What is next for the champions of Evolve?

Kali Armstrong and Jackson Drake will go down in history as the first champions of WWE Evolve, but that just means there is more history to be made! What will this next chapter for the purple ‘n’ silver look like?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Zayda Steel & Nikkita Lyons VS Masyn Holiday & Layla Diggs; Zayda & Lyons win.
• Jamar Hampton (Troy Yearwood) VS It’s Gal; Jamar wins.
• Wes Lee w/ The High Ryze VS Cappuccino Jones w/ Jack Cartwheel; Wes wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Vanity Project is here!

The fans are torn seeing the INAUGURAL WWE Evolve Champion, #HeartbreakDrake, and his crew make their way to the ring. Drake, Swipe Right, Bryce Donovan and even Zayda Steel are wearing matching button up shirts, and they are still feeling great after last week’s big win. Ricky Smokes has the mic to say, “Hey, the Vanity Project, we’re not the type to say that we told you so. But we told you so!” Brad Baylor says, “Hundos, kid, hundos!” Smokes continues by saying that since the first time The Vanity Project came together, they said they were going to run Evolve! That they were going to control Evolve!

And now take a look: That’s what is happening! Brad says hundos, Smokes, hundos! And just look at them! They are future Heatwave main eventers! They are future Halloween Havoc main eventers! And no one is ready for this? Zayda, you think they’re ready? Nope! Big Bryce, you think they’re ready? He shakes his head, “No.” They are even… future Stand & Deliver main eventers! Zayda says yes they are! The fans chant, “We Don’t Care! We Don’t Care!” Zayda says she’s gonna need all of these fans to stop drooling, pick their jaws up, and open their ears! Because this is the NEW Evolve Champion, Jackson Drake!

Drake has the mic to say, “Buddy Rodgers was the first WWE Champion. Finn Balor was the first Universal Champion. Seth Rollins was the first NXT AND World Heavyweight Champion! And now I add my name to that list. Jackson Drake is the first-ever WWE Evolve Champion! And guess what? You can boo all you want to, but you can’t swipe left on the history books! This is just the first step with draping The Vanity Project in gold!” Brad says, “Yeah, so here’s the deal. We have the best man in Evolve right here. We have the best woman in Evolve right here! We have the best tag team in the world, Swipe Right, right here.

“And the thing is, when you perform as good as we do, better than the whole Evolve roster, when you look as good as we do, it’s honestly like, it’s not even really bragging. It’s not even being totally extra. There’s actually a name for it. Jackson, tell ’em.” “The Vanity Project.” The fans still boo as they throw up the V’s and hold up the belt. But will someone harsh their vibes soon enough? Or will they be hundos 5ever?

Lince Dorado speaks.

“Vanity Project. You young cats just don’t know when to shut that big ol’ hole in your face. But it’s okay. Evolve’s favorite lucha, lucha lit~ Lince Dorado is gonna be the one to shut it! But you see, I’m a smart cat. I understand there’s only one of me, and even though I have nine lives, I know it’s not enough to take all three of you down. So it got me thinking: I’m gonna need two of my best friends, two hermanos, two amigos, to handle this situation called Vanity Project.” The Golden Lynx has an idea, but will there be a Lucha House Party in Evolve?

The High Ryze walks ‘n’ talks backstage.

Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe wanna know if Wes Lee is ready for Cappuccino Jones, and Wes says what kind of question is that? Of course Wes is ready! All last week, he has been hearing how Cappuccino Jones is the most exciting WWE ID prospect out there. Great high-flyer, true hunger to be great in the game, and maybe even the next Wes Lee. HELL NAW! Time to shut the noise down! Cappuccino and everyone else is going to see that the original is always better than the sequel. Will the Cardiac Kid make Cappuccino very bitter tonight? Or will he fail to keep up with all that caffeine?

Cappuccino Jones & Jack Cartwheel talk backstage.

Jones says the pot is hot and it is on tonight! Ain’t no decaf in the DNA! Highly caffeinated, highly motivated, opportunity is knocking Jones is not about to let the cup get cold. Wes Lee is a bonafide superstar, a pillar of NXT, but he’s also gotten a little too comfortable. Wes has forgotten to be young and thirsty. The worst part, he is sleeping on Cappuccino Jones and that is a dangerous thing to do. Wes better be ready, because tonight, a fresh brew is on! Cappuccino & Cartwheel head out, will Cappuccino prove that the cream always rises to the top?

Zayda Steel & Nikkita Lyons VS Masyn Holiday & Layla Diggs!

The Vanity Project’s Real Deal teams up with #BigKatKita, both women hunting down a title opportunity. But will they eat up the competition and head for Kali Armstrong? Or will Masyn & Layla show you gotta put in the work first?

Masyn & Layla already have great coordination doing dance moves together. Lyons & Zayda claim they can dance better, but that’s maybe half true… The teams sort out and Zayda starts against Layla. They circle, tie up, and go around. Layla waistlocks, Zayda switches, then she trips Layla to step on Layla. Zayda soaks up the heat, but Layla trips her to a cover! ONE, but Layla facelocks. Zayda wrenches out, WRINGS the arm, but Layla handsprings through! Layla drop toeholds, then she steps on Zayda in return! Zayda storms up but Layla wrenches. Tag to Masyn, she goes up and AX HANDLES!

The fans rally as Masyn wrenches the arm to a wristlock. Zayda THROWS Masyn by her hair, then tags in Lyons! Lyons and Masyn have a quick little dance battle before Lyons kicks! Masyn dodges, wrenches, and wristlocks. Masyn shows off the twerk but Lyons SPANKS her, then wrenches in return. Masyn rolls, kips up, and wrenches to wristlock. Lyons powers up and whips, then backs it up, only for Masyn to hurdle the gyatt! Layla sneaks a tag as Masyn rebounds, only for Lyons to scoop! Layla hurries and DROPKICKS them over! The fans fire up as Layla somersault SENTONS! Cover, TWO!

Lyons toughs it out but Layla wrenches. Lyons KICKS Layla, drags her over, and Zayda tags in. They mug Layla, then Zayda snapmares for a basement DROPKICK! Cover, ONE!! Layla is up but Zayda whips her. Layla handsprings up and out, RAMS Zayda, then slingshots up and over! Layla then swings and scoops Zayda for a SPINNING POWERSLAM! And STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Layla clamps onto Zayda, drags her over, and she tags in Masyn. Masyn & Layla double whip, DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE, then they swagger into the DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Zayda stays in this but Masyn drags her up.

Masyn clamps onto the arm, but Zayda powers up and out to whip. Masyn RUNS Zayda over, runs, but Lyons is there! Masyn is ready to swing on Lyons, but Zayda attacks from behind! The fans boo as Zayda puts Masyn in the ropes. Tag to Lyons, DRAPING CODE BREAKER and then a BOOT! Lyons KICKS away on Masyn in the corner, then fires fast hands! The ref counts, the fans fire up, and Lyons lets off to then RAM Masyn! Lyons RAMS Masyn into the Vanity corner, and she lets Zayda spank it, once. Zayda taunts Layla, runs up and SHINING WIZARDS Masyn! Snapmare to the corner, TWO! Masyn stays in this but Zayda stays on her.

Masyn powers up, Zayda cranks the facelock, repeat! Masyn steps closer, but Zayda redirects her into an open corner. Zayda runs up, Masyn rolls her first, TWO! Zayda kicks and reels Masyn in, Z D T! Cover, TWO!! Masyn survives and Zayda grows frustrated! Layla and Zayda talk trash, and Zayda CLUBS Masyn. Zayda drags Masyn up, tags Lyons, and Lyons reels Masyn in. Lyons CHOKES Masyn on the ropes, the ref counts, and the fans boo. Lyons stops at 4, YANKS the ropes to bring Masyn back, and then she clamps on a SLEEPER! BACKSTABBER and body scissors! Masyn endures, fights around, but Lyons taunts Layla.

The fans and Layla rally for Masyn and Masyn keeps fighting. Masyn fights up, fires body shots, but Lyons CLUBS her! Lyons whips Masyn to the corner, runs in, but Masyn dodge! Lyons POSTS herself, but Zayda tags in! Zayda bumps Masyn off buckles, runs up, but Masyn dodges! Hot tag to Layla! The fans fire up as Layla rallies with shoulders and LEG LARIAT! Layla kicks low, runs, SCISSOR KICK! The fans fire up as Layla has the Booker T shoutout! Zayda sputters, Layla runs to handspring and RAM! Then BUTTERFLY PLEX! Cover, TWO! Zayda survives that onslaught, but Layla drags her over.

Layla tags Masyn, they work together, BACK SUPLEX SPLASH, and then the SPLASH DOWN! Cover, Lyons breaks it! Layla runs up to KNEE Lyons down! Masyn drags Zayda up, but Chantel Monroe is here? The Reflection of Perfection is really being a Show-Stopping Diva now as she distracts Masyn & Layla! This lets Zayda roll Masyn up! TWO!! Masyn hurries up, gets around, and she waistlocks, only for Zayda to switch. Chantel hops up on the apron to talk with Layla but Layla and the ref both tell her to get down. Zayda pushes Masyn to ropes and Lyons ROUNDHOUSES her! Roll up to the cover, ZAYDA & LYONS WIN!

Winners: Zayda Steel & Nikkita Lyons, by pinfall

Layla is beside herself but Chantel just shrugs. Is this the real Chantel showing herself? Wil Zayda & Lyons take over Evolve alongside the rest of the Vanity Project?

Troy Yearwood speaks.

“My name is Troy Yearwood, I’m from Chesapeake, Virginia, and I am the best athlete you are gonna see.” He lifts weights, reads books, and even writes poetry and songs for the ladies. Does he have one on hand? Roses are red, violets are blue, and after he takes over Evolve, he’ll come for NXT, too! Just by the numbers, he is THE most explosive athlete the Performance Center has ever seen. His favorite thing to lift is his opponents in the ring, before he slams them back down. And when he runs the ropes, he becomes 250 pounds of pure steel, and his opponents have no choice but to stay down.

Everyone can expect to say “ooh” and “aah” with him, because you’ve never seen something like him. This next chapter will see him Evolve in every way. Say goodbye to Troy Yearwood, and say hello to Jamar Hampton. In that case, will Jamar Hampton be the one to humble the Human Action Figure, It’s Gal?

Kali Armstrong finds Natalya backstage.

The inaugural WWE Evolve Women’s Champion says she’s been looking for Natty. Kali says she didn’t need the Queen of Harts’ help out there last week. Natty says she actually did. Kali says she doesn’t need anyone’s help! It’s why she’s the champion! Then the first lesson to learn as champ is that you gotta swallow your pride. Because surprise, Kali & Natty have a match against Zayda & Nikkita next week. The champ better be ready. Natty heads out and Kali has a lot to think on. Can the Pride of Inglewood put that pride aside to keep winning?

Jamar Hampton VS It’s Gal!

Yearwood’s new chapter comes with a new name, but will he be winning at this new game? Or will The Man in Mint Condition finally have a win?

The bell rings and the fans rally for Jamar. He and Gal tie up, go around, and Jamar powers Gal right to a corner. Gal pulls on Jamar’s ears! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Gal lets go at 4. Jamar shows punch and Gal uses the ropes as a defense! Jamar backs off, Gal steps up and wants to test Jamar’s strength! The fans rally and Jamar says bet. They knuckle lock, and they go shoulder to shoulder! Jamar keeps Gal away from the ropes, RAMS shoulders, and repeat! Jamar puts on the pressure but Gal stomps Jamar’s foot! Jamar puts on more pressure, Gal stomps Jamar’s foot, and repeat! Gal gets frustrated and he ROCKS, CHOPS, and ROCKS Jamar!

Gal runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but gets RUN over! Jamar headlocks for the takeover, but Gal headscissors. Gal does push-ups and flexes but the fans boo. Jamar kips free, scoops and SLAMS! The fans fire up as Jamar waistlocks to SLAM Gal again! Then Jamar uses Gal for push-ups, and the ELBOW DROP! The fans cheer and Jamar whips Gal. Gal reverses, Jamar jumps the dropdown and atomic drops! Jamar runs to DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Gal sputters but Jamar is on him with a suplex! And a stall! The fans cheer, but Gal slips free! Gal SLAPS Jamar and he flexes on Jamar. Jamar frowns and the fans fire up!

Jamar runs up but Gal ducks the boot! Jamar gets stuck on the ropes, and Gal DUMPS Jamar down! Gal stomps away on Jamar while the fans boo! Gal drops an ELBOW on the leg, then he has Jamar in a corner. Jamar hits back but Gal stomps the bad leg. Gal puts that leg in the ropes and pulls! The ref reprimands, Jamar shoves Gal away, but Gal fires hands! DISCUS LARIAT! Gal snapmares and DISCUS LARIATS again! Cover, TWO! Jamar survives and the fans fire up! The fans rally behind Jamar but Gal pushes him down to do push-ups and chokes! Jamar pushes Gal away, but Gal comes back with a DOUBLE LEG DROP! Cover, TWO!

Gal scowls as Jamar stays in this. Jamar fires body shots from below but Gal CLUBS him! Gal stalks Jamar to a corner and SPINNING UPPERCUTS! Gal trips Jamar, has a leg, and he DDTS the foot! The fans boo but Gal pushes Jamar to a cover, TWO! Jamar is tougher than that but Gal stays on him. Gal grabs the leg and turns Jamar over for a HALF CRAB! Jamar endures and the fans rally up. Jamar powers up and pushes up off the mat! Then he turns over, BOOTS Gal away, and then fires body shots! The fans fire up with the shots, but Gal kicks the bad leg out! Jamar goes to a corner, Gal runs in, but Jamar catches the splash!

Jamar uses his good leg to GERMAN SUPLEX Gal away! The fans fire up while Gal flounders! Jamar and Gal rise up, then run up, and Jamar CLOBBERS Gal! And OVERHEAD SUPLEXES! Gal returns, but Jamar dodges to then BACKDROP! The fans fire up as Jamar fights through the pain! Jamar fireman’s carries, but Gal slips down to roll him up! TWO, Gal ROCKS and CHOPS Jamar again! And again! And again! Gal says he’s tan and jacked, ready to attack! Gal runs, but Jamar fireman’s carries! BIG BANG ATTACK!! Cover, Jamar wins!

Winner: Jamar Hampton, by pinfall

The lover is a fighter, and he fought through the pain to make his debut a success! Is Jamar not only going to Evolve but take over?

Backstage interview with Marcus Mathers.

Chuey Martinez sits with Philly’s Finest and welcomes him to Evolve. A star of WWE ID is making the jump, what can we expect? Marcus says when he heard WWE Evolve was starting up, he wanted to be part of it. People say Marcus is like a chameleon, able to adapt to any style. He has gone against bigger guys his entire life, and he just keeps on fighting. Then how has WWE ID prepared him for this moment? Marcus says it was step number one in the dream. He made sure to do everything he could to get as many matches and as many training sessions as possible. Wrestling is all he’s ever wanted, it’s all he’s ever known. And now, he is doing it!

Marcus sees his dream of main-eventing WrestleMania, and he is going to do everything he can to make it come true. Chuey believes in that dream! Marcus Mathers is coming, will he be ready to Evolve?

Jordan Oasis speaks.

“Wanna know what’s in this backpack? It’s everything I need to survive. Not just in this business, but in life. I’ve gone from sleeping on sidewalks to stepping into arenas. Chasing a name, chasing a shot. WWE superstars, they travel in these luxury buses. Me? I live on the bus, Greyhound to Greyhound, city to city. I even hear other indie wrestlers talking about splitting a hotel room, and I can’t even tell you when it is the last time I had one. Do you know what it’s like going into a fast food restaurant and ordering the cheapest thing, just so you can use the restroom and fresh up a little bit? Or what it’s like sneaking in behind someone at the gym, just so you can take an adequate shower?

“It’s okay, though. I keep moving, I keep fighting, because it’s all part of my journey. I know one day I’ll make it. And everything I need is right here, in this backpack.” The Nomad knows what it is to struggle, but has he finally found a home here in Evolve?

Wes Lee w/ The High Ryze VS Cappuccino Jones w/ Jack Cartwheel!

First Lexis King said he was the gatekeeper, and now The Cardiac Kid takes that role. But will Wes keep the stars of Evolve from rising up? Or will Cappuccino Jones be sipping on sweet, sweet victory?

The big fight introductions are made for the main event. The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. They feel things out, tie up, and Wes clinches with a high triangle. Wes JAMS Cappuccino, waistlocks, but Jones throws Wes down. Jones has the armlock, grinds the shoulder, but Wes rolls and ROCKS Jones! Wes headlocks, Jones powers up and out, then slips around to headlock back! The fans cheer while Wes endures the grind now. Wes fights up, fires body shots, and then CLUBS Jones on the back. Wes waistlocks, Jones hooks a leg and he trips Wes! SPLASH and cover, ONE! Jones body blows, but Wes kicks a leg out!

Wes ROCKS Jones, whips him to a corner, but Jones goes up, up, and RANAS! The fans fire up while Wes goes to a corner. Jones runs in, Wes puts him on the apron, but Jones counter punches Wes! Jones steps in and AX HANDLES Wes! Wes staggers away, Jones runs up, and Jones dodges the elbow to then springboard up and over! Wes runs up but Jones hurdles, hurdles, and DROPKICKS Wes! Wes sputters while he tumbles to the apron, but Jones runs up! Jones BLASTS Wes off the apron, then builds speed! Cappuccino FLIES! Down goes Wes and the fans fire up! Ty & Ty are worried for their mentor while Evolve goes to break.

Evolve returns and Wes whips Jones to a corner. Wes runs up, Jones BOOTS him, and Jones goes up, only for Wes to GAMANGIRI! Wes YANKS Jones off the top and Jones hits buckles as he falls! Wes DROPKICKS Jones, stomps away in the corner, but stops as the ref counts. Wes backs off, Ty & Ty talk trash, and then Wes runs up to DROPKICK Jones! Wes lands safe on the outside and Ty & Ty cheer him on. Wes drags Jones to the outside, ROCKS him with a forearm, then SMACKS him off the apron! Wes puts Jones back in the ring, KICKS him in the back, then KICKS him again! Jones huffs ‘n’ puffs and fires body shots!

The fans rally as Jones rises, but Wes mule kicks! Wes THROWS Jones down by his hair, then dribbles him off the mat! The fans rally but Wes stands on Jones’ neck! The ref reprimands, Wes steps off, and he taunts the fans. Jones goes to ropes, Wes storms up, but Jones fires body shots again! Jones UPPERCUTS, then ROCKS Wes! Wes shakes that off but Jones throws more hands. Wes ROCKS Jones, Jones ROCKS Wes, and the fans rally! Jones UPPERCUTS Wes at the ropes, then whips. Wes reverses, and he WHEEL KICKS Jones down! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Wes snarls. Wes watches Jones flounder, then storms over to him.

Wes brings Jones up, to then JUMP and CLUB him down! Jones sputters while Wes looms over him. Wes stands Jones up, and he JUMPS only to whiff! Jones comes up, spins Wes to a backslide, TWO! Wes runs up, Jones rolls him up, TWO! Jones SUPERKICKS! Wes wobbles, Jones ENZIGIRIS, and Wes is on the ropes! The fans fire up as Jones grits his teeth and clutches a shoulder. Wes comes back, but into a DOUBLE CHOP! And an ELBOW! And a LARIAT! Jones scoops but Wes slips free! Jones ducks the blindside lariat to SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! Cover, TWO! Wes stays in this and the fans fire up!

Ty & Ty coach Wes up but Jack coaches Jones. Jones hooks Wes up, Wes slips free to BOOT! Wes runs up, Jones dodges, scoops, and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Wes survives and Jones grows frustrated! Wes flounders away, asks for a timeout, but there are no timeouts here. Tyson gets on the apron, Jones DECKS him! Tyriek gets on the apron, Jones scares him off! Cartwheel DIVES onto Tyriek! The fans fire up, the ref wants things to sort out, and more refs come out to keep Ty & Ty back! The main ref EJECTS them! The fans cheer, but Wes sucker punches Jones! TORNADO DDT! And then a METEORA! Cover, TWO!!

Jones survives and Wes is shocked! Wes pushes Jones to a drop zone, goes up the corner, and 450- NO, Jones moves and then HAYMAKERS! From the Shot of Espresso to the DECAFFEINATOR!! Cover, TWO?!? Jones is shocked that Wes survives! The fans rally, Jones hurries to a corner, and Jones climbs up. Jones aims for a FROGGY- NO! Wes dodges and Jones crashes! Wes then storms up to roll Jones up, with feet on the ropes! But the ref sees that and calls off the count! Wes is upset with the ref but the rules are the rules! Jones rolls Wes up! TWO!!! Wes escapes, but Jones is up! Jones swings, but Wes KNEES low!

Wes kicks, HOOK KICKS, and then runs to CARDIAC KICK!! Cover, Wes wins!

Winner: Wes Lee, by pinfall

From his sidekicks to his little tricks, Wes finds a way to take this win from Cappuccino Jones! Will Evolve only grow as Wes allows it? Or can someone make it over the High Ryze?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode with some good build in stories, but also some interesting things. It was mostly how they actually showed us Troy Yearwood getting his new name, when I don’t think they’ve ever bothered with that ever. Even when Kacy Catanzaro magically became Katana Chance or A-Kid became Axiom, it just happened. And while I had my reservations about such name changes in the past, at least they just did it. Because now, them explaining it, that’s them outright telling us this is his stage name. And “Troy Yearwood” is actually a solid name, but I guess if there’s a “Jasper Troy,” they don’t wanna confuse fans or themselves with the different Troys.

But like all the name changes WWE does, they’re superficial, because Troy/Jamar is still in awesome shape and he had a great match with It’s Gal. Troy/Jamar already knows how to sell the damage and play up the drama, and he also got a great win, so he’s off to a strong start. Good promo from Jordan Oasis, and from this to Je’Von Evans giving him encouragement, Oasis could be on a true “hero’s journey” to rise up the ranks and organically grow into a Face fans will want to see win that title off Jackson Drake. Good promo from Vanity Project to put themselves over, and I would think Swipe Right leads the way into an Evolve Tag Team Championship story.

Good promo from Lince to call out Vanity Project, and if he was going to choose teammates from within Evolve, he would’ve just said who those guys are. I’m really hoping that he helps either bring new people in or bring some old talent back. Since WWE is working with AAA and TNA, but also Kalisto (as Samurai Del Sol) and Gran Metalik (as just Metalik now) are free agents… Perhaps Lucha House Party reunites in Evolve? Good interview promo from Marcus Mathers, but it didn’t really add much from what he did in his vignette promo. Pretty sure once he gets in the ring, then everyone will understand why he’s a WWE ID prospect.

Good segue from the opening promo to the opening match with Zayda & Lyons VS Masyn & Layla, which was a very good match. Chantel screwing over Masyn & Layla with her presence was good, it helps build the story they’ve been doing on the side. Plus, Zayda & Lyons need the win so that they can go after the women’s title. Good interaction from Natty and Kali, and they’ll have a pretty standard “Can they coexist?” tag match against Zayda & Lyons. If the Faces lose, it’ll be Natty taking the pin after some kind of “miscommunication” spot. And it’d be fitting if Lyons or Zayda turn on the other to get ahead so that they’re the one challenging Kali.

Good promo from Wes with Ty & Ty, and good promo from Cappuccino Jones with all those coffee puns. Very good main event between them, with obvious overbooking of Ty & Ty and Cartwheel, and then Wes naturally finding the way to win as the more experienced Heel. Jones still looked great in the loss, and perhaps Wes VS Cartwheel can be next. I’m just not sure what endgame there is to “gatekeepers” like Lexis or Wes unless beating them actually leads to title matches or even NXT screentime.

My Score: 8.4/10