Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Press Event Coverage! (2/8/24)

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Published

1 year ago

February 8, 2024

Steven Mitchell

WWE says Viva Las Vegas!

To set the stage for WrestleMania 40, WWE is going XL! It’s a huge press event in Las Vegas to officially declare the Universal Championship match!

The WrestleMania XL Kickoff begins!

On the road to the BIGGEST WrestleMania of all time, WWE enters the T-Mobile Arena, with Michael Cole, Pat McAfee, Big E Langston and CM Punk as our hosts! Pat is excited to stand alongside the handsome Big E and the legendary Punk as a major decision will be made, a decision that will be talked about until the end of time! Big E says he’s here so Punk doesn’t get fined. And The Voice of the Voiceless, arm in a heavy brace, has the fans chanting for him as he says it helps his heart to be here. And to be here with Cole and the “Cole Miners” is great, too.

Before getting to business, how is Big E’s neck? Oh he’s doing good. He loves everyone for checking in and sending the love. And Punk, how are the triceps? Well, this sucks, for one. He is one week out from surgery and yet he’s not 100%, he’s a little disappointed in himself. He is heartbroken he won’t be competing at WrestleMania, but don’t worry, he’ll still piss a lot of people off because his mouth and brain still work. Cole brings up Pat having The Rock on the Pat McAfee Show today, which fans boo, but others chant for “Rocky! Rocky!” Pat says The Rock brought the WWE to new heights and has a massive legacy.

Fans duel, “We Want Cody!” “No We Don’t!” Pat says there’s the fans who have respect for the American Nightmare, who wants to finish the story as he has rightfully earned. Of course, The Rock called many of those fans, “Cody Crybabies.” Cole brings up Punk how he had a similar situation happen, and Punk says, yeah, where were all these fans in 2013? But what then should happen in Punk’s opinion? Punk thinks that the Road to WrestleMania will be really spicy. If everyone plays their cards right, and he’s talking about Cody, about Roman, and even about Seth Rollins and The Rock, we could be in for a hell of a roller coaster.

But what needs to happen from all these guys is chips on shoulders. From an NFL perspective, which Pat should get, there are a lot of Quarterbacks, Tom Brady got in the Super Bowl after those other guys carried the team into the championship. If Punk is that other guy, he’s not happy about it, but he also understands how it goes. He understands the box office, but also about making a name for yourselves. Cody and Rollins are in such a position to truly make a name for themselves, but especially Cody.

Cole then turns to Big E, who also had to fight to get to the top. That is what Cody is also trying to do, so where does Big E see this? Big E says he is here to “beat the drum for Cody.” Cody is someone who has a special connection with the fans, who does the Make A Wishes, and really relates to people authentically. Big E saw how Cody reached out to the Huber family after Brodie Lee/Luke Harper past. That connection is what you want out of your top guy, who will carry this show every week and even go to the live events. Big E knows pro-wrestling isn’t a pure meritocracy, it’s just not how it works. BUT what Cody has done in and out of the ring is proof he is the guy to carry WWE forward.

Michael Cole sends it backstage.

Jackie Redmond confirms The Rock is here, making the rounds, including that “feisty” appearance on Pat McAfee’s show. The Rock says tonight will be historic and it will cement his Road to WrestleMania.

Byron Saxton is with Paul Heyman, and asks The Wise Man what Roman Reigns’ mood is, given he has to prepare for WrestleMania and his face-to-face with- Heyman cuts Byron off to repeat, “Mood? Mood?! Oh, he’s honored to be here since you’re in The Bloodline locker room, Byron. Thank you so much. It has made his mood so much better to come to Vegas just to see you. Did that answer your question about his mood? Here’s the mood in the Bloodline locker room, ladies and gentlemen. The mood in the Bloodline locker room is no different than it has been for three and a half years.

“We look out at the outside world, and what do we hear? We Want Cody! We Want Cody! And then we also hear everybody chanting, we also hear everybody cheering, we also see all the love for the biggest movie star in history, The Rock. And for once it’s not about Cody, everybody wants to talk about The Rock. But do you know what everybody’s really talking about? Which one of them gets to main-event WrestleMania with Roman… Reigns! That’s what this is all about. That’s what the hype is about. That’s what the controversy is about. That’s what the discussion is about.

“Who gets to fight the Tribal Chief? Who gets to share the spotlight with the Head of the Table? Who gets to step into the ring with the reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion? Who gets to main event WrestleMania? And until someone beats Roman Reigns, that’s where the main event of WrestleMania will remain to be.” Heyman grins, then tells Byron that is Roman’s mood. The Wise Man storms off, and mockingly asks Roman his mood since Byron wants to know! Heyman said what he said, but will that “mood” change before the end here?

We return to the panel.

Michael Cole brings up that Seth Rollins wants to face Cody Rhodes, so a quick check: who does everyone think Roman wants to face? Pat says Roman should want The Rock so that we can all finally see who the TRUE Head of the Table is, because that is a story that’s been going on their entire lives. Big E agrees with that. The Rock is a global superstar, there’s the family connection, and as much as Big E wants Cody to #FinishTheStory, Roman surely wants The Rock. Punk understands box office, so Roman wants The Rock. But The Rock didn’t eliminate CM Punk from the Royal Rumble, Cody Rhodes did.

Punk feels this is really more who Roman doesn’t want, and he doesn’t want Cody. Cole says we all saw WrestleMania last year, and Cole says we’ll get more opinions later, but BREAKING NEWS! WWE Speed comes to Twitter/X! Matches with a five minute time limit, starting in Spring 2024! It’ll be a fast-paced new format featuring fresh match-ups, make sure to tune in!

Cole then welcomes the WWE Chief Content Officer, The Game, Triple H, Paul Levesque! The fans fire up as HHH walks out on stage, mic in hand. HHH says, “In 1985, in a sold-out Madison Square Garden, a tag team match took place between ‘Mr. Wonderful,’ Paul Orndoff and his partner, ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper. They would take on the team of Mr. T and ‘The Immortal’ Hulk Hogan. That night was so big, anybody that was anybody had to be there. It drew pop culture icons and celebrities from all over the globe. Muhammad Ali was a special guest referee. Cindy Lauper was there, Liberace was there, the Rockettes, everybody was there.

“And it was named… WrestleMania.” The fans cheer that! Now, WrestleMania would launch the WWE from a small regional promotion to a global juggernaut that you see today, selling out stadiums all over the globe. In those 40 years since then, a lot would change. WWE would see the cable TV boom, closed circuit TV, and pioneer the PPV industry as well as internet streaming and direct-to-consumer content with the WWE Network. And just recently, it would announce a deal with Netflix for over five BILLION dollars!

Along the way, it’d create global superstars, icons known the world over: Hulk Hogan; Randy Savage; Andre the Giant; Ric Flair; Bret Hart; Shawn Michaels; Stone Cold Steve Austin; The Rock; The Undertaker; Mick Foley; Batista; John Cena. The list goes on and on! Those people would catapult the WWE to where it is today. But on April 6th and 7th in Philadelphia, HHH vows the WWE will take it to a whole new level. It is a new era, and it is an all-new WWE! HHH promises us this: “You ain’t seen nothing yet.” Fans like the sound of that! “So Las Vegas…” The fans already know what’s coming!

“ARE… YOU… READY…?! You better be, because right now, we start the Road to WrestleMania 40!” The Game heads out and the fans fire up, and then Cole & Pat walk on stage. They have us take a special inside look at their first guest, The EST, Bianca Belair! After the video plays, Pat says a champion since birth, from college and into the WWE, she won and won and won, et cetera! An absolute beast! Bianca Belair makes her entrance and the fans cheer. Bianca has a mic of her own, and she says, “Las Vegas~!” The fans cheer for “E S T! E S T!” and she says, “How amazing is it that we are in Vegas the week of the Super Bowl to talk about OUR Super Bowl, WrestleMania?”

The fans cheer and Bianca says the Road to WrestleMania is one of the most exciting times of the year. It is why she and her hubby, Montez Ford, decided to share with the world how amazing WrestleMania is through their docuseries, Love & WWE: Bianca & Montez, now on Hulu. But they wanted to show the world the ups, the downs, the ins, the outs, the sacrifices and the triumphs. Because WrestleMania is a spectacle! The best entrances, the best gear, the best matches, and where history is made. It is where Bianca made history, which fans cheer.

There was WrestleMania 37 with Sasha Banks! The first two Black females to main event, and Bianca walked out as champion. Then there was WrestleMania 38, where she faced off against Becky Lynch, and again walked out as champion. And then WrestleMania 39 where Bianca beat Asuka to threepeat to leave as champion again! The fans cheer, and Bianca says she’s only been here a short amount of time but has had an amazing time. However, this year is different because she’s not walking in as champion. A young fan says, “That’s okay!” And Bianca says yes, it is okay. Because she’ll do whatever it takes to continue the Mania streak.

She might not know what her journey is, what lane she’ll be in, but she vows to be on the Road to WrestleMania, cuz you cannot spell it without E S T! The fans cheer, what championship story will Bianca write this year? Speaking of, she’s in a qualifier match for SmackDown to get into the Women’s Elimination Chamber, which will determine the #1 contender to the Women’s World Championship. Pat is sure Bianca will figure this one out, because did you hear the fans when she showed up? This crowd, you can feel their energy! Pat is excited, too! And speaking of Elimination Chamber and Australia, here comes The Eradicator!

Pat says “Mami” is running the WWE, and when she returns to Australia, Perth is gonna be throwing vegemite all over the place. Cole introduces the WWE Women’s World Champion, Rhea Ripley! The fans fire up as Rhea makes her entrance, a mic of her on in hand. “Las Vegas! Mami’s here!” Fans cheer and Rhea has them go on. She thanks them and says we are on the Road to WeestleMania. “The one event that people dream to be a part of! They scratch and they claw just to make it. But this isn’t any WrestleMania. This is WrestleMania 40! And y’know what makes it so special, guys? Because Mami is walking in and out as the most dominant woman to hold a championship within this company!”

Fans cheer and Rhea wants them to get louder! So they get louder! There it is. Rhea says it was no surprise to her as to why the Royal Rumble winner, Bayley, chose to turn on her friends and challenge Io Shirai instead of Rhea. Why waste your golden ticket when you know you’re gonna lose? Now for Rhea, she has a Mania before Mania. She has the Elimination Chamber in Perth, Australia, her home country. And once she’s done dealing with Nia Jax, which the fans boo, Rhea will be ready for whoever wins the Chamber. It really doesn’t matter to Rhea, and why? Because- BECKY LYNCH IS HERE!? Rhea is furious that The Man is interrupting but the fans fire up!

Becky has a mic and says, “You didn’t think that you could have a big time WrestleMania press conference without Big Time Becks, now did ya?” The fans cheer as Becky says The Man has come around to Las Vegas! “And as of Monday, The Man is officially in the Elimination Chamber for the first time ver. Which means that The Man will WIN the Elimination Chamber for the first time ever. Which means that in front of all your little friends and family in your home country, The Man will challenge you for your title at WrestleMania, where it will be Mami VS The Man for the first time ever!” Fans love that!

That is… if Rhea can get past Nia. But Rhea says it doesn’t matter who she faces? It doesn’t matter because Mami is always on top? Fans cheer that, but Becky says it does matter. Because Becky has made a legendary career out of knocking golden girls off their top spot. So Mami is gonna learn what it’s like to be a bottom! Because that’s what happens when The Man comes around! Fans fire up for the stare down, and Adam Pearce storms in to keep this from getting physical! But with Becky and Rhea all fired up, is this showdown all but inevitable?

Cole & Pat are back on stage.

After a short break, the press event continues and Pat says that the world has bestowed great things upon Las Vegas, this city is fantastic for hosting the Super Bowl, and then oh snap! The week got bigger because a massive decision is going to be made that will be talked about for generations to come. This is the perfect time for the perfect event in the perfect place. That said, our next guest is the self-proclaimed workhorse champion, the “real” champion, the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, and perhaps the name that’s gone forgotten in all of this… Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!

The fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” as Rollins struts out in a velvet tuxedo that is a Philadelphia Eagles shade of green. “Laaaas~ Vegas! Oh~, it’s a party in here tonight!” The fans continue to sing so Rollins takes a moment to revel in it. Rollins says he loves Vegas. And yes, he is a Visionary, a Revolutionary, and your World Heavyweight Champion, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins! Still a pretty big pop, right? Now, Vegas, we are on the Road to WrestleMania, WrestleMania 40, XL, Extra Large, the biggest Mania of ALL TIME! Now, what do you say they cut to the chase and get ourselves a main event?

Now, Rollins isn’t the man to make that decision, he is just the prize at the end of the road. So let’s get the man who can make that decision out here. The TWO-TIME Royal Rumble winner, the American Nightmare himself, Cody Rhodes! Wait, that’s Roman Reigns’ music! Rollins is upset that the Head of the Table, the Tribal Chief, the WWE Universal Champion walks out here instead, accompanied by his Wise Man. Rollins and Roman are face to face again after roughly two years, their Universal Championship match at Royal Rumble 2022. Rollins yawns at how long the entrance is taking.

The fans are torn as Heyman hands Roman a mic. Roman tells “Las Vegas…! ACKNOWLEDG ME.” The fans are still torn but Rollins says, “Hey, guys, he showed up for work for once. I love to see it! Good to see ya, big brother.” Roman says, “And he showed up to work in his wife’s shoes.” Rollins says don’t be mad that he can still run circles around Roman. Roman says let’s talk about someone who matters right now. The fans chant “Cody! Cody!” and “Rocky! Rocky!” Roman says yeah, let’s talk about Cody Rhodes! “The man who can’t make his own choice, huh? Mr. Hesitation. Here’s a life lesson, kids. If you hesitate, your moment’s gonna move on.

“And that’s what’s happened to Cody Rhodes. It’s no longer his decision. It’s now Your Tribal Chief’s decision.” Rollins asks if that’s really how it is, and Roman says yes, that IS how it is. So tonight, Roman chooses who faces him in the main event of WrestleMania! So get this bum outta here already, huh? Roman chooses… Fans chant and duel, “Cody!” “Rocky!” “Cody!” “Rocky!” Roman is amused as he says HE chooses The Rock! Rollins says that’s not how this works! But here comes The Rock! Fans fire up as Dwayne Johnson walks out on stage and raises the iconic eyebrow, and then raises the fist.

Fans boo, Rollins smirks, but The Rock smirks back. The Rock says, “Finally…! The Rock has come back to Las Vegas…! Now let The Rock ask you a question. Do you think that Roman Reigns is gonna beat The Rock at WrestleMania?” Fans sound torn and Roman grins. The Rock then says, “Or… do you think that The Rock is gonna beat The Tribal Chief at WrestleMania?” The fans are again torn and Roman shakes his head. The fans are all over the place, but “We Want Cody!” “No We Don’t!” shows up again. The Rock says, “Or… do you think that The Rock and Roman Reigns will be the biggest main event in the history of the WWE?”

Fans are really torn here. Roman is annoyed, but The Rock loves the passion from the fans. So then, to members of the press, welcome, glad you’re here. To the WWE Universe… The fans continue to duel! Rollins is amused, at least. The Rock continues to welcome the fans. To everyone watching around the world, welcome. And certainly to the millions, “AND MILLIONS!” of The Rock’s fans, welcome. World watching, The Rock introduces you to “The Cody Crybabies.” Fans are torn again but Roman and Heyman find that one funny. The Rock wants to show us all something that is very important, very cool, and he’s sure we’ll like it a lot.

But whether you like it or you don’t, love it or hate it, one thing for damn sure, you are gonna respect it. Take a look. Rock cues up the true Bloodline family tree. Rollins sighs but The Rock and Roman take a moment to show respect to the tree. When you look at this incredible family tree, and really take a look at the top of it. There’s The Rock’s grandfather, and Roman’s grandfather. They made a blood oath said “family forever.” If you can’t see the fact that this is proof there is only one dominant and powerful royal family in pro-wrestling, and if you think that The Rock VS Roman Reigns isn’t the biggest main event in WrestleMania history, then in simple terms: It doesn’t matter what you think!

Fans boo but The Rock and Roman nod to each other. The Rock says WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia, The Rock VS Roman Reigns, People’s Champion VS Universal Champion, whether you like it or not, THE People’s Champion in the biggest main event in the history of pro-wrestling, bound by blood, is happening. Roman and Rock shake hands, and fans boo what is really a conspiracy. Wait, someone says to hold on? It’s CODY RHODES! Rollins and the fans fire up as Cody says this is BULL SH*T!! The fans cheer that!

Cody says Roman is out here, calling the shots, dictating WrestleMania. And as Tribal Chief, Universal Champion, he has a lot of stroke. But it is not his right to determine the main event, it is CODY’S, as winner of the Rumble! The fans cheer that, too! Cody then tells The Rock that while they had a great conversation, Cody had many great conversations, and he has finally made his decision! Cody looks to Rollins, then to the fans. “At WrestleMania 40, in the main event… I choose YOU, Roman Reigns!” The fans fire up and Rollins is disappointed, but Roman is shocked most of all! Cody must be crazy! Or stupid, or something!

This was a done deal! Cody’s old news, he should go over to join Number Two at the loser table! Fans boo but Roman says Cody should leave with the dummy in green. Last year was Cody’s moment, he was but a chapter in Roman’s book. No one cares about Cody’s story or if he finishes it. H e is embarrassing his entire family now. Cody is irrelevant, just like his DAD! Cody is fuming from that one. HHH, Adam Pearce & Nick Aldis have appeared on stage now as this gets heated. Cody says Roman talks about his family, isn’t that what The Bloodline is? Cuz Cody has a question: How’s Jey? Roman drops his mic, he’s that mad now.

Cody continues to say that’s not a family! Roman doesn’t care about them, they’re just lackeys, yes men and goons to Roman! And what is this match all about? Who sits at the Head of the Table? What does it matter when neither Roman or Rock has done any of the cooking the last two years?! Heyman tries to keep Roman calm but Cody says they had that family tree. And they’ve used Cody’s father against him before, so he’ll do the same. If Roman’s grandfather was here… If the HIGH CHIEF, The Rock’s grandfather, was here… They’d both be ashamed! GASP! The mics drop on all sides, and even The Rock steps up now.

Cody stares Roman and Rock down, and The Rock tells Cody, “Lemme make something perfectly clear to you. When you talk about his family, you’re talking about my family. When you’re talking about his ancestors, you’re talking about MY ancestors. And when you’re talking about his blood, you’re talking about my blood. So now, we have a problem.” The Rock SLAPS Cody! Rollins steps up, HHH and the GMs step in, and the fans are going nuts! Rock & Roman want them to let the others bring the fight, but HHH talks Rollins down and Pearce gets Cody off stage. Rollins says these two can’t just do whatever they want!

Roman dares Rollins to do something and Rollins says bet, he’s beat Roman every single time and he’ll do it again! Fans boo as Rock and Roman seethe. HHH reprimands Heyman but Heyman says he doesn’t represent Rock!

We return to the panel.

Cole recaps what we just saw, and asks Punk. What does the master of the pipebomb think about that? Punk says this is like Valentine’s Day, “I choose you, I want you.” Cody is way too diplomatic. You get slapped in the mouth, you bust them right back, that’s what Punk would’ve done. Cody should’ve punched The Rock out. Do the fans want to see that? The fans cheer! Punk says it should happen. But Rock didn’t throw Punk out of the Rumble, Cody did, so it is Cody’s shot to call. Big E’s thoughts: This was explosive! He doesn’t know where we’re going. A tag match on the horizon, maybe? But he loves it, with just two months until Mania.

Cole says this also leaves the World Heavyweight Championship match in question. Pat says The Rock just went to bat for his family, got offended, and smacked Cody in the mouth. Rollins almost defended Cody, and on the way out, The Rock said they could do whatever they wanted. Seems like a power flex to Pat. Rock is of course Wrestling Mount Rushmore, Roman’s earned his own mountain to himself really, they were just reminding everyone about that. Cole says #WeWantCody has been trending, and Pat points out it is clearly popular in here. Cole says Cody did earn the right to pick his opponent.

So Cody went with Roman, does he #FinishTheStory? Punk says he can, but he’ll have to hit back. Can’t let someone slap you like that. Punk would be gouging eyes and punching people, even with one arm. Big E says yeah, talk about the odds stacked against you. The Rock is one of the biggest stars in the world, and is now a member of the board! He’s basically Cody’s boss. The Rock has his ties with Nick Khan, too, so Cody’s got a lot up against him. Pat says that is valid, and The Rock pointed out his ties to The Bloodline. When you talk about one, you talk about the other. What’re those two plotting for the WWE now?

Cole steers it back to Rollins. He’s being left out of this talk, despite being World Heavyweight Champion. He’s being called B Team, secondary title, all that. Punk says he’s the wrong guy for this one. Rollins said he hates Punk’s guts, so no love lost. But Rollins does need to stop with the stylist, get his balls out of Becky’s purse and hit someone back, period. Cole goes back to how they talked before, Big E’s own climb to the top. Cody has to finish the story, this is massive pressure. There won’t be a third chance, right? No, not at all. Big E got chills hearing Cody talk.

Big E thought back to where Cody was before he left, “languishing in the midcard,” and then left to come back with the fans behind him, to have this much support, this much live, and that fire in his belly. His time is now. Not next year, not even SummerSlam, he has to get it done now. Pat says yeah, that’s what we learned: Cody VS Roman at WrestleMania. Rollins is in the air, but where does The Rock stand? Roman VS Rock was big, but what happens with that? Punk isn’t sure what is official anymore. Is it JUST Roman VS Cody now or what? Pat wants Cole to tell us. Cole says Cody had his chance to choose, and he said Roman.

Punk points out Pat has a good point: Rock is on the board. Boss man put hands on his employee. Punk would be throwing hands back. Big E says there are two nights, though. What if we get both? Cole says that’s a good point, and this is all so up in the air. Pat says just look around. There’s a lot going on in Vegas, but a few THOUSAND people came in here to show how much then want to see Cody #FinishTheStory. This was the perfect presser! But he still can’t figure it out what happened! Cole says Pat better figure it out, they gotta talk about this in a couple nights on Monday Night Raw. Pat’s summary: Rock smacked Cody in the mouth, then chewed out Rollins.

Backstage interview with HHH.

Jackie is with The Game, can we get a comment on what is going on here? HHH says in moments like this, everyone goes into business for themselves. Hard to say what that was, but there’s a lot of tension, a lot of ego, and… The Bloodline passes by, glaring at HHH. Rock tells HHH to fix it. Cody can’t talk crap on the family like that. HHH says what The Rock did was out of line. That was not out of line, what Cody did was out of line. Either HHH fixes it or they will. The Rock says HHH is lucky HHH can’t wrestle anymore, then leads Roman & Heyman away. HHH says The Rock is the one who’s lucky.

Back to the panel!

Cole says how can HHH fix it when Cody made his choice? There’s no fixing! Punk says here it is: personal issues can be solved when men fight! Let ’em fight! If Rock’s mad about what Cody said, then he can punch Cody in the teeth! If Cody’s mad about what The Rock did to him, Cody can punch Rock in the teeth! That’s how you solve things in pro-wrestling! Big E seconds that! He wants to see the violence! Punk says since coming back, there are a lot of manbuns in the WWE and he doesn’t see any men attached to ’em! Punch people in the teeth! Cole says that’s fine, those guys can fight while he and Pat talk about it! Pat agrees there!

By the way, Pat hasn’t seen The Rock like that before! Is this where the new WWE is going? Cuz he loves it! Cole thanks us all for being here and tuning in, and we’re just 58 days away from WrestleMania! What will the fallout of this press event be on both Friday Night SmackDown and Monday Night Raw?

My Thoughts:

WOW! Who knew a kayfabe press conference/press event could be this good? And y’know what? The Rock and Cody were putting on social media stuff about how we gotta trust them on where this is is going, and this proved we should have faith in them. Just as it seemed like they weren’t going to give us Cody VS Roman, they do this and scramble things up. Now, great stuff for Bianca, Rhea and Becky tonight to really heat up the Women’s World Championship scene, and while I do feel Bianca gets into the Chamber match, it’s clear Becky is gonna win. Bianca isn’t leaving SmackDown until Montez Ford is leaving SmackDown, that’s how couples in WWE work.

But man, the top title story was so good here. Rollins was hoping Cody would still choose him, but then they gave us this great new twist on why they were even teasing Roman VS Rock. I love that they were making this about family, but not even about which branch is superior, but that the entire family tree is going to run WWE one way or another. Maybe The Rock is the new Heel Authority Figure in HHH’s new WWE kayfabe, and that sounds like a lot of fun. And a tag team match was mentioned at the end, and HHH even mentioned a historic tag match at the original Mania. That could be night one before we get whatever match we get on night two, but who knows, and that’s the fun of it all, isn’t it?

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MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

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Steven Mitchell

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.