The only true constant is change!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Ava Raine talks with Stevie Turner backstage.

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

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

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

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

Sam Holloway VS Wolfgang w/ Joe Coffey!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Wolfgang, by pinfall

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

Aria Bennett talks with Layla Diggs backstage.

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

Kendal Grey VS Zara Zakher!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Kendal Grey, by submission

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

Drako Knox pops in on commentary.

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

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

There are even more VIPs!

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

Layla Diggs & Aria Bennett VS Haze Jameson & Kalyx!

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

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

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

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

Winners: Layla Diggs & Aria Bennett, by pinfall

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

Sean Legacy VS Timothy Thatcher!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Sean Legacy, by pinfall

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

My Thoughts:

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

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

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

My Score: 8.4/10