Who will continue to Evolve?

With titles on the line, Evolve Succession 2 could change everything! Will Jackson Drake and Kendal Grey continue to reign into season 2?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Harlem Lewis VS Brooks Jensen; Lewis wins.
• WWE Evolve Women’s Championship Street Fight: Kendal Grey VS PJ Vasa; Kendal wins and retains the title.
• WWE Evolve Championship: Jackson Drake VS Cappuccino Jones; Drake wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Vanity Project meets in the dorm.

Jackson Drake says, “What’s up, my killers? My animals! How we doing, boys?” Drake takes a seat and says he wants to ask them both a question. “Who has it better than us right now?” Brad says, “Literally nobody!” That’s right! Take a look around! Drake is still the Evolve Champion, has been for a year. Generational title run: check. Carrying this brand on his back between Evolve and NXT: check! Brad says hundos! The day they got here, they said they’d run Evolve, which is exactly what they did. So it should be no shocker that they’re among the first to get called-up to NXT! Smokes says yeah, they’re perfect for NXT! And now they can scout the new talent, if you know what he means.

Speaking of, guess who Brad saw the other day. Madison! Er, um, no… Morgan! Doesn’t matter what her name is, it was the girl who disappeared when Joe Hendry appeared. OH! Megan?! Yeah, that’s it! Bro, she’s a smoke show! Brad was gonna ask later, but maybe once Drake gets that W, they go ask Megan if her and her friends wanna hang out again. Great idea! But before all that, let’s just hope Cappuccino Jones has another shot of caffeine, cuz he just doesn’t get it! When you’re in the ring with Jackson Drake, you need to operate on a different level. But at the end of the day, all Jones will be is another name in the history books who lost to Dr. Thirst.

Boys, when it comes to the Evolve Men’s Championship, it stays with the Vanity Project. V’s up!

Cappuccino Jones speaks.

“Tonight feels different. There’s a heaviness, there’s an expectation. It’s a defining day in Evolve that’s gonna change the course of the future. When you look at the card, you’ve got someone like Kendal Grey who’s been so dominant. But this match against PJ Vasa, it’s not just a wrestling match, it’s a fight! Where anything goes, and I know PJ Vasa is willing to do literally anything. Then you got Harlem Lewis and Brooks Jensen. Now I know those two are just gonna beat the hell outta each other until there’s only one left standing. And then things start to heat up a bit. Then the pot gets hot, because then, I get my shot at the WWE Evolve Championship.

“And Jackson Drake is talented, don’t get me wrong. But he’s looking smooth past me. But it’s all good, because doubt, it’s always been that shot of espresso for me, it’s motivated me. And that caffeine high that everybody gets from underestimating me, it always comes with a crash. And it’s gonna be no different for Jackson. Because I earned this moment! Not only am I gonna take it… I’ll make it taste good. Welcome to Succession!” Will the WWE ID Men’s Champion bring Jackson Drake’s reign of terror to an end? Or will the Carolina Reaper find a way to survive again?

Harlem Lewis VS Brooks Jensen!

It’s a battle of bruisers as the jackhammer from Long Island battles the Bad Man from Ala-Bam-Bam-Bama! Harlem wanted the title shot he earned, but Jensen said to wait in line. Will Harlem break through Brooks to get what he’s after? Or will he take a big loss against the Lost Cause?

The bell rings and Lewis RAMS Jensen to a corner! Lewis fires hands, Jensen fires back, and the ref pulls Lewis back. Jensen BOOTS Lewis, bumps him off buckles, then fires forearms. Jensen CHOPS, but Lewis puts Jensen in the corner! Lewis CHOPS, CHOPS, but Jensen CHOPS back! Lewis ROCKS Jensen! Jensen goes to another corner but Lewis CHOPS again! The fans cheer, but Jensen body shots! Jensen stomps Lewis in the corner, then whips him right back in. Lewis ELBOWS Jensen back, then BULLDOGS! Cover, ONE!! Jensen toughs it out but Lewis drags him up. Jensen wrenches out to wrap on a chinlock.

The fans rally for Lewis and he fights up. Lewis RAMS Jensen into buckles, but Jensen CLUBS away on Lewis’ chest! The fans boo, the ref counts, but Jensen stops at 4. Jensen headlocks but Lewis shoves him away. Then RAMS shoulders! The fans fire up as Lewis eggs Jensen on! They RAM shoulders again, and RAMS shoulders again! Jensen falls back, and Lewis CLOBBERS him right outta the ring! The fans cheer, and Lewis builds speed, but slides into the apron skirt trap! Jensen then CLUBS away on Lewis while the ref counts! Jensen stops at 4, then goes up to the apron. Lewis avoids the stomp and he trips Jensen up!

Now Lewis CLUBS away on Jensen! They go into the ring, but Jensen KICKS Lewis down! Then KICKS him again! Jensen clamps on with a facelock but Lewis fights up. The fans rally as Lewis fights up, then he WRINGS Jensen’s arm! Lewis throws Jensen to the corner, then scoops for the SLAM! ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Lewis scoops again, but Jensen slips free. Jensen gets a leg for the TENZAN PLEX! Cover, TWO! Lewis survives but he notices his bloody nose. The fans rally as Jensen goes after Lewis, but Lewis fireman’s carries! Jensen fights free, then tries again, but Lewis fights off the Tenzan Plex.

Lewis WRINGS Jensen but Jensen rolls through to LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans fire up while Evolve goes to break.

Succession returns as Jensen and Lewis stir. Jensen drags himself up with the ropes, then he stomps away on Lewis at the ropes. The ref counts as Jensen CHOKES Lewis on the ropes! Jensen steps off, but Lewis fires body shots! And forearms! Lewis swings, but Jensen ducks to waistlock, then he ROCKS Lewis in the back! Jensen BLINDSIDE LARIATS! Jensen has to push Lewis to the cover, TWO! Lewis survives and the fans rally up. Jensen clamps onto Lewis with a chinlock and even has a BULLY CHOKE! The fans rally as Lewis endures, and he fights up to his feet! Lewis fires elbows into Jensen, then hits a BIG back suplex!

The fans fire up while both men are down! Jensen goes to a corner, Lewis rises, and Lewis fires up! Lewis runs in and BOOTS Jensen in the corner! Then UPPERCUTS! The elbow pads come off for the short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Jensen survives and shakes his head. Lewis snarls as he drags Jensen up, reels him in, but Jensen fights the lift! And he BACKDROPS, but Lewis sunset flips through! TWO as Jensen punches Lewis! Both men stand, Lewis ROCKS Jensen but Jensen ROCKS him back! Both men stagger, Jensen ELBOWS Lewis! But Lewis CLUBS Jensen! Jensen CLUBS Lewis, then they CHOP and CHOP and CHOP!

Jensen dodges a chop to WHEEL KICK! Then a lift and SIT-OUT BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Lewis survives and the fans fire up! Jensen drags Lewis up, lines up a shot, and he KNEES Lewis down! Cover, TWO! Jensen is beside himself as Lewis survives again! Jensen stomps Lewis, kicks him around, but the ref counts as Jensen is leaning on the ropes at the same time. Jensen stops, and he SMACKS Lewis! The fans boo but Jensen stands Lewis up. Lewis wrenches Jensen to UPPERCUT the arm again and again! But Jensen ROCKS Lewis in return! Jensen tries a facelock, but Lewis yanks him into the FUJIWARA ARMBAR!

Jensen endures, rolls Lewis to a cover, TWO! And back tot he FUJIWARA! But Jensen slips through, facelocks again, but Lewis avoids the knee! Lewis ROCKS Jensen, Jensen ROCKS Lewis, repeat! The fans rally, Jensen UPPERCUTS but Lewis UPPERCUTS! Jensen CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS, windmilling away on Lewis! Lewis just gets mad! Lewis fires a flurry of forearms on Jensen, then CLUBS him down! The fans fire up with Lewis, he runs the ropes, but into a BOOT! Lewis just roars! Jensen SUPERKICKS! Jensen ripcords, but Lewis avoids the lariat to BOOT! Jensen yoyos, but into Lewis’ LARIAT! And then the BOOM SLANG JACKHAMMER! Cover, Lewis wins!

Winner: Harlem Lewis, by pinfall

Jensen may be a bad man, but he’s not as bad as Harlem Lewis! Chuey Martinez is ringside to interview the winner, and he has the fans make some noise for Harlem Lewis! Lewis is making some noise, that was a statement beating a veteran like Jensen. Lewis has his eyes on THE Evolve Championship, does he think he’s the #1 contender? Lewis says he is THE baddest man in this locker room. There is not one man who can beat him. But that doesn’t make him champion, does it? No, what makes him champion is when he takes that title off whoever has it.

Cappuccino Jones, Jackson Drake, guess what? When you fight tonight, all you’re doing is keeping that thing warm for him! So make it quick, because he’ll be waiting whoever walks back through that curtain! Next time, you’ll face Harlem Lewis! Chuey says statement made! The titles are on the line tonight, but first, a new WWE ID Prospect!

Lainey Luck speaks.

“I’m Laynie Luck, and I’m so excited to be here on Evolve. I grew up loving wrestling. And before I even knew it was a possibility to do this as a career, I was preparing myself. I grew up riding quads on the dunes of Oregon, playing competitive sports, and looking for the next big adventure. Until I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. That was really scary, that was tough, but what was I gonna do? Give up? No! I started my wrestling career at 21 and never looked back. And now, it’s time to make an impact on Evolve.” The WWE ID Women’s Champion is ready, will she evolve into a true superstar?

WWE Evolve Women’s Championship Street Fight: Kendal Grey w/ Wren Sinclair VS PJ Vasa!

It was at the first Succession special that the Arm Breaker became a game changer when she dethroned the Difference Maker. However, between surviving every challenge on Evolve and even getting close to taking over NXT, Kendal’s put a big target on her back. That’s where LFG standout, #PNasty steps in. Vasa came close to winning this title in a Triple Threat, and she even goaded Kendal into giving her a fight without rules! Will Vasa make sure Kendal catches her Issue? Or will the Grey Area stay golden?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised along with the stakes, and Kendal just rushes Vasa! The bell rings as Kendal throws hands! The fans fire up but Vasa THROWS Kendal to the corner! Vasa runs up, Kendal dodges, and Kendal fires off more fast hands! Kendal whips Vasa corner to corner, but Vasa comes back and CLOBBERS Kendal! Vasa then drags Kendal up to BODY BLOW! Vasa BODY BLOWS Kendal again, then HEADBUTTS her down! Kendal flounders to the outside but Vasa storms over that way. Fans chant “PJ’s gonna kill~ you!” as Vasa drags Kendal up. Kendal fires hands, then has the HANGING ARMBAR!

The fans cheer as Vasa can only suffer! No ropebreaks in a Street Fight, but tap outs won’t count, either. Kendal lets Vasa go to then GAMANGIRI! Vasa staggers away while Kendal goes looking under the ring. The fans cheer as Kendal brings out a table! But then Vasa CLOBBERS Kendal again! And she hoists Kendal up, but Kendal slips free to POST Vasa! Kendal sets up her table nearby, propping it up against railing. But Vasa scoops Kendal again! Kendal slips free again, then SUPERKICKS Vasa! Kendal fireman’s carries Vasa?! But Vasa slips free! Kendal ROCKS Vasa, kicks her, then ROCKS her again! And again!

Kendal follows Vasa around the way, but Vasa pops her up against ropes, and HEADBUTTS her down! The fans are torn as Vasa then sends Kendal into the steps! The ref checks Kendal’s head while Evolve goes to break.

Succession returns as Vasa has Kendal in the ring, and has a chair! Vasa sits Kendal up, then winds up, but Kendal BODY BLOWS! And BODY BLOWS! And she DROPKICKS the chair away! Kendal ROCKS Vasa, CHOPS, then whips. Vasa reverses and BLACK HOLE SLAMS! Cover, TWO!! Kendal survives and the fans fire up! Vasa snarls and gets the chair! She SMACKS Kendal on the back! And SMACKS her again! The fans boo but Vasa SMACKS Kendal again, and again, and again! And AGAIN! Tyra Mae Steele is watching from the VIP Lounge and even she’s grimacing. Vasa then goes outside to look under the ring.

Vasa brings out a new chair, and then another chair, and then another chair! Vasa adds about six more chairs, maybe seven, maybe TEN! Vasa piles all those chairs together at the center of the ring, then SMACKS Kendal with one! Wren can only stress out as she watches this happen to Kendal. Vasa lifts Kendal, puts her up top, then climbs up after her. The fans rally for Kendal as she resists the superplex! Kendal fires body shots, then forearms! The fans fire up as Kendal HEADBUTTS Vasa down! Kendal adjusts up top, BOOTS Vasa, then MISSILE DROPKICKS her onto the chair pile! The fans fire up as Kendal rises to her feet!

Kendal has a chair, she winds up, and she SMACKS Vasa on the back! Kendal gets payback with another SMACK! Then a JAM down low, and a SMACK on the back! And again! And again! The fans fire up while Vasa writhes! Vasa flops out of the ring but Kendal pursues. Kendal GAMANGIRIS again, then she aims from the apron! Kendal leaps, Vasa dodges, and then Vasa SPEARS Kendal through the table!! The fans go wild while Vasa drags Kendal out of the wreckage. Vasa puts Kendal in the ring, reels her in, and lifts for a POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! Kendal survives and Vasa is furious! Wren coaches Kendal while the fans cheer!

Vasa pushes her chairs aside, then goes out to pull apart the steel steps! Vasa brings the base into the ring! Vasa SMACKS Kendal off the steps, then SMACKS her off them again! Vasa stands on the steps, then brings Kendal up! The fans rally for Kendal but Vasa tells her it’s time to get her Issue! Vasa lifts, but Kendal slips free! FULL METAL SHADES OF GREY!! Cover, KENDAL WINS!!

Winner: Kendal Grey, by pinfall (still WWE Evolve Women’s Champion)

Wren and the fans all cheer Kendal snatching victory from the jaws of defeat! Kendal survives another dangerous challenge, and even Tyra applauds. But Tyra has to point out, Kendal’s still not an Olympic Gold Medalist! Wren asks what Tyra’s deal is, but will Tyra and Kendal just have to prove who’s really the best on the brand?

BREAKING NEWS!

Next Wednesday, Evolve holds a Town Hall for a major announcement! And from what’s being said, it could change the face of Evolve forever! What could the announcement be?

Evolve shares parking lot footage from earlier this week.

It was Monday afternoon as Tate Wilder was hopping on his motorcycle to head home, when he was JUMPED by Kam Hendrix & Harley Riggins! The Performance Center bullies mugged the Modern Day Cowboy all for being the sheriff of the Ten Man Tag! Tate couldn’t fight back then, but what will he do when he gets a fair fight with these glorified thugs?

WWE Evolve Championship: Jackson Drake VS Cappuccino Jones!

Two men who have been WWE ID and WWE Evolve since day one finally meet 1v1 for the top prize on Evolve. Heartbreak Drake only kept this title from Kam Hendrix thanks to the WWE ID Champion, but will he now lose it thanks to him? Or will the Carolina Reaper be too hot for even the coffee pot?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who holds gold on the purple ‘n’ silver!

Swipe Right watches from the VIP Lounge so that they’re not really ringside, letting this be a true(?) 1v1. The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. They tie up, Drake facelocks but Jones trips him and floats to a headlock. Drake rolls to facelock back, but Jones wrenches out to grind that arm. The fans applaud but Drake reaches up to headscissor. Jones kips free, but Drake hits the headlock takeover. Jones headscissors, then catches the kip to a cradle, TWO! Jones says it was that close while he and Drake reset. Drake and Jones circle, feel things out, then tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Drake wrenches and hammerlocks to headlock.

Jones powers up and out, drops down, btu Drake steps right on him! Drake puts up the V, mocks Jones’ drinking taunt, but Jones SMACKS him! Jones chases Drake all around the ring while he throws hands! The ref counts, backs Jones off, and Drake sucker punches Jones! Drake snap suplexes, covers, TWO! Drake steps on Jones’ hand, pie faces him, then STOMPS the fingers! The fans boo but Drake puts Jones in a corner. Jones hits back, and he bumps Drake off the buckles! Jones CHOPS Drake down, CLUBS him on the neck, but Drake YANKS Jones into the buckles! Drake then flagpoles in the ropes while he digs his boots in!

The ref counts, the fans boo, but Drake stops at 4. Drake fireman’s carries Jones but Jones throws elbows! Jones waistlocks but Drake bucks the O’Conner! Jones hurdles, hurdles, and DROPKICKS Drake down! The fans cheer as Drake bails out, and Jones builds speed! Jones WRECKS Drake with the dropkick! Not the smoothest pour but the fans fire up all the same, and Evolve goes to break.

Succession returns again as Jones has a cover, TWO! Drake survives but Jones eggs him on. Drake goes to a corner, Jones runs in, BACK BODY BLOCK! The fans rally for Jones and he brings Drake up. Jones facelocks but Drake lifts Jones! Jones sunset flips but Drake stays up! Drake breaks free to NECK TWIST! Jones writhes but Drake follows him to the ropes. Drake ROCKS Jones, then runs to HIP ATTACK! Swipe Right applauds but they’re the only ones. Drake covers, TWO! Jones toughs it out but Drake KICKS him in the back! Jones stands to CHOP Drake! Drake wrenches the arm, wrangles Jones, and he ties up the legs!

Drake mocks the drink taunt, he stomps Jones again and again, then ELBOW DROPS him on the back! The fans boo but Drake clamps back on with a dragon sleeper. Drake drags Jones up for the NECKBREAKER! And then basement DROPKICK! Drake facelocks, gator rolls, and puts on the pressure. The fans rally as Jones endures, and Jones fights up to fire body shots. Jones stomps a foot, then wrenches out to ROCK Drake! Drake staggers but he kicks in return! Then a turn and NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Jones toughs it out, but Drake clamps on a cravat. Drake thrashes Jones in the neck wrench but the fans rally again.

Jones rises up, fires body shots, but Drake hits the CRAVAT PLEX! Drake grinds Jones down, leans on the hold, but Jones fights up. The fans rally as Jones fires body shots, then scoops for a MICHINOKU DRIVER! Both men are down but the fans fire up! Jones and Drake go to corners, stand back up, and Jones runs in! DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Jones keeps going, and he DROPKICKS Drake again! Jones is feeling it and he keeps moving! But Drake SUPERKICKS back! Then he snap suplexes Jones into buckles! Swipe Right loves it but the fans rally for Jones! Jones stirs but Drake tells him, “Where’s YOUR NXT contract? You don’t have one!”

Drake stands Jones up but Jones SMACKS him! Drake stomps away on Jones but Jones hits back! The fans rally as Jones ROCKS and CHOPS, but Drake fires back! The ref counts, Jones fights his way out of the corner, and he fires a flurry! Drake hits back, Jones hits again, repeat! The fans fire up as the shots keep going! Jones bobs ‘n’ weaves to JAB, JAB, JAB! Then he ducks a kick to JAB, JAB, JAB! Jones winds up, but Drake blocks to ROCK, JAWBREAKER, KNEE, and KICK! But Jones avoids the leg sweep to SPLASH down on Drake! The fans fire up while both men stir. Jones crawls to ropes, Drake goes to the other end.

Both men rise up in corners again, and now Drake runs in! But Jones BOOTS him! Jones stalks Drake to ropes, brings him around, and whips him, only for Drake toe reverse! Drake then rolls, runs, and forearm SMASH in the corner! Drake whips corner to corner, runs up on Jones, but Jones pops him to the apron! But Drake HOTSHOTS Jones down! The fans boo but Drake snarls as he climbs up. Drake slingshots, but Jones catches him, and trips him up! Swipe Right protests as the Carolina Reaper lands on his pepper! But Jones adds an IMPLODER ELBOW! Drake tumbles to the floor while the fans fire up!

Jones fires up, he builds speed, and he DIVES! Jones almost overshoots Drake but he still brings him down! Jones HAMMERS away on Drake, puts him in the ring, then steps in for the AX HANDLE! And the LARIAT! And a whip, but Drake reverses! Jones still BOOTS Drake down! The fans fire up as Jones waistlocks, and he SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! High stack, TWO! The fans rally up while both men are down! Jones rises again and he brings Drake up. Jones reels Drake in, but Drake slips free to JUMP KNEE! Then he torture racks, but Jones lands out of the Burning Hammer! Drake ROUNDHOUSES and HIGH ANGLE GERMANS! Bridging cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Jones survives, but Drake gets moving! UNALI- HAYMAKER!! Jones smokes Drake with that shot, then hurries up the corner! Jones aims, and FROGGY-BREW!! But he can’t make the cover! Even Swipe Right is worried as Jones crawls over, covers, TWO!!! Drake survives but he has Smokes biting the velvet rope, he’s that stressed! The fans rally up again as Jones demands Drake stand! Drake sits up, Jones gets moving, springboard and- NECKBREAKER COUNTER!! But Jones flounders away to the ropes! Drake can’t get to him in time and now Drake is frustrated! Drake goes to the apron with Jones and kicks him around.

Drake taunts Jones, but Jones SLAPS Drake! Drake SLAPS back! Jones CHOPS, Drake CHOPS, repeat! Jones SLAPS and CLUBS away on Drake and the fans fire up! But Drake throat chops! And APRON HOTSHOT BRAINBUSTER!! Even Swipe Right is shocked seeing Drake bust out something like that! Drake puts Jones in the ring, then climbs up the corner! 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Jones survives and shocks everyone, especially Drake! “This is Awesome!” as Drake pulls at his own hair. Drake just goes back up the corner, but Jones jumps up! Drake jumps back, and he GAMANGIRIS! Drake says he just outsmarted Jones!

Drake goes back up, springboards, but into a HAYMAKER!! Another heater from Jones, an d he brings out the DECAFFEINATOR!! Cover, TWO?!?! Drake survives and Jones pleads with the ref! The ref defends the count, Drake is just that tough! Drake is still down so Jones goes to the apron. The fans rally as Jones climbs up the corner. Jones is slow from the pain in his neck, but Drake kips up! Drake hits the ropes to trip Jones up! Drake CHOPS Jones, then positions him just right. Drake CLUBS away on Jones, then climbs up. But Jones catches Drake for a SLEEPER!! Drake sputters, but he manages to torture rack Jones!

Jones fires hands but Drake still stands, for a SUPER BURNING HAMMER!!! But now Drake can’t make the cover! The fans rally as Drake crawls his way over, but he gets moving again! UNALIVING!!!! Cover, BUT JONES SPINS IT?! Drake spins it back, DRAKE WINS!

Winner: Jackson Drake, by pinfall (still WWE Evolve Champion)

Just as Jones had a bit of life, the Carolina Reaper snuffs it out! Will Jones have to work on his recipe if he wants to be THE champion? But speaking of the champion, Drake’s celebration is cut short as “Killjoy” Lewis storms back out here! Lewis did warn everyone what was coming, and he rushes Vanity Project! Smokes steps up but Lewis DECKS him! Brad & Drake attack Lewis, and now Smokes joins in for 3v1! The fans boo as Swipe Right sets Lewis up, but Lewis BOOTS Brad and ELBOWS Smokes! Lewis TOSSES Drake, DECKS Smokes, then TOSSES Smokes onto Vanity Project! Lewis says this is HIS show, that is HIS title! ALL OF IT!

Drake is stunned! He got out of the coffee pot just to jump into the fire! Is Harlem Lewis going to make sure the Carolina Reaper burns?

My Thoughts:

A great Evolve, though I’m a little surprised Succession II wasn’t held in the “NXT Arena” the same as the first. Doesn’t feel as special if it’s not in a bigger venue. But in the end, status quo was kept, whether it should have or not. Lewis of course beat Jensen to build momentum towards his title match, but I suppose with him being a Face, it had to be a Heel champion he was challenging. Drake VS Jones was a great match, and while I was hoping Jones would win it here, at least it was a straight up win for Drake, no interference from Swipe Right. I would think Drake VS Lewis will be set for an episode that coincides with WrestleMania, or at least Stand & Deliver.

Kendal VS Vasa was an awesome match, and I really thought Vasa would win here. That was a great turnaround from Kendal to win, and clearly they’re setting up Tyra VS Kendal. It feels like they’re gonna have both titles change hands at the same time, which would be wild.

My Score: 8.8/10