The Mayor lays down the law!

Ava Raine is not just The Final Boss of NXT, she is now The Mayor of Evolve! What great match-ups will she make using this new set of superstars?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Harlem Lewis VS Braxton Cole; Harlem wins.
• It’s Gal VS Keanu Carver; Keanu wins.
• Kylie Rae VS Zara Zakher; Zara wins.
• Wendy Choo VS Aria Bennett; Wendy wins.
• Riley Osborne VS Oro Mensah; Oro wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Stevie Turner is here!

“Hello, WWE Universe. And Stone… I am here on behalf of NXT General Manager, Ava, to let you know that tonight’s main event features two men NXT fans are very familiar with. And those two men are now officially part of the WWE Evolve roster. And that match is Riley Osborne VS Oro Mensah! As well as that from our Women’s Division, we have two of the top WWE ID prospects going head to head: Kylie Rae takes on Zara Zakher. Plus, you never know who might show up here tonight!” The Assistant GM has passed the word along, but who will make the biggest impression on the WWE Universe tonight?

Carlee Bright & Kendal Grey are in the VIP Lounge.

The winners of the historic first match on Evolve are relaxing while watching the show, only for It’s Gal to barge in and insist he sit between them… Carlee is at least up for a high-five, but he brushes her off. What’d Gal ever do to be  a VIP?

Harlem Lewis VS Braxton Cole!

On one side, a man who’s always been a leader, always been a champion, and always been a fighter. On the other, a blue chip prospect who may be a little green, but he’s ready to go all out with both brawn and brain. This is a big opportunity for both men, but who will be the one that’s ready to Evolve?

The bell rings and Braxton offers a handshake. Harlem chuckles, and he LARIATS Braxton down! Harlem then fireman’s carries, and he THROWS Braxton away! The fans boo but Harlem shouts, “This is what I do! What’d you think was gonna happen? I’m getting paid to beat his ass!” Harlem storms up on Braxton, blocks a kick, but Braxton CHOPS! And CHOPS! But Harlem DECKS Braxton with a forearm! Harlem scoops Braxton, but Braxton fights free! Braxton SLAPS Harlem, but Harlem DECKS him again! Braxton staggers up, Harlem runs up, but Braxton dodges to leap. Harlem catches Braxton and pops him into a POWERSLAM! Cover, Harlem wins!

Winner: Harlem Lewis, by pinfall

Both these men know what it is to be on the gridiron, but it was Harlem who tackled Braxton for loss! Chuey Martinez says that was impressive! Harlem says it’s street like that! He is here to beat ass, and no one in that locker room can touch him! He beat the blue chipper in under a minute! Is that the best Evolve has for him? Harlem then sees Keanu Carver coming out here! Keanu did perhaps even worse to Trill London last week, so maybe there is someone who can keep up with Harlem. Refs rush out here to keep this from getting physical, and then It’s Gal snatches the mic from Chuey?

“Daddy Jacked, ready to attack, the real-life action figure, It’s Gal, has arrived! But I do have a brief and ferocious message: Next week, it’s me against you, big d-d-d, d-d-d-dummy! HAHA! And you will learn that when you’re in mint condition, there is no competition!” Keanu tells Gal let’s go now! Keanu storms into the ring, a ref says okay, and we have a match! Gal panics, he wasn’t ready to be confronted like this! Will Gal still be in “mint condition” after this?

It’s Gal VS Keanu Carver!

The bell rings, Gal hurries to get his jacket off, and Gal fires off forearms! Keanu shoves Gal, then LARIATS him down! The fans fire up for Keanu as he hoists Gal up, and RAMS him into a corner! Keanu RAMS into Gal again and again! Keanu whips, Gal blocks, then Gal BOOTS Keanu! Gal goes up, leaps, but into Keanu’s arms! FALL AWAY SLAM! The fans fire up as Keanu drags Gal up again. Keanu fireman’s carries Gal, but Gal fires elbows to get free. Gal ENZIGIRIS! Keanu wobbles, Gal runs, but Keanu FLAPJACKS Gal! The fans fire up and Keanu CHOKES Gal, into a two handed lift, and SKY HIGH!! Cover, Keanu wins!

Winner: Keanu Carver, by pinfall

Carver just carved up the “real-life action figure,” and Gal just learned that this isn’t a game. Will Keanu or Harlem prove to be the true alpha male here in Evolve?

Pete Rosenberg interviews Carlee & Kendal.

Pete welcomes us back to Evolve and is in the VIP Lounge with the big winners. How are they doing? Carlee says she’s doing great, even though she has a few battle scars from last week. But it is such an honor to be in the VIP section, looking forward to what the competition has in store. Kendal says, “Seriously? There’s no competition here in Evolve, because I’m gonna show everybody how good I am.” Carlee says she means how good they are, right? But then in comes Zayda Steel. She asks why she doesn’t have a match given how good she is! Then she decides to sit down in the VIP Lounge. Can anyone just get in there?

Kylie Rae VS Zara Zakher!

Smiley Kylie is finally living the dream of being in the WWE, but the Petite Powerhouse has overcome her own obstacles just to get here. Both ladies pack a punch, but who will make the bigger impression in their Evolve debut?

The bell rings, the two circle, and the two shake hands. The fans cheer the sportsmanship, and the two tie up. They go around, Kylie arm-drags but Zara headscissors. Kylie kips free, and she smiles, already liking this. The two reset, tie up again, and Kylie headlocks. Zara powers up and out, but Kylie runs her over! Cover, ONE, but Kylie ghost pins, TWO! CROSSFACE! Zara scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Kylie lets go, and Zara says okay, she sees what she’s dealing with. The two reset and circle. They tie up, Kylie headlocks again, but Zara powers up and out. Zara then follows and she RUNS Kylie over! Cover, TWO!

Zara ghost pins, TWO!! Kylie denies a stunner and goes to ropes. The ref has Zara stand down, and Zara waits on Kylie. They reset and circle again. They feel things out, and Kylie wrenches to wristlock. Zara rolls, kips up, and wrenches back. Kylie breaks free, kicks low, and headlocks for a takeover! The fans cheer, Zara fights up, and Zara powers out. Zara LARIATS in the corner, ELBOWS Kylie, then snapmares for a basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally, Zara reels Kylie in for a deadlift, but Kylie elbows free! Kylie then brings Zara around to bump off buckles. Kylie goes corner to corner and back again to UPPERCUT!

Kylie sits Zara down, the fans fires up, CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO! Zara toughs it out but Kylie clamps on with a chinlock. Zara endures, Zayda talks trash that she should be in her debut match right now! The fans boo Zayda but Zara fires forearms. Zara fireman’s carries, Kylie slips free and shoves, but Zara CLOBBERS Kylie! And LARIATS! Zara then dodges Kylie to ROCK her with a forearm! Kylie goes to a corner, but she goes up and over as Zara runs in! Only to run into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Kylie toughs it out now and Zara grows frustrated. Zayda keeps throwing a fit, and fans chant “YOU SUCK!” at her!

Zara brings Kylie up, and they fire forearms back and forth! Zara JUMP KNEES, then she reels Kylie in! Kylie fights the lift, BACKDROPS, Zara sunset flips, but Kylie sits and drag Zara into the sunset! TWO!! Zara gets up, handsprings to dodge, but Kylie hits LA MYSTICA! CROSSFACE, but Zara rolls to a cradle! TWO!! Kylie SUPERKICKS Zara down! The fans fire up with Kylie, and she fireman’s carries! Zara sunset flips it, ZARA WINS!

Winner: Zara Zakher, by pinfall

A huge upset over the veteran star, and yet Zayda acts like she was right all along. But the Petite Powerhouse has her first win in the WWE, and Chuey is there to interview her. “I see you, homie! Make some noise for Zara!” The fans cheer and Chuey says this could be seen as an upset. How does Zara feel about that? “Upset? You damn right it’s an upset! Ask Kylie Rae. Two of the best independent wrestlers there is, and I just beat her. ME! So I’m gonna use this as a stepping stone to move up the ranks and Evolve. Next time, it’s not gonna be an upset, it’s gonna be straight dubs.” But then Zara does thank Kylie and shakes her hand, showing her respect.

The fans cheer as these two hug it out, but Zayda hops the railing! She can’t believe this is what’s going on right now. Zara tells Zayda to back off, but wait! Is that WENDY CHOO!? Zayda decides to get out of there before things get crazy! Wendy hands Kylie a teddy bear, which is holding a note… Kylie & Zara read it, but what kind of invitation could it be? As for Wendy, she’s in action up next! Will she put someone to sleep here tonight?

Wendy Choo VS Aria Bennett!

Evolve returns, and the gymnast who made a splash in Women of Wrestling is ready to wow the WWE Universe! Will Aria stunt on everyone and be ready to Evolve?

The bell rings and Aria is already wary of Wendy. They tie up, Wendy waistlocks, and she SLAMS Aria down. Wendy turns Aria over, fans chant, “Don’t Die!” Aria goes to a corner, Wendy scurries up, but Aria goes up and over. Aria runs to the other corner, goes up and over, then rolls to handstand, but Wendy TACKLES her! Wendy grins, fans chant, “You Died!” Wendy RAMS into Aria again and again, then wrenches to WRING the arm out. Aria flounders, but Wendy gives her a NECK TWIST! Aria flails and flounders to a corner but Wendy is right on her. Wendy whips corner to corner, then runs up to handspring and FOREARM!

Wendy goes side to side to BOOT Aria down! Aria crawls, Wendy stalks Aria, and stands her up. Aria ROCKS Wendy back! But Wendy storms back up. Aria ROCKS Wendy again, Wendy blocks a kick, but Aria ENZIGIRIS! Wendy staggers, comes back, but Aria slips around, only for Wendy to fight the takedown! Aria swings out to arm-drag, but runs into a full nelson! FULL NELSON SLAM! Wendy wraps on the NIGHT NIGHT LOCK! Aria is OUT, Wendy wins!

Winner: Wendy Choo, by submission

Wendy puts the blanket over Aria then slithers away. Will Wendy give everyone in Evolve nightmares?

Brinley Reece talks with Kendal & Carlee.

Brin talks about how she was watching Kendal & Carlee in their match last week. She was like, “Yes! Get it!” But it just seemed to Brin that Dani Palmer was just off her game, if Dani ever had any. Anyway, Brin has her Evolve debut next week, and it is time to show what #BrinActive is all about! Carlee says Brin will do great! Carlee wishes Brin luck, will Brin combine her usual positive energy and this new attitude into a win?

It’s the first-ever Evolve Face-off!

Javier Bernal sits down with Luca Crusifino, and The Consigliere says last week, he had some words to say. And it would seem #BigBodyJavi didn’t take too kindly to them. So Luca figured he’d invited Javi here to clear the air. Javi says hey, he lost his cool, okay? Javi’s post online was him vowing he’d kick Luca in the face. Javi explains that he has no problems with Luca or the D’Angelo Family. To be honest, he just wanted to be part of a brand new start. Javi has been out injured, and so watching everyone else living the dream makes you think. It makes you second guess yourself, and you can’t quite move forward.

This is supposed to be the new start for Javi. But to hear Luca says that if he knows you, he’s not worried about you. How is Javi to move forward if he’s being judged by his past? And given Luca is here, it’s a new show, new opportunity, why wouldn’t the Family want to be involved? It just bothered Javi to where he couldn’t let it go. Luca appreciates Javi coming to talk with him man to man. But to be honest, Luca wasn’t talking about Javi in that moment. And that’s because Luca wasn’t thinking about Javi at all. Javi isn’t a threat because Javi can never get out of his own way. No one needs to take Javi out, Javi does it to himself.

Javi says that’s true. But this is a fresh start for Javi. Javi will fight for the rest of his life if he has to, to show that he has changed. Luca says that’s great, but it’s just words. Actions speak louder, and without actions, Javi’s words are meaningless. Okay, yeah, if Javi doesn’t do anything, it means nothing. So give Javi that chance to prove he has changed. Next week, 1v1, Javi VS Luca. If that’s what Javi wants, that’s what he’ll get. Just remember, Javi, you asked for this. They shake on it, but when it comes to a fresh start, will Big Body Javi have to FOGEDABOUTIT?

Jack Cartwheel, Cappuccino Jones & Sean Legacy are in the VIP Lounge.

The winning trio from last week’s main event are “tagging in” to watch tonight’s main event, but then Kali Armstrong storms in! She asks where Kendal & Carlee went, she wants a rematch with one of them! The boys have no idea, they just got here and are just chilling. Kali heads out, will she get the second chance she wants?

Riley Osborne VS Oro Mensah!

Surprisingly, from NXT UK to NXT USA, these two have never squared off before! But that means this is the perfect chance for both men to show how much they’ve grown. Riley is moving on from Chase U while The Meta Four’s #MainManMensah is flying solo. Who shows they are truly ready to Evolve?

The introductions are made for that big fight feel. The bell rings and the fans rally up. Oro and Riley shake hands, then tie up. Oro hits a hip toss already, and Oro says this is the Main Man’s world now! Riley and Oro tie up again, and Riley hits his own hip toss! Riley and Oro reset, tie up, and Oro waistlocks to wrangle Riley. Oro has the bearhug, Riley reaches back to a headlock, but Oro rolls to a bridging cover, ONE! Riley slips out and facelocks, but Oro wrenches and WRINGS Riley! Oro kneels on Riley to keep him down, but Riley slips a leg into the wristlock and breaks it. Riley wrenches to wristlock back!

Oro rolls, headstands, and he KICKS Riley away! The fans rally up, the two go again, and Oro arm-drags! Riley arm-drags! Oro arm-drags then fakes Riley out! Roll-up, TWO! Oro arm-drags again, and he clamps onto Riley’s arm. Riley endures, fights up, rolls and cartwheels to then handspring and roll Oro up! TWO, but Riley sunset flips! TWO, and Oro swings, but into a crucifix takedown! TWO, and Riley says it was that close. Oro storms up on Riley, shoves him, but Riley smirks. Riley shoves back, the fans fire up, and Oro fires a forearm! Oro kicks, whips, but Riley reverses. Oro tilt-o-whirls through the arm-drag to RANA!

Oro whips Riley to a corner, but Riley goes up, up, over, and then rolls off Oro’s back! Riley DROPKICKS Oro down! Oro goes to a corner, Riley storms up, but Oro BOOTS him! Oro goes up, reels Riley in, and TORNADO HOTSHOTS! Riley staggers, Oro springboards, RIDER KICK! The fans fire up and Oro swaggers while Riley tumbles out. The ref checks Riley, he’s okay to continue, but Evolve goes to break.

Evolve returns, and now Oro and Riley fire forearms back and forth! Riley ROCKS Oro, Oro KICKS Riley, then Oro scoops and SLAMS! Cover, TWO! Riley is still in this but Oro keeps Riley down with a chinlock. Oro thrashes Riley around while the fans rally and duel. Riley fights up, and he JAWBREAKERS free! But Oro clinches to EXPLODER! Riley flounders out of the ring and Oro checks his chin. Oro runs up on Riley, but Riley avoids the boot to ROUNDHOUSE! Oro staggers, Riley slingshots in, but Oro catches him! Oro suplexes, but Riley knees free! Riley goes to a corner, Oro runs up, but Riley BOOTS him!

Riley then somersaults and RANAS Oro down! Cover, TWO! Riley’s frustrated but the fans rally up. Oro goes to ropes, Riley brings him up, but Oro pushes him back. Riley kicks Oro down, then drags him up to whip. Oro grabs ropes, Riley runs up to kick again. Riley whips but Oro blocks! Oro breaks free, SOBATS, and Riley staggers! Oro SNAP DRAGON SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO!! Riley survives that rough landing but Oro is right on him. Oro drags Riley up, but Riley fires a body shot! Riley fires a forearm, but Oro ROCKS him in return. Oro brings Riley up, Riley DUMPS Oro to the apron, but Oro GAMANGIRIS!

Oro springboards, but Riley DROPKICKS him off the ropes!! Oro falls to the outside, Riley aims and springboards to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up as Riley lives up to the “Daredevil” nickname. The fans rally for “E~VOLVE! E~VOLVE!” Riley puts Oro in, hurries up, but Oro clinches! Riley scoops and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Oro survives and Riley is frustrated. Riley hurries to get Oro up, reels him in, and Canadian Racks! Oro slips free, spins Riley around and reels him in! Riley fights the lift, then drops down to victory roll! TWO! Oro escapes, and he SWEEPS the legs! Oro hurries to get Riley up, ALLEY-OOP BOMB! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Riley survives, and Oro is shocked! Oro roars and the fans fire up again. Oro says he is the Main Man, he’s gonna prove it! Oro fires forearm after forearm, but Riley ROCKS Oro in return! Oro kicks a leg, KNEES Riley low, then SOBATS! Riley blocks the boot to GAMANGIRI! Riley hurries to a corner and he climbs up top! Oro hurries to TIGER WALL KICK him first! The fans fire up as Oro roars, and he gets Riley into the hammerlock! RIPCORD ROLLING KICK! Cover, Oro wins!

Winner: Oro Mensah, by pinfall

It might be Spring, but the “Call of Autumn” is what wins it for Oro tonight! Will Oro prove he is the Main Man of Evolve? And- Wait, Swipe Right is running away, but from what? GALLUS IS BACKSTAGE! Wolfgang, Mark Coffey & Joe Coffey are roughing up whoever is back there, and The Iron King says it is time for Gallus to Evolve! Is Tubi going to become their kingdom?

My Thoughts:

A very good second episode, packed full of stuff this time, but they really put on all the NXT stars for us to see. It’s hard to say this isn’t a downgrade for some, but c’mon. Gallus has to be on Evolve now? Granted, we knew this was happening ever since the promotional material and ads were being put out, but it still feels rough that former NXT UK Tag Team Champions are now on the truly developmental show. Their debut at the end there was still really well done, and they’ll be Evolve’s “dangerous faction” that everyone will have to watch out for.

Very good use of the VIP Lounge for the sake of promos and cameos, but they need to make it more exclusive. It’s Gal just barges in there, then so does Zayda. If it’s meant for winners, it should be kept like that, maybe with a bouncer type guy hanging around. Speaking of Gal, good first promo from him, but it’s fitting that he was on the losing end of a squash match. Keanu and Harlem are building up as big monster, but those two should be kept apart until we get into a championship scenario. Maybe a tournament that pits those two against each other in no less than a semifinal match.

Zayda being such a trash talker is a surprise, but commentary did note she was the first woman on the WWE ID roster so I guess she can play up being entitled as a character. Her being scared of Wendy was a good note, too. Zara VS Kylie was really good, and it’s just a touch surprising that Zara won, but that means good things for her. And I also like Wendy inviting Kylie to something. That could be a really good feud for the Evolve Women’s Division given they’re both veterans from the indie scene. And much like Harlem and Keanu, names like Wendy and Kylie are easily semifinalists for a Women’s Evolve title tournament.

Brinley getting a new attitude is interesting, but I suppose if she’s going to be Heel, the only way to turn Heel from her always positive and energetic Face persona is to start being snobbish. A shame that’s one of the only avenues Heel women have between Evolve and NXT, but it’s still very effective. I also like Kali basically hunting Kendal & Carlee, a rematch of her against either one of them would make for some good stuff. And while Luca and Javi did a good job with their promo, making a “faceoff” into an official segment is odd. I suppose this could be a good gimmick for Evolve itself in the place of a talk show segment, but it’s gonna take some getting used to.

Riley VS Oro was a great main event, it definitely delivered on that “fresh start” feeling Javi was talking about in his promo. Riley’s new gear is a bit like his fiancé (maybe wife now?) Blair Davenport, but it also has some of that young HBK vibes. Oro getting the win is great for him, he’s been needing something for a long time. But here’s hoping Noam Dar is on the road to recovery, Meta Four really stalled out without him.

My Score: 8.3/10