The Prime Minister of Evolve has calls a town hall!

Stevie Turner wanted to say something last week on Evolve, but now she’ll have the proper time to tell us all what she has planned for the future!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Wendy Choo VS Summer Sorrell; Wendy wins.
• Jackson Drake w/ The Vanity Project VS Drako Knox; Drake wins.
• Nikkita Lyons VS Kendal Grey; Lyons wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Stevie Turner is in the ring.

With the entire Evolve roster at ringside, the Evolve “Prime Minister” stands behind a table with two items under purple velvet. Stevie welcomes us to the show, and says they are going to kick the night off with her monumental announcement that’ll change the landscape of Evolve forever. “For over two months, on Tubi and YouTube, these men and women have been fighting to showcase their skill in the hopes that one day, they will make it to NXT!” The fans cheer that! “Now in addition to those big NXT dreams, the women of Evolve will be fighting to become… the Evolve Women’s Champion” REVEAL of the belt and its white strap!

The fans cheer and Stevie continues. “In just three weeks, the Evolve Women’s Champion will be determined in a Fatal 4 Way Elimination Match. When I became Evolve Prime Minister, I asked all of these competitors to step up and impress me. And impress me they have! But three women in particular have really stood out to me. And those women are… Kali Armstrong! Kendal Grey! And Wendy Choo!” The fans cheer each name as they get fired up ringside. Stevie promises that even if she didn’t say their name, all the other women of Evolve still have a chance. There’s one spot open in that Fatal 4 Way, and it’s time to step up and take it!

Stevie then says, “And now for the men.” REVEAL of the THE Evolve Championship and its black strap! The men’s champion will be crowned in four week’s time. The men in that Fatal 4 Way Elimination Match will be… Sean Legacy! Keanu Carver gets upset that he wasn’t named first, and then It’s Gal gets mad. Only for Harlem Lewis to YANK the guy off the apron and storm into the ring, same as Keanu! These two titans want their spot, and Stevie tells them to calm down. But Vanity Project jumps in! Keanu & Harlem easily toss Jackson Drake & Swipe Right out, but then here comes Gallus! Now a real brawl is on!

The fans fire up as Harlem & Keanu take on Wolfgang, Markus & Joseph 3v2! Stevie wants this to stop, but it spills out of the ring! Refs rush out and the other Evolve stars help out, this brawl moves on to the back! Kali and Kendal then get in the ring to admire the Evolve Women’s Championship, only to then push each other! They brawl now, and the other ladies of Evolve hurry to stop this! Kali CHOP BLOCKS Kendal!! The fans boo that cheap shot, Stevie reprimands Kali, and now Kendal has to prepare for a match with a bad leg! Will she be easy pickings for #BigKatKita, Nikkita Lyons?

Backstage interview with Summer Sorrell.

Chuey Martinez is with the debuting star, and asks her how she feels drawing Wendy Choo as her first opponent here. Summer admits, she’s very nervous. This is the biggest dream come true, but facing Wendy right out the gate is a nightmare. Make no mistake, Summer is scared. But she uses fear as fuel to push and motivate her. When she gets in there, she’ll heat things up. It’s Summer Time, and these Summer nights will get you ready for a fight! Will Summer have a bright future? Or will Wendy make it a very dark one?

Nikkita Lyons meets with Stevie Turner in her office.

Lyons asks who Kendal thinks she is clapping back like that on socials. That is crazy! Stevie says yes, she’s seen the posts, and- Lyons says if Kendal thinks she can hang with “Nikkita Multimedia,” then Lyons is ready to pounce. Stevie says Kendal has been on a roll here in Evolve, which is why Lyons and Kendal are in the main event. Zayda Steel walks in, makes nice with Lyons, and says Lyons will handle Kendal just like her boy, Jackson Drake, will handle that… uh, Drako Knox! Stevie, that town hall meeting, that fourth spot in the Fatal 4 to crown THE Evolve Women’s Champion? Look no further! Just put Zayda right in!

Stevie says Zayda can’t just talk her way into the match. Uh, but she’s the Real Deal! They all know that! And Vanity Project runs Evolve. So let’s be real, when you think of Evolve, you think of Real Deal Zayda Steel! Stevie says no, Zayda still has to earn her way into it. Lyons says hold on, though. She sees Zayda has heart and guts. Maybe Big Kat Kita and the Vanity Project can collab. Zayda loves that. They head out together and Stevie asks for her minute back. Will the Real Deal understand she has to prove herself worthy instead of just thinking she’s worthy?

Wendy Choo VS Summer Sorrell!

The sleepy psycho made Kylie Rae take another Dirt Nap, and now she’s headed into the Women’s Evolve Championship match. But will the “Gatekeeper of Evolve” put Summer to sleep? Or will Summer turn up the heat and keep Wendy up all night?

The bell rings and the fans rally. Wendy and Summer step up, and then Summer cartwheels to dodge! Wendy isn’t amused and she runs up on Summer. Summer gest around to waistlock, but Wendy elbows free! Wendy Alabama Lifts, Summer sunset flips, TWO! Summer headlocks, Wendy powers up and out, and the two RAM shoulders! Wendy wags her finger, but Summer runs. Wendy follows to run Summer over! Wendy smiles, runs, but Summer drops down, hurdles over, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Wendy RAMS Summer into a corner! Wendy RAMS her again and again but the ref counts.

Wendy backs off, then UPPERCUTS Summer! Wendy snapmares Summer, then hits a NECK TWIST! Summer writhes and flounders away, but Wendy grins. Wendy creeps up and creeps Summer out! Summer goes up and over, but Wendy ELBOWS her down! Wendy drags Summer up, and THROWS her across the wing! Wendy storms up in the corner, ROCKS Summer, then runs up. Summer BOOTS Wendy, goes up, and FLYING SUNSET FLIPS! But Wendy rolls through to BOOT Summer in the face! Wendy drags Summer up, hammerlocks, and PEPSI TWISTS! Wendy isn’t done, time for a DIRT NAP!! Summer TAPS, Wendy wins!

Winner: Wendy Choo, by submission

Still undefeated, still unnerving, and still unkind! But before Wendy can doodle on Summer’s face, here comes Kylie! Kylie runs in and fires off hands! But Wendy slips around, DIRT- NO, Kylie snapmares free! SUPERKICK! Wendy runs for it now! The Kylie RAGE is burning, will she give Wendy a wakeup call?

A car pulls up.

It parks, and out steps… Lexis King! The Drama King is here, but what business could he have with Evolve?

Lexis King heads to the ring!

The fans cheer as the former Heritage Cup Champion grabs a mic and says, “Ladies and gentlemen, The King has finally arrived in WWE Evolve. And I do say finally, because once upon a time, The King was just so eager to debut for Evolve. Back before I was such a big star, of course. Evolve was the place to be. Evolve is where everyone wanted to work, because Evolve is a portal to NXT. Alright, Evolve is a new place where new things are happening. Fresh faces are coming in, spotlights are being shined on new talent. And let’s face it, nobody knows more about spotlight than Lexis King.” The fans are bit torn there.

Lexis says he loves it, he lives for it, and he thrives in it. That’s why he’s here and now. He wants a taste of that spotlight! That’s why he is standing here a living, breathing superstar! The KING of NXT! “And to all the men and women in that locker room, let me just inform you that I’m the portal now. Nobody comes and goes from my NXT Kingdom without MY say.” But wait! Here comes Sean Legacy! The fans cheer as “Super Sean” has a mic to tell Lexis, “Welcome to Evolve! Now, I was gonna let you ramble on and on and on, because I just know you love hearing yourself speak. But there was one thing that didn’t sit right to me.

“You may be the King of NXT, but that doesn’t let you decide who’s a superstar and who isn’t; the WWE Universe does.” The fans cheer, but Lexis tells Sean and the fans to simmer down. Sean “thanks” Lexis for gracing us with his presence. But if Lexis thinks Sean’s gonna sit back there and let Lexis disrespect the men and women putting in all the hard work to make it to NXT… Oh, so is Sean the guy? He’s the big cheese around here? The locker room leader superhero? Tell him more! The fans cheer on “LEGACY! LEGACY!” but Lexis says okay, shut up. Sean says there’s nothing special, he’s just being himself. One fans says Sean can jump pretty high and Sean admits that’s true.

But Sean’s just some kid from Augusta, Georgia. He is someone that has been told countless times that he wouldn’t be standing in a WWE ring. He has paid his due, made the trips, done the sleepless nights and the 16 HOUR car drives for a $20 bill and a handshake. Hell, he’s still doing it cuz he loves this! He’ll be damned if someone like Lexis talks down to him when he’s busting his ass to get to NXT! When an NXT superstar comes out here and cuts down this place, a place that is giving Sean the opportunity of a lifetime, Sean will stand up for that one. Oh, he’ll stand up and defend everyone in the back?

Then Lexis dares him to stand up and defend something in this ring next week, against Lexis. It’ll be the biggest night of Sean’s life. Lexis offers a handshake, Sean takes it, and the fans cheer. Sean then tells Lexis, “That sounds super.” But then Lexis pulls Sean in close to tell him, “You have a long way to go to becoming a king.” Next week, Lexis and Legacy go 1v1, but will conquering Evolve be the King’s next crowning achievement?

Kendal Grey gets checked by medical.

She swears she’s okay, but Carlee Bright is very worried. How could Kali do that to Kendal? Doc, please say Kendal’s okay to compete. Kendal says she is, seriously! Nothing and no one is going to stop her. Carlee wants to have Kendal’s back but Kendal says no, she wants to do this alone. Kendal hobbles off and Carlee tells the ref that “her bestie” is tough. But will this bravado only get Kendal taken out of the Fatal 4 Way? Or can Kendal step into Lyons’ den and come out the conquering hero?

Keanu Carver is hunting Gallus!

He won’t let things just go down like that! Where them boys at? Stevie has him stop, and she says Gallus already left. Then he’ll just track them boys down! Harlem Lewis storms in, he wants Gallus, but Stevie repeats Gallus left. Harlem says Gallus are “big bad Irishmen when security’s around.” Harlem will go find them himself. Keanu says hold up, no he’s not. Keanu handles them first. Stevie has them stop arguing. They want a crack at Gallus, they’ll get one next week. But in a tag match. Harlem and Keanu don’t like that, but Stevie says if they want Gallus that bad, then they will. Stevie heads off, Keanu tells Harlem to stay in his lane but Harlem tells Keanu to mind his business.

We’re getting another “Can they or won’t they?” with the two alpha males of Evolve, but will it still be Gallus Boys on Top?

Jackson Drake w/ The Vanity Project VS Drako Knox!

Speaking of grudges, this one has been a long time coming. The Vanity Project mocked the Hard Knox & Cowboy Tate after they lost, and considering Tate is out with injury, that was just salt in the wound. Will Knox knock Drake down a peg? Or will the Carolina Reaper be too spicy for Knox to handle?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Knox puts Drake in a corner, but Drake turns things around. The ref counts, Drake lets off at 4, but Knox seethes. Drake talks trash, but Knox DECKS him! Knox then headlocks, grinds Drake down, but Drake fights up and out. Knox runs Drake over! The fans fire up as Knox headlocks again, but Drake powers up and out. Knox ducks ‘n’ dodges, Drake trips him up, and the fans boo. Drake runs in at the corner, but Knox dodges! Drake BOOTS Knox away, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! EXPLODER! The fans fire up for the #RedBone, and then Knox LARIATS in the corner!

Knox whips, Drake hurdles over, then he slips around to throw Knox down by his durag! The fans boo but Drake ELBOWS Knox down! Cover, TWO! The fans boo but Vanity Project hypes up their guy. Drake ROCKS Knox, CLUBS him, but the fans taunt him as “Jackson Jackass!” Drake clamps on with a chinlock but Knox endures. The fans rally but Drake pulls back on the hold. Knox fights around, the fans rally behind him, and Knox fires body shots! Knox arm-drags Drake away, then BACKDROPS him on the return! The fans fire up and Knox runs up to DECK Drake! And CLOBBER him! And then scoop and SLAM!

The fans fire up and Knox slips around Drake for a facelock. Drake wrenches out and whips, but Knox reverses and sends in the KITCHEN SINK KNEE! The fans fire up as Knox keeps moving, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Drake toughs it out but Knox gets mad now. Knox clamps onto Drake, but Drake fights the back suplex! Drake wrenches and clinches, FLATLINER! The fans boo but Drake goes to a corner. Drake runs up, but Knox trips him up! Knox runs, SLIDING- NO, Drake ducks it to hit a ghost pin, TWO! Drake kips up, ENZIGIRIS, and Vanity Project cheers! Drake runs, handsprings, but Knox catches him to the RED THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!

Drake flounders to the apron but Knox is on him! Knox stands Drake up, only for Drake to HOTSHOT! Drake rushes in, only for Knox to LARIAT him inside-out! Knox scoops again, but Drake pulls the ears! Drake CLUBS Knox, the ref reprimands, but Drake handsprings! LETHAL IN-JACKSON!! Drake aims from a corner, runs back in, UNALIVING!! Cover, Drake wins!

Winner: Jackson Drake, by pinfall

The fans may not like it, but at least Drake won without help from his friends. With three spots still open in the Men’s Evolve Championship Fatal 4 Way, will the Carolina Reaper look to spice things up?

Backstage interview with Javier Bernal.

Chuey is now with Big Body Javi, who per the shirt is feeling a bit more emo right now. But Chuey asks how he is and Javi says he’s good. But to address the elephant in the room, this new look. It is definitely a different look than we’re used to. But Javi was on the shelf for eight MONTHS. And every day, he wondered if he’d ever be able to do what he loves again. And as he was making his way back, he heard about Evolve and thought, “That is an excellent opportunity for me to hit the ground running.” So while he hit the ground running, he realized he isn’t “Big Body Javi” anymore. Then who is he now?

Javi says to really understand Javi, we have to see that maybe he was never really “Big Body Javi.” You ever been to metalcore concerts? Javi went, listened to the music, felt the energy of the crowd, even screamed out loud. For a moment, he thought he’d be judged. But then he heard everyone else scream back and all the anxiety just washed away. In that moment, Javi felt genuine. That version of Javi is what he’ll bring to Evolve. He finally feels comfortable in his own skin, and that’s a blessing. But then It’s Gal walks in and says, “Oh, boo hoo, what a cute story, right? Well too bad nobody cares!

“Nobody cares about this version of Javi or any version of Javi, for that matter. You should’ve been interviewing the Real-Life Action Figure, It’s Gal! It’s Gal, it’s Gal, it’s Gal!” Gal leaves laughing, and Javi says he just found his next opponent. Will Javi show he’s finally free by winning big? Or will Gal be laughing all the way to the bank?

Lexis King crosses paths with The Vanity Project.

Brad Baylor unironically says, “What up, King?” Ricky Smokes compliments the beard as “extra crispy,” and says ladies must love the King. Lexis says they are correct. And speaking of crispy, Swipe Right looked real crispy against Fraxiom. And Jackson did great tonight. Drake is honored to have a fan in The King. The Project was just talking about how great it’ll be watching King knock Legacy off his pedestal. Lexis thanks them for that, and Bryce says if he needs anything from them, just let them know. Zayda says he can even slide into the DMs. Say less, darling. Lexis will see them around. He heads out, will Vanity Project become the King’s court?

Nikkita Lyons VS Kendal Grey!

#BigKatKita is back on the prowl, looking to pounce on fresh meat before they evolve and are too much to handle. However, Kali Armstrong may have done all the hard work for her tonight, given she chopped Kendal out at the legs. Will #GrapplerGrey still be undefeated? Or will Stevie Turner have to rethink her plans for the Women’s Evolve Championship?

The big fight introductions are given, and Lyons shows off that she can still use both legs. The bell rings and the two circle. Lyons KICKS and Kendal is already hobbling! Lyons KICKS again, but then Kendal ducks the spin kick! Kendal goes for a leg but Lyons picks her up! Kendal slips fere but the bad leg jams! Kendal still ELBOWS Lyons away, but then runs into a scoop! Kendal slips free, Lyons bucks the O’Conner, and Lyons CLOBBERS Kendal! Lyons bumps Kendal off buckles, CHOPS her, and then talks trash. Lyons swings again but Kendal dodges to CHOP! Kendal hobbles, whips, but Lyons reverses.

Kendal reverses, trips Lyons up, and basement DROPKICKS! Lyons bails out, Kendal hobbles again, and Kendal slides, only for Lyons to block! Lyons SLAMS the bad leg on the apron, spins Kendal around, and ROCKS her with a right! Lyons goes to the apron, does a standing splits into the #YamSlam on the apron! Kendal sputters and Lyons stalks her. Lyons drags Kendal from the ropes, turns her over, and SMASHES that bad leg on the mat! The fans boo and Kendal writhes, but Lyons puts her in a corner. Lyons wraps the bad leg around the ropes and pulls! The ref counts, Lyons stops, but then she ROCKS Kendal!

Lyons puts the leg back in the ropes, ROCKS Kendal again, and then STOMPS the leg down! The fans are torn while Kendal crawls away. Lyons clamps onto the leg and she works to turn Kendal! Kendal fights the turn, kicks from below, and Lyons staggers back. Lyons comes back with the HEEL KICK! Cover, TWO! Kendal stays in this but Lyons KICKS away on the bad leg, and YANKS it! Lyons drags Kendal up, has the bad leg, and SHIN BREAKERS! Kendal falls, Lyons puts the bad foot on the ropes, then HIP DROPS the knee! The fans are torn but Lyons twerks before she YANKS the bad leg again.

Lyons SMASHES the bad knee off the mat again, then looms over Kendal. Lyons stands Kendal up to SHIN- NO, Kendal sunset flips! TWO and Kendal kicks. Lyons blocks, ducks the enzigiri, and lifts the leg again! But Kendal uses that to stand up and ROCK Lyons with forearms and CHOPS! The fans fire up as Kendal DROP- NO, Lyons blocks the dropkick to CATAPULT Kendal, into the HALF CRAB! Lyons sits deep on the leg as she pulls way back! Kendal still endures, fights forward, and reaches out to the ROPEBREAK! Lyons lets go at 4 and looms over Kendal again. Lyons drags Kendal from the ropes, runs, but Kendal avoids the splash!

Kendal and Lyons rise, and Kendal fires body shots! Then SLAP, CHOP, and repeat! Lyons blocks a shot, KICKS low, then winds up, but into an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! Lyons clasps hands but Kendal pulls on the grip! Lyons stacks Kendal, deadlifts her, but Kendal lets go to KNEE low! Kendal hops on for a SLEEPER! The fans fire up as Lyons flails! Lyons RAMS Kendal into the corner, then runs up. Kendal KNEES Lyons, goes up, and FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES! Kendal has to crawl to the cover, TWO! Lyons survives, Kendal hobbles up, but she ducks Lyons’ roundhouse! Kendal goes up the corner, but her leg gives out!

Kendal falls into the drop zone, Lyons says she’s an idiot. Lyons steps on Kendal, goes up and up, VADER BOMB! Cover, Lyons wins!

Winner: Nikkita Lyons, by pinfall

Kendal may have had one good leg but she had a lot of heart. Even so, Lyons at 100% was too much, and now Lyons has her first win in Evolve! But then Kali rushes out here to pick the bones! She stomps the bad leg, drives it down with DDT after DDT, then she puts on a STRETCH MUFFLER!! The refs rush out here, Kali drops Kendal, and now Kendal’s spot in the Fatal 4 Way really is in jeopardy! Is this how the Ironwoman of Inglewood intends to inspire the next generation? By ending Kendal’s future before it can begin?

My Thoughts:

A great Evolve here, but rather bittersweet given some of the cuts that happened before this episode could air. It’s a real shame that Gallus was cut, I can’t really be sure why they never got to go very far. And instead of their tag match with Harlem & Keanu being this week, it’s next week, so I guess technically we can say they’re WWE superstars for a little longer. Javier being cut stings a bit more now as he was literally on the verge of a new persona. He had a good promo to help put “Emo Metalcore Javi” into perspective, and It’s Gal picking a fight with him was also good, but I guess Javi’s last match will be next week, too.

As such, I feel like there was awkward editing on who will be in the Men’s Evolve Championship Fatal 4 Way. Stevie only naming Sean Legacy seemed odd, but I suppose it still works that Keanu and Harlem would each take offense to not automatically being named. I would think after they beat Gallus, we get them named to the match and then we get something special for the fourth spot. The same should happen in the Women’s Evolve Championship Fatal 4 Way. Maybe a gauntlet to essentially give ranks 5 through 10 their chance at being in the match. We can get some great combinations through a match like that to really add something to the different Fatal 4 Ways.

Wendy of course beat poor Summer, but good move to have Kylie rush out there after her. Honestly, make Kylie the fourth contender via a gauntlet or whatever, she needs to settle things with Wendy while potentially going for the gold. Great match from Lyons and Kendal, but even if Kendal wasn’t “hurt” going into the match, I feel Lyons was going to win. I just don’t get what’s going on with Kali Armstrong now. Her interview gave us an idea of who she was as a person, how she wants to be a role model, but then she doubles down on being a Heel here. Just odd really.

Lyons being a new addition to Evolve is fine. It is just unfortunate that injuries slowed down her NXT run and now the title scenes have moved past her. Her and Zayda getting along is an interesting move, but I feel like the title will drive a wedge there. Lexis King showing up in Evolve is a huge surprise, I thought he was going to be moving up from the Heritage Cup to the North American Championship. Great promo between him and Legacy, and then King being friendly with Vanity Project is also interesting. Lexis VS Legacy will be a great match next week, maybe with Vanity Project getting involved, certainly interesting possibilities from here.

My Score: 8.6/10

Will this be pretty? Or gritty?

As Swipe Right leads WWE Evolve’s first faction, “Super” Sean Legacy & Timothy Thatcher stand against these vain villains! Which style will prevail?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Sean Legacy VS Jackson Drake w/ The Vanity Project; Legacy wins.
• Zara Zakher VS Aria Bennett w/ Layla Diggs; Zara wins.
• Carlee Bright w/ Kendal Grey VS KALYX; Carlee wins.
• Timothy Thatcher VS Bryce Donovan; Bryce wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Stevie Turner is on stage.

The Evolve General Manager- Er, uh, Prime Minister is here to welcome us to tonight’s show, she is so excited for the night we have ahead. And to make things even more exciting, she is on the verge of finalizing a huge announcement. But then Zayda Steel frolics on out here to snatch the mic! And following right behind are Swipe Right, Jackson Drake & Bryce Donovan. As the tron shows, they are officially now The Vanity Project. Bryce is the only one not dancing like a goof to the music, and Drako Knox is in the VIP Lounge wondering what this is all about. The Vanity Project take the ring and Stevie is just as confused.

Brad Baylor takes the mic to say, “Please, please, please just do me a favor. Take a good long look at the five future superstars in this ring right now.” The fans boo and chant, “You Suck! You Suck!” Zayda says no, you suck! Brad says just look at who is here. There’s the Real Deal, Zayda Steel. The fans now chant, “Swipe Left! Swipe Left!” Brad says that’s kinda funny, cuz he’s pretty sure their girlfriends swiped right on them. Zayda laughs obnoxiously at the crowd, and Brad points out Zayda. But that thought going through your heads right now? The answer is NO, you can’t have her. The fans chant, “We Don’t Want Her!”

Brad moves on and points out “his guy,” Jackson Drake, The Carolina Reaper! #HeartbreakDrake! And just for the record, if you go to any frat party in North Carolina, he’s also known as the Wild Card. Stevie continues to not be amused. Then Brad says don’t forget Every Lady’s Dream Team, him and Ricky Smokes, aka Swipe Right! Fans chant “LEFT! LEFT! LEFT!” Brad says okay, okay, they have an issue with that? That’s fine, that’s cool. Because there’s still the big man, their heavy, Bryce Donovan! Please believe him when he tells you, no one wants to mess with Bryce. Commentary, social media, everyone here is already calling this group The Vanity Project.

That’s perfect! They’ll take it! Cuz yeah, that’s what they are. The fans continue to chant “Swipe Left! Swipe Left!” but Brad says they can go on and on, all he asks is that they just remember this moment. Remember it while they’re here, because The Vanity Project will take over Evolve! Stevie gets a new mic to say whoa, whoa, whoa. They don’t call the shots, SHE does. She is the PM of Evolve. But since Jackson Drake is already out here, he should have his match right now! Jackson is furious but here comes #SuperSean! It’s a revisit of the first Evolve main event, will Sean’s legacy grow as he gets another win?

Sean Legacy VS Jackson Drake w/ The Vanity Project!

The bell rings, the two tie up, and they go around. Sean wrenches, wristlocks, and then RAMS Jackson! And RAMS him again! Sean whips, Jackson reverses but Sean redirects and dropkicks the legs out! Then he DOUBLE STOMPS! And then DROPKICK again! The fans fire up while Jackson flounders around. Jackson goes to a corner, the fans chant, “That was Super!” Sean storms up, but Jackson ENZIGIRIS! Jackson then slips around to SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Sean is tougher than that but the Vanity Project coaches their guy. Jackson stands Sean up, back suplexes, but Sean lands out!

Jackson gloats because he doesn’t realize it! Sean runs up to PENALTY KICK in the back! Then a FRONT KICK! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Jackson bails out to the apron but Sean runs and KICKS him down! Then Sean builds feed and FLIES! Direct hit and he even lands on his feet! “Who do you think you are? I AM!” The fans fire up as Sean puts Jackson in. Zayda & Bryce reach inside to help Jackson, but it’s also a distraction so Swipe Right can go after Sean! Sean kicks Brad away, but Ricky TRIPS Sean up! The fans boo, but the ref senses something is suspicious! He tells The Vanity Project that they’re EJECTED!!

The fans fire up and Swipe Right acts like they did nothing wrong! But the fans and Knox sing, “Hey Hey Hey, Goodbye~!” Jackson is a bit worried now that he’s all alone, but Evolve goes to break.

Evolve returns and Jackson has Sean in a cravat neck wrench. Sean endures, the fans rally, and Sean fires body shots. Sean fires forearms, then CHOPS! Jackson kicks low, but Sean rebounds to fire forearms! Sean brings Jackson to a corner, but Jackson blocks the buckle bump! Jackson elbows Sean, then blocks a shot to ROUNDHOUSE! Sean goes to a corner, Jackson runs corner to corner, but Sean ELBOWS him away! Sean goes up to QUEBRADA, and then inverted suplex for the SAVING GRACE! The fans fire up and Sean rises up! The fans chant “LEGACY! LEGACY!” and he storms up on Jackson.

Jackson takes a swing but Sean counter punches! And counter punches! And then swats the lariat to whip! Jackson reverses but Sean CLOBBERS him! And CLOBBERS him again! SOBAT! FRONT KICK! BOOT! GERMAN SUPLEX! Jackson flounders and Sean goes to the apron. Sean rises up, springboards, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Jackson survives the onslaught but Sean stays focused. The fans rally again while Jackson goes to ropes. Sean storms up on Jackson, but Jackson fights the torture rack! Jackson throws down elbows, but Sean powers through! But Jackson grabs the ropes! Sean puts Jackson on the apron!

Sean runs up, Jackson ducks the punch to HOTSHOT! Then he GAMANGIRIS! Sean staggers around, Jackson runs and handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION! Cover, TWO!! Sean survives the “In-Jackson” and Jackson is furious! Jackson aims from a corner while the fans rally up. Jackson brings down the knee, then takes aim, but Sean dodges! Sean comes back but Jackson SUPERMAN PUNCHES! Sean HEADBUTTS! Jackson LARIATS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Jackson and Sean stir, sit up, and head for each other. They fire hands as they stand and the fans love it! Sean fires forearms and an ELBOW!

Jackson ducks the haymaker, Sean ducks the roundhouse, but Jackson WHEEL KICK RANAS! Jackson runs, UNALIVING!! But Sean tumbles right out of the ring! Jackson is furious but the ring count is climbing. The fans rally up, Sean rises, and Jackson builds speed! But Sean slides in, and catches Jackson to a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! Jackson survives again, but Sean hurries for the apron. The fans rally up as Sean drags himself up. Springboard, but he has to bail out as Jackson moves! Jackson dodges to ROCK, JAWBREAKER, KNEE, and KICK! Sean jumps the sweep to DROPKICK! Both men rise again, and Sean runs up!

Jackson dodges, Sean hits the buckles, and then Jackson POISON-RANAS!! Cover, TWO?!?! Jackson is losing his cool, but then he clamps on to CLAW at Sean’s bad eye! The ref reprimands, Knox and the fans protest, and Jackson lets go as the ref counts. Jackson storms up, but Sean KICKS Jackson away! And then SUPERKICKS! Jackson feints a right to KICK Sean! Handspring, and LETHAL- NO, Sean catches Jackson into the torture rack! SHAMBLES!! Cover, Sean wins!

Winner: Sean Legacy, by pinfall

The Carolina Reaper brought the heat, but Super Sean survives! Will nothing stop the Legacy from shining?

Kylie Rae speaks.

“Hi, Wendy Choo~! Ok, I just wanted to let you know, Wendy, that I am no stranger to darkness, okay? I have had to overcome every obstacle that life has thrown my way, in and out of the ring. Now I will admit that the darkness I felt under your blanket was a little… different. Different, ok? And I dunno who you are or what happened to you, but Wendy, I will not let that darkness consume me, ok? I know I can overcome you, and I am not afraid to face you again. Actually, how about next week?” Smiley Kylie is ready for another round, but will she just take another Dirt Nap?

Harlem Lewis and Keanu Carve meet for a Faceoff.

These two big men on parallel paths are now face to face to talk. Harlem tells Keanu, “Let’s be real. You and I both know that this tournament is coming down to us. And I promise you, I’m not losing. I’ma be the first person to leave that building with that Evolve Championship around my waist.” Keanu says, “It sound good. But it’s all empty promises. I beat the brakes off Luca. I smashed Trill. And I punished that boy, Gal.” Harlem says he also beat Trill. He beat Joe Coffey! But Keanu hasn’t beaten Harlem. Then it sounds like Harlem’s the only person in Keanu’s way. Guess so. Stevie Turner steps in.

Stevie says if they wanna go at it, take shots at each other, overlook the rest of the field, that’s fine. But they’ll be in a match together next week, as a tag team. What? That’s right, Keanu & Harlem VS Swipe Right. Keanu says Stevie just signed Swipe Right’s death warrants. As for Harlem, if he gets in Keanu’s way, he’ll be next. Can the two alpha males of Evolve work together as the most dangerous duo imaginable? Or will ambition and pride get in the way like always?

Zara Zakher VS Aria Bennett w/ Layla Diggs!

The big boys aren’t the only ones hungry for gold. The Petite Powerhouse and That Girl Aria are both hoping to get in on the eventual WWE Evolve Women’s Championship scene. They shake hands to show sportsmanship, but will this stay respectful knowing what the future holds?

The bell rings, the fans rally, and the two tie up. Zara waistlocks, wrangles and covers Aria, ONE! Ghost pin, TWO! Aria swings around and hits a crucifix takedown into her own ghost pin, TWO! Aria avoids the sweep to stylize the Oklahoma Roll, TWO! Zara and Aria step to each other but then back off, and the fans cheer the standoff. Aria and Zara nod and Zara offers a handshake. Aria takes it and the fans cheer the continued respect. They circle, tie up, and go around. Aria wrenches to a wristlock, and she grinds the arm. Zara whips Aria away but Aria no-hand flips over her! Aria arm-drags! And arm-drags again!

Aria grinds Zara’s arm, but Zara fights up to her feet. Aria slips under to BACKDROP, then she stands on Zara while keeping the wristlock. Zara fights up, Aria wrenches for a double wristlock takedown! Cover, TWO! Aria clamps back onto the arm and the fans rally up. Zara endures but is also a bit frustrated. Zara fights up, the fans rally, and Zara whips. Aria reverses, Zara ducks ‘n’ dodges, and Zara tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Zara then somersaults to RANA again! Zara taunts Layla a bit before she runs corner to corner and jumps up! But Aria stops the Monkey Flip to put Zara up top! Zara BOOTS Aria away and CROSSBODIES! Cover, ONE!!

The fans fire up as Zara hurries to facelock Aria. Aria fights up, Zara whips but Aria reverses. Zara goes up, but so does Aria! Zara fires forearms but so does Aria! Aria has the edge, then goes up, SUPER STEINER! Zara goes flying and the fans fire up! Cover, TWO! Zara toughs it out but Layla coaches Aria. The fans rally for “EVOLVE! EVOLVE!” and Aria runs up, ENZIGIRI! Aria then turns Zara for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up and Aria says enough is enough! Aria drags Zara up, wrenches and short arm- NO, Zara goes Matrix to dodge the lariat! Then CONTROL Z! Cover off the cutter, Zara wins!

Winner: Zara Zakher, by pinfall

Layla is the one stunned that Zara snatched that one away from Aria! Chuey Martinez is ringside to interview Zara. Chuey says back in the winner’s circle, and damn impressive. Does she still feel like the underdog? Zara says she always feels like the underdog. But did he see what she did? The fans cheer that! But then the lights go out! Zara is worried, and when the lights come up, Zara looks around. Oh no, is that a teddy bear?! Chuey knows that’s not for him. Zara walks over, takes the note off the bear, and yes, it’s from Wendy Choo. “KYLIE, I ACCEPT.” Wendy lets Smiley Kylie know it’s on, but why use a friend of Kylie’s to deliver the message?

The Vanity Project takes over the VIP Lounge.

Zayda rubs it in that they’re back~! They’re ready to watch the rest of the show from here, but Chuey says no, they got kicked out! Zayda SNATCHES Chuey’s mic, gives it to Brad, and Brad says hold on now. He just got off the phone with his parent’s lawyer, and the lawyer said that although they got banned from ringside, they have every right to be in the VIP section of the crowd. The fans boo, but leave it to this group to use a loophole. Will they be having any fun watching Bryce in the main event? Or will Timothy Thatcher make sure it’s a lesson in pain and suffering?

Carlee Bright w/ Kendal Grey VS KALYX!

While the former cheerleader is very happy for her best pal, #GrapplerGrey, Carlee herself is hoping to stay strong in the Evolve Women’s Division. However, she’s going up against the mysterious masked wrestler who is looking for redemption from her debut defeat. Will Kalyx create chaos as she climbs up the rankings? Or will Carlee keep the future sunny and bright?

The bell rings and the fans rally for Carlee. Kalyx dares Carlee to bring it, they tie up, and Kalyx KNEES low. Kalyx then SMASHES Carlee off her knee, then whips her to ropes. Carlee ducks ‘n’ dodges to DROPKICK! Carlee storms up, waistlocks, but Kalyx runs to the rope for a HOTSHOT! Then Kalyx CLOBBERS Carlee! Kalyx taunts Kendal, “This your girl?” Kalyx stomps Carlee’s hand, then BOOTS her down! Kalyx drags Carlee up, whips her to ropes, but Carlee KICKS her! Kalyx LARIATS in return! Kalyx snarls but the fans rally for Carlee. Kalyx drags Carlee up, whips her to ropes then ELBOWS her against them!

Kalyx runs side to side to ELBOW Carlee down! The fans rally and Kendal coaches Carlee, but Kalyx is right on Carlee to CHOKE and CLUB her at the ropes! The ref reprimands, Kendal tells Carlee she’s better than this. Carlee nods, but Kalyx grabs Carlee’s legs! Carlee kicks at Kalyx, but Kaylx YANKS her up! Carlee lands on her feet to fire forearms! Kalyx shoves Carlee, Carlee ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirls, IRON OCTOPUS! But Kalyx powers out to BACKBREAKER! Carlee writhes, but Kalyx says she’s not done! Fireman’s carry and- NO, Carlee sunset flips! CARLEE WINS!

Winner: Carlee Bright, by pinfall

Even Carlee is surprised! She celebrates with Kendal, and even Swipe Right wants to applaud, except Zayda tells them to stop, because that was nothing special. Maybe Zayda’s a bit jealous that someone else has the spotlight. But will Evolve’s future be less Steel and more Bright?

Timothy Thatcher VS Bryce Donovan!

The OG Evolve Champion stood with Sean Legacy against the shiny, whiny new generation, aka The Vanity Project. However, the enigmatic Paradox might actually have more in common with Thatcher than he does Swipe Right. Will tonight’s main event be a beauty? Or will it be a beast?

The bell rings and the two tie up. Thatcher CLUBS Bryce, grabs the arm, but Bryce fights around. Bryce waistlocks, Thatcher wrenches and wristlocks, and the fans cheer as he has the double wristlock. Bryce RAMS Thatcher into the corner, then ELBOWS him! Bryce clinches, but Thatcher fires body shots and an UPPERCUT! Bryce ROCKS Thatcher, CLUBS him on the back, then clamps onto the arm. Thatcher fires more body shots, then another UPPERCUT! Thatcher clinches to BELLY2BELLY! Bryce bails out, Swipe Right checks on him, and Zayda tells Thatcher to back off! The Vanity Project’s heavy is on his back foot, so to speak, and Evolve goes to break.

Evolve returns and Thatcher has a leg. Bryce kicks at Thatcher, but Thatcher still turns Bryce over for the HALF CRAB! And then Thatcher pulls on the leg so he can also dig a knee into Bryce’s neck, and then shifts around to KNEE Bryce in the side! Thatcher ties up the legs, Bryce grabs at Thatcher’s beard, but Thatcher KICKS him in the side! Thatcher goes back for legs, Bryce resists, but Thatcher still ties him up in a Deathlock! Vanity Project panics as Thatcher fishhooks Bryce’s face! The ref reprimands, but Thatcher pulls Bryce into a BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Bryce pops free, rains down fists, then covers, TWO!

Bryce keeps on Thatcher with a facelock, but Thatcher fires body shots and another UPPERCUT! The fans rally, Thatcher reels Bryce in and underhooks! Bryce powers through and shoves Thatcher onto ropes. Bryce KICKS the ropes to jam Thatcher up, then LARIATS Thatcher down! Cover, TWO! Thatcher is tougher than that, but Bryce snarls as he throws off his shirt. Bryce CLUBS Thatcher, stands him up, and CLUBS him again! Bryce scoops Thatcher, SLAMS him, then KICKS Thatcher in the back! Cover, ONE, and Thatcher KICKS from below! The fans fire up but Bryce drops an ELBOW on Thatcher’s leg!

Bryce SLAMS Thatcher’s arm, covers, TWO! The fans cheer but Bryce clamps on a chinlock. Thatcher endures, fights around, and the fans rally up. Thatcher fights up, throws body shots, but Bryce ROCKS Thatcher! Bryce whips theN ELBOWS Thatcher down! Cover, TWO! Bryce stays focused on Thatcher, then storms up. Thatcher UPPERCUTS! Bryce ROCKS Thatcher! Thatcher tumbles out of the ring, Bryce goes out and POSTS him! Vanity Project cheers but the fans boo as Bryce leaves Thatcher behind. Thatcher rises up, the fans chant “You Suck!” but Bryce eggs them on. Thatcher snarls as he rises up, but Bryce grabs him by his hair!

The ref reprimands, but Bryce brings Thatcher up to suplex! Thatcher resists, throws body shots, then HEADBUTTS Bryce! Bryce wobbles, Thatcher tumbles back in, and Bryce brings Thatcher up again. BIG suplex! Cover, TWO! Thatcher is still in this, and he BODY BLOWS! Thatcher underhooks Bryce, but Bryce powers up! Bryce hits a modified AIR RAID CRASH! The fans are torn as Bryce FALLING FOREARMS! Cover, TWO! Thatcher shows that true grit and the fans rally behind him! Bryce scoops Thatcher to SLAM him down, and then ELBOW- NO, Thatcher dodges! Thatcher goes to a corner. Bryce runs up, but only gets buckles!

Bryce staggers, he takes a swing, but Thatcher HEADBUTTS Bryce’s arm! The fans fire up but Bryce BOOTS Thatcher! Bryce clamps on, but Thatcher breaks free and DROPKICKS! Bryce staggers away to the ropes and the fans fire up for Thatcher! Thatcher reels Bryce in for the underhooks, but Bryce resists! Thatcher SLAPS Bryce, then reels him in, BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Wait a minute, Swipe Right jumps the railing! Now that IS a violation of the ringside ban! But Thatcher DECKS Ricky and he scares off Brad. But Bryce gets Thatcher for the BLACK HOLE SLAM!! Cover, Bryce wins!

Winner: Bryce Donovan, by pinfall

The fans boo as the Vanity Project breaks the rules just to give their guy the edge over an OG Evolve Champion! Thatcher is seething while the Vanity Project celebrates.

But wait, we see Stevie watching this, and clearly she’s not happy. She says, “These guys are gonna be trouble.” But then Harlem and Keanu step up. Harlem says, “Not for long,” Keanu says, “Not after I beat the brakes off them boys.” Ricky & Brad don’t know what they’ve stepped into, but will they even be able to swipe right after next week?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode for Evolve, and I’m surprised Evolve has its first faction already. Plus, it is also a very complete faction already, with a tag team, two singles guys and even a female member, thereby covering all major divisions even before the titles have been introduced. I will say, it seems like Swipe Right, and Brad Baylor especially, are the front men of the faction, which is itself unique. And they’re already the top Heels of this brand because they’re that good at being stuck up and annoying. But them stepping on Stevie’s promo for their own was a good way to get to the opening match. Great match from Legacy VS Drake, but also great win for Legacy.

Good promo from Kylie to call out Wendy, and after a very good match from Zara VS Aria, nice touch of the teddy bear just appearing. Kylie VS Wendy really should be a stipulation based match to up the ante, but I could see them just have a standard match that brings out the best of both superstars. Good match from Carlee VS Kalyx, and it makes sense that Carlee gets herself a win so she isn’t just Kendal’s bestie. But at the same time, the more wins for each of them, the more likely it is they end up running into each other during whatever title tournament we get.

Speaking of which, I feel like tournaments were going to be Stevie’s announcement until she was so rudely interrupted. Harlem and Keanu said in their faceoff that they expected to meet in said tournament, and I have no doubt they will. Harlem & Keanu VS Swipe Right next week, that’ll be really good, but I feel like Harlem and Keanu are going to fall apart and that lets Swipe Right steal a win like they did tonight. Really good stuff from Thatcher VS Bryce, though if Thatcher wasn’t actually rattled, he did a great job acting like it. But of course the Heels cheat to win, adding to the heat. They will definitely be giving Stevie the authority figure a headache from now on.

My Score: 8.7/10