Oh boy, the best thing to come from the TNA product has been on WWE programs for the last month or so. Can we start getting some non-garbage episodes that make sense with wrestling that isn’t useless or atrocious? And Trey Miguel is the first person out…so my faith is dwindling.

I hate these early stages of the Delirious Dreamer combination. This crap makes me miss Tigre Uno, Dixie Carter, hell even the Claire Lynch angle was so disgustingly cringe it was car crash entertaining. You know, like Jersey Shore. So let’s see if something can stop sucking.

.@NicTNemeth has a strange run-in with Willow The Wisp…

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/ZTlWqchIaY pic.twitter.com/oATIF574yn

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 25, 2025

Ratings:

• Trey Miguel & Ace Austin vs Moose & JDC w/Alisha: JDC wins after interference – ** 1/4
• Jacy Jayne w/ Fatal Influence vs Rosemary: Jacy wins via Rolling Punch – **
• Cinematic Hardy Compound: Kaiba Boys vs Hardy Boyz: 15/7, 10/10, 100/100, Hardy thing ever!
• Tessa Blanchard vs Missa Kate: Tessa wins via Buzzsaw DDT – **
• Joe Hendry & Elijah vs Ethan Page & Kaz: Elijah wins via Highwayman’s Farewell – ** 3/4

Results:

Trey Miguel & Ace Austin vs Moose & JDC w/Alisha

JDC and Trey start it’s just chain wrestling, nothing worth notating. The big early spot is slow and dumb, Trey goes for a Springboard Moonsault while in the Arm Wringer to turn it into a slow Arm Drag followed by a slow Dropkick. Throws JDC into the face corner, and Moose is late to the help spot so Trey has to beckon for him to come forward for a Tandem Drop Toe Hold causing Moose to Headbutt JDC in the groin. Double Dropkick sends Moose to the floor, but he doesn’t sell it long so he plucks Trey off the apron, smashes him and JDC tags out as we go to commercial. Jesus Christ this is cornball trope start and no one is looking good in the first 5 minutes. Am I possibly a little a jaded? Well of course, the shows have sucked for weeks and you start with bog standard “make fun of the heel” team start and its slow and unengaging. Maybe Dreamer should ask Trips if TNA talent can use the PC to learn psychology or…something interesting.

We come back and the heels are still magically in control with JDC locking in a Hammerlock Suplex into a Keylock. Tag to Moose and Trey is sooo banged up apparently an Arm Wringer throws him to the mat like a bitch. Starting off the show so damn slow is not really a good luck to keep people watching the show. It’s only like 8:20 and I want to go to sleep. Moose of course gets cocky taking his time to do a Jacknife Powerbomb so of course Trey counters, Ace gets the hot tag and guess what? Ace starts laying out both guys with quick strikes, Tijeras, Kicks, Click Click Boom, his corner dodge into the Mochizuki Triangle Kick but Moose kicks out. *sigh*

Ace decides to tag Trey back in, but their version of Poetry in Motion gets caught by Moose and Moose Powerbombs Trey into Ace. System tandem offense, Dropkick from JDC, Uranage from Moose, Down and Dirty from Dango but Ace breaks up the pin. Ace assists Trey with the Knee Slide Tornado DDT to take out Moose, they look for a finish but Lish distracts the ref, Dango kicks Trey in the dick, Brian Myers interferes and JDC wins the match.

Yawn…basic bullshit is not really driving attention.

Next is a video package for Masha and Tessa with Masha talking…who can’t cut a promo in English and Dreamer of course inserts himself for a fake “do it for your trainer” add. Oh Christ, this is like Rocky IV from Wish, but the Russian is the babyface. I hate every second of this and welcome the commercial break. 

While I think this promo goes on entirely too long, you can decide if it sucks or not:

.@Santana_Proud reflects ahead of #TNARebellion, where his war with @MustafaAli_X reaches its boiling point in a Falls Count Anywhere match.

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/ZTlWqchalq pic.twitter.com/zeSr7tQQVT

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 25, 2025

Jacy Jayne w/ Fatal Influence vs Rosemary

Start isn’t really a thing since Rosemary feigns the Mist so Jacy runs away, when she does get back in Rosemary clocks her, beats on her in the corner, Upside Down and then gorgeous Fallon and the pack tactics give Jacy enough of a distraction to PK kick Rosemary and take control. Rosemary gets out of a Headlock with biting, then bits Jacy on the face and follows it up with a Shotgun Dropkick. Jacy tries to Reverse the Irish Whip but Rosemary kicks off the buckle, turns and connects with a Flying Forearm. Rosemary gets a little distracted, eats a V-Trigger but zombie rises from the dead and Face Buster into a Spicolli Driver attempt, but Jazmyn gets involved, Rosemary drops Jazmyn and when she turns around Jacy connects with her Rolling Punch for the finish.

Fatal Influence attack Rosemary and Mirror Match Xias come to make the save.

.@milanmiracle is ON THE CASE! @Jazmyn_nyx_wwe, @FallonHenleyWWE and @jacyjaynewwe vs. @XiaBrookside, @TheLeiYingLee and @WeAreRosemary at #TNARebellion!?

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/ZTlWqchIaY pic.twitter.com/eTAQNOgiO8

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 25, 2025

Cinematic Hardy Compound: Kaiba Boys vs Hardy Boyz

Willow the Wisp sighting early, he drops the umbrella and starts dancing to Kendrick’s They Not Like Us, then Jeff shows up and attacks Nic, they brawl in a pickup truck. Seto Nic Ziggler hits the Superkick, but Jeff turns it around, they get on top of the cab and Jeff wants to Powerbomb Nic through conveniently placed tables, but Back Body Drop sends Jeff crashing. Nic goes into the truck and finds a tag team title. Is that the idea? First person to find the titles like an RPG quest?

Matt Pearl Harbors Mokuba near a fountain as it cuts to Nic walking through the house at the arcade, and he finds their title case and he thinks it’s booby trapped so he does the heist thing of replacing the title with an exercise weight. Matt has a PREMONITION!!! THe Kaibas have the titles! And Ryan turns things around for a moment until he eats gate and gets Speared into the pool with Reby playing piano looking like a snack. Ryan is teleported into the house for Maxel the Great with Senor Benjamin as the ticket taker and most of the Hardy kids sitting in the theater. It’s an old 1920s Silent Film with Maxel beating up Ryan and the kids keep saying he sucks. He gets showered in roses, Benjamin is crying the kids rejoice and cut back to Ryan floating in the pool. Dr Wolfie is diagnosing Ryan on the couch and they have a fantastic conversation. Wolfie blames the Matt Hardy fans for Booing Wolfie. Wolfie asks if Ryan if he ever hugged his parents and Ryan starts crying and Wolfie goes “That’ll be 500 dollars for the emotional damage”.

Gothic Baby Shadow Realms Ryan into his Emo Phase with Simple Plan playing. Then he has a roast battle with Bardie. Ryan is getting pelted with eggs while Matt is drowning him in the pool. Nic saves his Little Brother from drowning in the pool (been there). Maxel attacks, Nic Pie Faces the kid, Ryan ambushes Matt with a title shot and then BROTHER NERO! We’re just missing Itchweed to complete the essences of Jeff.

Nemeths see Jeff stalking them and they bail. So we may get a return to the Broken Brothers.

.@ryrynemnem is working some things out with Dr. Wolfie.

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/ZTlWqchIaY pic.twitter.com/ydPCkpfP6l

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 25, 2025

That was glorious and the fact it’s used as a set up for a real match instead of a replacement for a real match makes it actually better.

Tessa Blanchard vs Missa Kate

Tessa doesn’t take her serious after a quick flurry so Kate lands a Tilt-a-Whirl Gourdbuster before Tessa turns things around and lays in offense. Dropkick, Springboard Elbows, Teardrop Suplex, and Tessa calms down a little after taking complete control again. Tessa keeps Kate in the corner and lays in Forearms, Kicks, goes for a Splash but Kate finally dodges and slams Tessa face first into a Buckle. Tessa hits the Cutter, goes to the top, MAGNUM, Buzzsaw DDT just because.

Masha attacks Tessa after the match and hits the Russian Death Device and puts her in a Fujiwara Armbar until Tessa gets away and bails to the floor while Masha holds the ring.

Joe Hendry & Elijah vs Ethan Page & Kaz

This whole match is stupid. Hendry had no tape at Mania, went against “doctor’s orders” to defend the title at Rebellion this Sunday anyway…so they put him in a worthless tag match when they didn’t want him active? Delirious and Dreamer need to be shot in the head. It won’t hit anything. 

Elijah and Kaz start this match, Kaz looks dumb and gets dogwalked and then Rope Walked because heels aren’t allowed to be competent against “fan favorites” until at least 3 minutes into a match. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Back from the commercial break, Hendry and Elijah Double Clothesline Kaz and he’ll prolly slip something in a minute or so. Elijah does 10 Count Punches dropping Kaz, into the ropes, Kaz hops over him but Elijah throws him towards Page. Weird…but okay. Ethan calls for Hendry, and they lock up causing Hendry to wince at the arm that isn’t Kayfabed well, but Hendry hits the ropes, Shoulder Tackle into Hip Toss with “bad” arm, now Stalling Suplex that is just dropped immediately because of “arm”. Tags out quickly to Elijah and Ethan gets Manhattan Dropped and Big Booted into Saturday. Kaz takes a cheap shot when Elijah hits the ropes, so Ethan pounces and the heels finally have some momentum. Double Team on Elijah into a Rude Awakening from Kaz for two.

Ethan tries to keep Elijah isolated, Elijah gets the boot up, but he cuts off Elijah from the tag, Ethan tags in Kaz and a Slingshot Leg Drop gets another two. Elijah fights out of the corner, knocks down Ethan, counter wrestling from Kaz and Elijah before a Jumping Knee Lift levels Kaz. Elijah looks for the tag but Ethan picks Hendry off the apron and throws him into the steps. Heels doing the dogpile thing. Ethan throws Elijah into a corner, Up and Over but Ethan catches him just to get kicked away. Joe drags himself to the corner, simultaneous tags, Lariats into Sack of Shit for both heels. Attitude Adjustment on Kaz for only two. Hendry is overselling the injury no one cares enough about to write logically. So good for him that he’s doing their job, it’s just creative that isn’t. Kaz catches Hendry in Fade to Black but Hendry gets out, Scoop Slam into the Springboard Leg Drop but Hendry kicks out. Kaz wants the Chicken Wing on the bad arm, but Ethan tags himself in causing infighting, Avalanche Tandem Superplex but Elijah shoves Ethan into the pinfall to break it. Elijah and Ethan throw hands, Crossroads from Elijah, Backstabber from Kaz, Rope Run Cutter from Hendry on Kaz, Spin and pose, Standing Ovation attempt but the arm gives, Elijah tags in, Ethan refuses to tag Kaz, Highwayman’s Farewell from Elijah.

Overall Score: 6.4/10

All of the points are for Fallon Henley existing, Lei Ying Lee and the Hardy Compound match. Without the Hardy match the show was like a 2. Bad logic, bad booking, heels are too samey with everyone being a dweeb that has to get beat on for 3-5 minutes before they can remember they can wrestle. Sean Waltman is also an interesting wrinkle in the System and Rascalz thing, but the first hour of this show was useless. If people continued to watch for the Hardy match, that was the only thing that may have entertained new eyes because of WrestleMania.

Rebellion is Sunday and next Thursday starts at 10 Eastern…ugh. If TNA doesn’t get off the west coast or work days, I won’t review any of this positively. First World problems, fully aware. But come on now, especially with the shit writing from the last month or so, this show isn’t worth staying up if they TNA personally paid people to review it. It would be totally different if the content was entertaining.

You know what, just give the Hardy’s the book. I’d rather insanity than forgetting to write in logic to a kayfabe injury and because things are pre-taped the WM appearance makes no sense and sudden over selling makes less sense. This isn’t booking into a corner this is booking into a Short Bus with a flat tire.

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