himself! Javi rises, runs and goes up, up, and- CODE BREAKER COUNTER! Javi staggers, Luca roars, and then Luca scoops! CASE CLOSED!! Cover, Luca wins!

Winner: Luca Crusifino, by pinfall

Big Body Javi put up a fight, but Luca’s fisherman brainbuster gets the job done. Will the D’Angelo Family soon be running Evolve on top of NXT? What will it take for Javi to finally break through to that next level? Luca says that anyone who thinks they can handle The Consigliere should come out here and say something. So KEANU CARVER walks out here! But then, so does Harlem Lewis! The big titans argued with each other last week, Luca welcomes them both, but Evolve has to wrap for the week. Who will really be the alpha male of the purple ‘n’ black?

My Thoughts:

Another really good episode for Evolve, and I appreciate they’re getting some strong stories going already. This thing with Wendy Choo and Kylie Rae is fun, and if Zara is helping watch Kylie’s back, I wonder if someone joins Wendy’s side. As Brin teased last week, she’s trying out this new side to her personality where she has attitude and even some selfishness, it’ll be interesting to see where that goes. Good character work already from quite a few of the new people, such as Sam Holloway and Jordan Oasis having that dysfunction. That helped give Gallus a win that was a bit better than just a squash, and I think Cartwheel & Cappuccino are next.

Good debut for both Chantel and Layla, and I like that even as early as episode three, someone is interrupting how the show is supposed to go. Kali getting that win off Haze was good stuff. Good promo from Ty & Ty before a good win over Knox & Wilder. And very good main event from Luca and Javi, though rather short in some respects. Luca being confronted by Keanu and Harlem is some good stuff. Feels like Luca is making a case (no pun intended) for himself being in the eventual WWE Evolve Championship scene.

My Score: 8.7/10