Who runs the Gauntlet Eliminator?

The WWE Evolve Women’s Championship is up for grabs in Evolve’s first-ever Gauntlet Eliminator! Who defies the odds to win the jackpot?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Mike Cunningham (now Max Abrams) & Lince Dorado VS Jacari Ball & Santi Rivera w/ It’s Gal; Jacari & Santi win.
• Dorian Van Dux VS Kai Kavari; DVD wins.
• Vacant WWE Evolve Women’s Championship Gauntlet Eliminator: Wendy Choo wins and is the new WWE Evolve Women’s Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

Karmen Petrovic speaks.

“With the new Evolve Women’s Championship being crowned tonight, you know I had to join this Gauntlet Eliminator match. But with gauntlets, if you’re not ready, it’ll devour you. Tonight, we have a stacked line-up: Laynie Luck, who has proven herself as ID Champion; veterans like Wendy Choo know exactly what it takes to survive a battle like this; Nikkita Lyons, who has been fighting for the spotlight; Kali Armstrong is one of the hardest hitters Evolve has ever seen; and fresh faces like Tyra Mae Steele, PJ Vasa, and a new WWE ID Prospect (Sloane Jacobs) know that a win tonight can change the entire trajectory of their career.

“Now, we all know opportunities like this don’t come around often, but for Karmen Petrovic, this is where I thrive. Cuz after all, they don’t call me the Gold Blooded for nothing.” But will Karmen outlast seven other stars to finally have some gold around her waist?

Aaron Rourke is here!

The fans cheer as The Dime Piece, the Evolve Champion, makes his way out to the ring, swaggering to a new theme to commemorate the new era. Rourke poses with the belt, then grabs a mic to say, “Hello, everyone. It’s so good to see all of you. Y’know, when I started at my wrestling school, Create-A-Pro Wrestling Academy, all I ever heard was that it takes effort to get to the top, but it takes consistency to stay there. You knew, you knew. And honestly, I thought I understood what that meant, but now I really, really understand that phrase, now that I’ve had my raised after beating Chazz ‘Starboy’ Hall.” The fans applaud that!

Rourke wants us to understand, Starboy is an amazing competitor, and no doubt he will be back for this belt again. But y’know, this belt is just a little heavy in weight, but a lot in responsibility. Because as Evolve Champion, you have to be consistent. You have to consistently show that you are the best in this ring so that when someone turns on Evolve and sees a competitor, a champion, defending this night after night, they can be proud! They can text their friends and say, “Hey, are you watching Evolve right now? Tehre’s some of the best wrestling happening in the world there! And their champion, Aaron Rourke, busts his ass every single time he’s in this ring!”

The fans cheer again, and Rourke says he has a real problem with a certain guy walking around that Rourke’s ducking him. Harlem Lewis… Yes, sorry for mentioning him. Harlem, you may be big and you may be tough, but walk out here and say to his face how Rourke is “ducking” him! The fans like that, and here comes Harlem! Harlem says the champ’s fired up! Harlem likes that! Harlem could get in the ring and break Rourke right now. But he won’t do that, because that’d juts prolong what he wants. And if Rourke can’t be honest, then Harlem will, because the truth hurts. And the truth is, Rourke IS ducking him!

Rourke is ducking Harlem because he knows the second they have their match, Rourke’s reign is over! Rourke laughs at that, and tells Harlem they could have the match right now! But wait, Braxton Cole interrupts! The Privileged One says hold on, champ! Braxton respects that Rourke runs Evolve right now, that is great. But Harlem… Braxton also likes what he had to say, and agrees that the clock is running out on Rourke already. But it isn’t Harlem who takes the title from him. No, no, no, it’ll be Braxton Cole! The fans boo as Braxton steps into the ring, saying he is the one with the championship pedigree. He is the superstar worthy to take Rourke down.

And Braxton is the man who possesses the gifts and the qualities to lead the WWE in the right direction. He is the guy- Rourke interrupts by saying, “Who needs to shut the hell up!” The fans cheer, and Rourke tells Braxton that he has the looks, of a guy everyone wants to punch in the face. And don’t think Rourke forgot what Braxton did to Rourke’s friend, Marcus Mathers. So Rourke is thinking that he has no problem making this a Triple Threat so he can beat the both of them! Harlem gets angry and says this isn’t about Braxton! This is about Harlem and that title! Rourke’s making this a Triple Threat cuz he’s scared!

But as Harlem gets in Rourke’s face about that, Braxton CLOBBERS Harlem into Rourke! The fans boo but Braxton stands Harlem up to LARIAT him down! Then he TOSSES Harlem out! Braxton fireman’s carries Rourke for the BLUE CHIP SLAM! The fans boo but Braxton grins as he stands tall with the title. Will Braxton use that silver spoon to scoop up the gold? Or will the Dime Piece make him pay for this?

Tristan Angels speaks.

“For seven generations, my family has tilled the land on a small sheep farm in Dorset, England. But that ends with me. At the age of 22, I am not only one of the best wrestlers Europe has ever produced, but in 2024, I was given the prestigious title of Mister England! Now that makes me officially the most handsome man n England, and therefore, the entire world. But please, do not let my success and international beauty pageant glory have you fooled, for I am as tough as a pig’s foot! And I will strip Evolve of all its glory by any means necessary! Rejoice! Tristan Angels has arrived!”

Mike Cunningham & Lince Dorado VS Jacari Ball & Santi Rivera w/ It’s Gal!

Main Man Mike has been learning a lot from the Golden Lynx, but now they’re both looking to teach The Gal Pals a thing or two about respect. But will the combination of #MainManEnergy and #Purrfection get Evolve #LuchaLit? Or will the gym bros prove their muscles aren’t just for show?

Before the match, Mike has the mic to say, “Whoa! First of all, ladies with gentle hands… I have a new name. A name filled with Main Man Energy. A name that should be on billboards! Should be on Muscle Fitness magazines! It should be in the lights! This name yells MME louder than the ladies already do. My name is… MAX ABRAMS!” So Max gets a new tron, though it isn’t quite the same as when it was for Mike. But will it be #MainManEnergy to the max tonight? We find out, after the break.

Evolve returns as It’s Gal leads the way for Jacari & Santi. They flex even as they shake hands, no one is pushing pencils here. The teams sort out and Lince starts against Santi. They circle, Lince tests the waters and Santi avoids the heel kick. The two go again, tie up, and Santi powers Lince to a corner. The ref counts, Santi lets off, and he pats Lince on the head. Lince shoves Santi, then the two tie up again. Lince waistlocks, Santi pries free to switch, but Lince wrenches free to double wristlock. The fans cheer as Lince hammerlocks, but Santi ELBOWS free. CJ Valor is watching from the VIP Lounge while Santi has Lince int he hammerlock.

Lince ELBOWS Santi, hits a flying-mare, but Santi runs him over! The fans are torn but Santi stalks Lince. Santi waistlocks, but Lince switches again to trip Santi and facelock. Lince floats all over Santi, then steps over to have LA MAGISTROL! TWO, Santi storms up but Lince arm-drags him down! The fans cheer as Lince grinds the arm, brings Santi up, and he wrenches to wristlock. Santi CLUBS Lince, RAMS him into the corner, then body shots! Lince hits back but Santi HAMMERS away! The ref counts, Santi tags Jacari, and they double whip for a DOUBLE- WHOA, Lince flips up and through that sweep to DOUBLE DROPKICK!

The fans fire up as Lince tags Max, and they each DROPKICK Santi & Jacari! Then Max arm-drags Jacari, clamps on the arm, then grinds the arm down. Jacari endures, fights up, and fights around. The fans rally but Jacari fires forearms. Jacari ROCKS Max, whips him to ropes, but Max reverses to LEAPING ELBOW! The fans cheer as Max then covers, TWO! Max shakes his hips before he drags Jacari up, and he whips Jacari to the corner. Max runs up, Jacari dodges, and Max jumps into the buckles! Max is stuck but Jacari THROWS Max down! The ref reprimands but Jacari asks what was he supposed to do.

Jacari drags Max up to bump him off buckles, then talks trash on Lince. Jacari hits a SPLASH in the corner, then he tags Santi. Jacari hits a BACKBREAKER, then Santi slingshots in so he can NECKBREAKER BACKBREAKER COMBO! Cover, TWO! Lince is also there, but Santi CLUBS him for it! Santi talks trash, then he drags Max up. Gal loves it as Santi ROCKS Max, fires hands, then fires body shots. Tag to Jacari and he shoves Max back into the corner so he can stomp away! The ref counts but Jacari tags Santi. Santi digs his boot in, then stomps away! The ref reprimands, the fans rally, but Jacari tags back in.

Jacari stands Max up but Max fires body shots and haymakers. Max ROCKS Jacari, but Jacari KNEES low! The fans boo but Jacari gut wrenches Max, and hits the GUT WRENCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! Max toughs it out but Jacari pushes him down for a cover, TWO! Max shakes his head, reaches out for Lince, but Jacari clamps on a chinlock. The fans rally as Max endures, and he fights his way up to his feet. Max fires body shots, ROCKS Jacari, but Jacari keeps him from Lince! Lince and Max reach out for each other, but Jacari ROCKS Max! The fans boo but Jacari whips Max to the corner. Jacari tags Santi, then sends him in, but Max dodges!

Max then ducks Jacari, hot tag to Lince! The fans fire up as Lince DECKS Jacari, but Santi blocksd a kick! Santi FLIPS Lince, but he uses that to PELE Jacari down! Lince CHOPS Santi, UPPERCUTS, and repeat! Lince UPPERCUTS again, then LARIATS! Santi scoops but Lince slips free to CLAW and BACKSTABBER! Cover, Jacari breaks it! Jacari hauls Lince up but Lince breaks free to CHOP! Lince whips, Jacari reverses, but Lince handsprings, DOUBLE GOLDEN REWIND! The fans fire up as Max runs up, and he DOUBLE LARIATS the gym bros out! The fans cheer, and Lince puts Max’s sunglasses on him!

Max holds the ropes open, Lince DIVES through the five hole! The fans fire up for the cannonball tope and Lince puts Santi in! Lince goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Santi survives, but ends up in an ARMBAR! Max is on defense against Gal & Jacari, but Jacari SHOVES Max down! The fans boo but Jacari ROCKS Max! Jacari TOSSES Max, then DROPKICKS him off the apron! Jacari talks trash but the ref reprimands. Jacari runs up on Lince, but Lince SUPERKICKS him down! Lince goes up, up, and MOONSAULTS, but into BOOTS! Jacari tags Santi, then he goes for Lince. Atomic drop into the SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Lince survives! Gal coaches his guys, and Santi brings Lince up. Tag to Jacari, they double suplex, but Lince fights to a DOUBLE DDT! Lince huffs ‘n’ puffs and hurries to put Santi in the drop zone. Lince climbs up the corner, and Max tags himself in! But that trips Lince up, too! The ref says that doesn’t count as a tag?! The fans can’t believe it! Jacari YANKS Max down, but Lince GAMANGIRIS Gal! Santi reels Lince in and rolls him up, GYM BROS WIN!!

Winners: Santi Rivera & Jacari Ball, by pinfall

Lince and Max are both shocked! How did their combo lose out after doing so well? Will they be able to figure out where things went wrong? Or will the Gal Pals leave them behind in the dust?

BREAKING NEWS for Evolve!

After Kam Hendrix & Harley Riggins beat them down last week, Tate Wilder & Luca Crusifino are back to 100%, and they’re 100% ready for revenge! Will The Modern Day Cowboy & Good Vibes Crusifino get payback on the bullies? And then in two weeks, April 29th, we will see that Evolve Championship Triple Threat! Is Aaron Rourke taking a calculated risk? Or will there already be a NEW Evolve Champion?

Dorian Van Dux VS Kai Kavari!

The Muscles from Brussels had a great showing in the WWE Speed Tournament, but he came up short against EK Prosper. Will he bounce back here on Evolve? Or will Kai get his first win on DVD?

The bell rings and the two tie up. DVD powers Kai to a corner, but the ref counts. DVD lets off quickly, then taunts Kai. The fans cheer but Kai doesn’t take him seriously. Kai swings, DVD dodges. DVD swings but Kai dodges! Kai fires fast hands and kicks, then he ROCKS DVD! Kai dodges again to ENZIGIRI! Kai runs and DROPKICKS DVD down! Kai runs, but DVD scoops! Kai slips free, springboards, FLYING BACK ELBOW! The fans are torn as Kai kips up and lets out the Samoan cheer. Kai says all day, baby! But DVD is right to his feet! Kai runs, but DVD DECKS him! DVD drags Kai up with a gut wrench, swings him around, and SLAMS him down!

Kai flounders while the fans fire up again. DVD smirks as he goes to the corner. The fans cheer DVD on as he goes up, up, and takes aim for the SHOOTING STAR PRESS! Cover, DVD wins!

Winner: Dorian Van Dux, by pinfall

It wasn’t as fast paced as the Speed match, but it was still pretty quick work for Dorian. Will DVD continue to climb the ranks here in Evolve?

Brooks Jensen speaks.

“Cappuccino Jones, what were you trying to accomplish last week? You thought by jumping me, you were gonna frighten me? Scare me? No, no, no, no. I’ve had these thoughts pop in my head, and in these thoughts, it was the lsat battle of Cappuccino Jones VS Brooks Jensen. And yet in this, there was no DQ, no count outs, no running away. Cuz me and you, we were connected. Not by wrestling, but by a rope. A rope that holds a painful cowbell in the middle. So I went to The Foreman, and I got it made official. Next week, my thoughts become your reality when it’s Cappuccino Jones VS The Bad Man that hails from Ala-Bam-Bam-Bam-Bama, in a bull rope match!”

The Lost Cause is bringing back his favorite match type, but will he wrangle Jones like a rodeo star? Or will Cappuccino roast Jensen at his own game?

Vacant WWE Evolve Women’s Championship Gauntlet Eliminator!

With Kendal Grey winning her Final Evolution, this title has sat dormant without a champion to defend it. But now, eight hungry and hopeful stars are ready to shine in the spotlight! Only PJ Vasa knows that she enters last, giving her the strategic and mathematical advantage. But who will survive and finally say they are THE Evolve Women’s Champion?

Entering in the dreaded opening spots are WWE ID Women’s Champion, Laynie Luck, and the wild card entry, Karmen Petrovic! Is this match already #TooTurnt? Or will Karmen prove she is #GoldBlooded?

The bell rings and we’re on the clock. Karmen and Laynie circle, tie up, and Karmen waistlocks to headlock. Laynie endures, but Karmen snapmares to a ghost pin, TWO! Laynie flips that to a ghost pin of her own, TWO! The fans cheer as the two reset. The fans chant “We Get Turnt Up!” as Laynie and Karmen reset. They feel things out, knuckle lock, then go shoulder to shoulder in a Test of Strength! The two go around, and we take a picture-in-picture peek backstage to see Layla Diggs, Masyn Holiday, Gianna Capri, and Anya Rune watching this one closely, to then be joined by Veronica Haven, the other new WWE ID Prospect.

Karmen rolls back to lift Laynie, then teetertotters so she can wheelbarrow and victory roll! TWO and the two reset again. Laynie trips Karmen, rolls her to whip her, but Karmen reverses. Laynie counters arm-drag with arm-drag, then drops down to hurdle over. Karmen blocks the hip toss, wrenches, and MONKEY FLIPS! Karmen SWEEPS the legs, then hooks Laynie up in a GEDO CLUTCH! ONE, and Laynie pushes back to a reverse bridge, ONE! Karmen has it back, ONE! Laynie has it back, ONE! Karmen again, ONE! But Karmen reels Laynie into body scissors, then shifts right into a leg scissor FULL NELSON!

The fans rally while Laynie endures, and the countdown is here! Laynie pushes back to another cover, TWO! Karmen and Laynie run, DOUBLE FACEBUSTERS take them down! And joining as entry three, it’s KALI ARMSTRONG! The inaugural Women’s Champion is gonna have a hard road back to the top, but she looks determined to do it. Kali takes her time going to the ring, and Evolve goes to break.

Evolve returns as Kali CLOBBERS Laynie, RAMS Karmen into one corner, then she RAMS Laynie into the other. Kali runs corner to corner to RAM Karmen, then she runs back to RAM Laynie! Another RAM for Karmen, another RAM for Laynie! Then Kali picks Laynie up to SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Kali runs up on Karmen but Karmen BOOTS! Karmen fires KICK after KICK after KICK, then runs, but into a SPINE- NO, Karmen sunset flips through! TWO as Laynie drags Karmen into a cover, TWO! Laynie and Karmen stand, they both dodge Kali, and they double mule kick! Laynie CHOPS Kali, then Karmen ROCKS Kali!

Laynie ROCKS Kali, Karmen CHOPS Kali! They double whip Kali to SWEP the legs! Laynie slingshots to ELBOW DROP, then Karmen runs to SLIDING KICK Kali against ropes! Karmen covers, TWO! Laynie covers, TWO! They double cover, TWO!! Kali even kips up! The fans fire up as Kali hits a new gear, and she eggs her opponents on. She DOUBLE LARIATS, but the countdown is back! Entry four is… Wendy Choo! A new groove for her new attitude, and we know Wendy wants some payback on Kali! Wendy dodges Kali, LARIATS, then LARIATS again! Wendy whips, Kali reverses, but Wendy reverses to hammerlock LARIATO!

The fans fire up as Wendy then LARIATS Laynie in a corner, whips her into Kali, and runs up to handspring DOUBLE FOREARM! The fans fire up as Wendy then runs side to side, YAKUZA KICK on Kali! Wendy shoves Kali out, then goes up, CROSSBODY! Wendy bounces off the cover but Karmen THRUST KICKS! Cover, TWO! Wendy survives and Karmen is shocked! But this isn’t over yet, and Karmen coordinates with Laynie. They focus on Kali again while the fans rally up. But Kali ROCKS Karmen, and then dodges Laynie’s leap. Kali pops Laynie up but Laynie fights with elbows! Laynie UP KICKS Kali and feeds her to Karmen’s BOOT!

The two minutes are up already and we get another countdown! Karmen reels Kali in for a HANGING HEADSCISSORS, Laynie adds some stomps, but entry five is… TYRA MAE STEELE! The Olympic Gold Medalist is hyped up as always, ready to add some Evolve gold to her collection! Laynie & Karmen hurry to cover Kali, but Tyra CLOBBERS everyone! The fans fire up as Miss America hits Karmen with a fireman’s carry takeover, then hits Laynie with one! Then Tyra SPINEBUSTERS Karmen, and SPINEBUSTERS Laynie! The fans cheer as Tyra actually helps Kali stand! The fans are intrigued, but Karmen runs up! Kali helps Tyra duck the roundhouse!

Kali ROCKS Karmen, then Tyra sets Karmen up for the KALI CONNECTION!! Cover on Karmen, Tyra ELIMINATES her! The fans fire up and Laynie is stunned, but Tyra & Kali are all fired up! Tyra and Kali mug Laynie, each taking turns throwing hands. But Laynie BOOTS Tyra, ELBOWS Kali, then blocks a kick to KNEE Tyra down! Kali kicks Laynie low, whips her to ropes, but Laynie reverses. Wendy trips Kali, drags her out and CLUBS her! But Kali kicks Wendy, then SHOVES her into the steel steps! Tyra POUNCES Laynie! Kali & Tyra mug Laynie, but here comes the countdown! Entry six is… SLOANE JACOBS!

The fans cheer as the returning prospect rushes the ring, ROUNDHOUSES Kali, and DROPKICKS Tyra! Sloane blocks a shot to KNEE SMASH, then she kicks off Tyra to TORNADO DDT Kali! Cover, but Tyra YANKS Sloane back! Tyra whips Sloane hard into a corner, but Sloane goes up to AX KICK and DEADLY NIGHTSHADE Tyra! Sloane BOOTS Tyra away, then ELBOWS her down! Cover, TWO! Tyra’s tougher than that but Sloane calls to Laynie. Sloane wants to back Laynie up now? Yeah, Team ID! Laynie says bet, but then Sloane trips her into a leg cradle cover! SLOANE ELIMINATES LAYNIE! The fans can’t believe it, but Sloane’s a snake!

Sloane blows kisses, mocking Laynie on her exit. Sloane wants high-fives from Kali & Tyra, but they double kick her instead! They mug Sloane, and Kali builds up speed again! KALI CONNECTION on Sloane! Cover, Kali ELIMINATES Sloane! Sloane feels instant karma while Kali & Tyra are all fired up again. They push each other as they fire up, but Wendy SHOVES Tyra into Kali! O’Conner Roll on Tyra, TWO, but Wendy uses that to BLAST Kali! Tyra scoops Wendy, Wendy slips free, DIRTNAP! But Kali BODY BLOWS Wendy! Kali & Tyra stomp away on Wendy, then they DOUBLE SUPLEX!

The countdown is back! And with PJ Vasa reserved for last, we know entry seven is NIKKITA LYONS! Big Kat storms in, LARIATS Kali, then ROUNDHOUSES Tyra! ELBOW for Kali, KICK and KICK and BODY BLOW for Tyra! Lyons ROCKS Tyra, snap suplexes, then kips up! The fans fire up with Lyons as she BODY BLOWS Kali! Tyra ROCKS Lyons, she and Kali mug Lyons, then they set her up! Kali builds speed again, but Lyons YANKS Tyra into the path of the KALI CONNECTION! Kali is shocked, but Lyons DECKS her! SPIN HEEL KICK on Tyra! Cover, LYONS ELIMINATES TYRA! Lyons waves bye as she already makes an impact!

Lyons stalks Kali, talks trash on her, then brings her up. Kali ROCKS Lyons, ROCKS her again, then kicks and whips. Lyons ducks ‘n’ dodges but Kali scoops, only for Lyons to RANA! Lyons has Kali in the drop zone, goes up, up, but Wendy SMACKS her first! Wendy ROUNDHOUSES Lyons, goes up after her, but the two brawl up top! Kali joins in, and she starts the TOWER OF DOOM! But the FINAL COUNTDOWN~ is here, and yes, here comes #PNasty! PJ Vasa has her pick of the remaining entries, but Evolve goes to break.

Evolve returns once more as Vasa SPLASHES Lyons in a corner! Then she SPLASHES Wendy in another! And she SPLASHES Kali in the third! Kali staggers, Vasa whips, BLACKHOLE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Kali survives, and Wendy fires hands on Vasa! Lyons helps out with her own martial arts, then they double kick Vasa low. They reel her in and DOUBLE- NO, Vasa fights the suplex to DOUBLE SUPLEX them! The fans fire up as all four women are down! Wendy flops out of the ring, Vasa stands Kali up to fireman’s carry, SAMOAN- NO, Kali slips free, shoves, and SNAP POWERSLAMS! Kali kicks it into gear, but TYRA is in her way?!

Tyra is upset about the Kali misconnection, but Kali says she ain’t got time to explain that. Kali swings on Tyra, but Tyra ducks! Tyra ROCKS Kali in return! And Lyons SUPERKICKS Kali! Cover, LYONS ELIMINATES KALI! Masyn & Layla like seeing that! Wendy and Lyons work on Vasa with CHOPS and body shots, but Vasa guzels them both! They break free, to HIGH LOW KICK! Cover, ONE! Another cover, ONE! Vasa is still too tough, but Lyons and Wendy go for arms! Vasa fights the Fujiwara armbars, and the fans rally as she rises up! Vasa gives Lyons & Wendy a meeting of the minds! Vasa runs up, but they DUMP her out!

Lyons kicks Wendy! TIGER DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Wendy survives and Lyons is stunned! Vasa is back and she clamps onto Lyons! Lyons fights free, kicks low, and underhooks Vasa. Vasa BACKDROPS free! Wendy is up, she slips around, DIRTNAP! But Vasa has Wendy as a backpack as she RAMS Wendy into buckles! Vasa fireman’s carries Wendy for a SAMOAN DROP! Wendy is in the drop zone, Vasa goes up! DIVINB BODY FLOP as Wendy moves! Wendy hooks Vasa up, HEADSCISSOR DRIVER! Lyons is back, YAM SLAM!! Cover, LYONS ELIMINATES VASA?!? The odds on favorite just fell short!

The fans rally and duel between Wendy and Lyons as they stare down! Lyons throw hands, Wendy hits back! Lyons fires body shots, but Wendy fires back! Wendy runs, but Lyons ROCKS her! Lyons runs, but Wendy UPPERCUTS! Wendy whips Lyons, Lyons reverses, scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!?! Wendy survives and the fans are fired up! Wendy crawls to the corner, Lyons runs up, but Wendy kicks her away! And ELBOWS her! DIRTNAP! Lyons fights the hold, arm-drags free, then runs up. Wendy slips around, and has the FULL NELSON BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Lyons survives and Wendy can’t believe it!

The fans rally up as Wendy refocuses. Wendy rises, stalks Lyons, and wrenches to a fireman’s carry! Lyons slips free, shoves Wendy away, but Wendy mule kicks! Wendy goes up, CROSSBODIES, but Lyons catches her! SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Lyons goes up, up, KITA BOMB! Cover, TWO?!? Wendy survives Lyons going Vader and Lyons is furious! The fans duel as Lyons drags Wendy up. Lyons slaps Wendy around, but Wendy breaks fere! Wendy ducks the heel kick to have the DIRTNAP!! Lyons flails, reaches out, but Wendy drags her down! Lyons rolls back to a cover, TWO! Lyons kicks low, underhooks, TIGER- RANA!! Cover, WENDY WINS!!!

Winner: Wendy Choo, by pinfall (NEW WWE Evolve Women’s Champion)

Lyons is shocked, but the fans love this for Wendy! For the first time in her WWE career, Wendy can say she is a champion! Foreman Thatcher walks out here and makes it official as he hands the title to Wendy. Will the Queen of New York prove she’s the Queen of Evolve?

My Thoughts:

A great episode for Evolve here, though obviously a lot of that has to do with the Gauntlet Eliminator main event and Wendy Choo finally having a title. It was definitely a surprise given PJ Vasa has been on a roll, but perhaps it was too obvious for Vasa to win if she was coming in last. Vasa and Wendy can feud over the title as we move into the Spring/Summer stretch of Evolve, and that’ll be a very strong cornerstone for Evolve. Kali seems to be moving into a feud with Tyra Mae Steele now after the typical “miscommunication creates anger” spot. Lyons getting to be runner-up is a great spot for her, too, she can certainly make a run at the title during Wendy’s reign.

Good match from DVD VS Kai, very dominant win for DVD. They are certainly taking an organic path for DVD to build himself up and perhaps be in line for his own title shot after Rourke’s reign. Rourke had a good promo with Harlem, and a little surprised Braxton got in on this. The Triple Threat likely gives Rourke a way to win while keeping Harlem and Braxton strong in defeat, aka he uses them against each other. Good promo from Jensen, and he of course wants another bull rope match. Jensen lost the first to Harlem, will he win this one against Jones?

And good stuff in the opener from the now Max Abrams and Lince Dorado. Mike/Max is continuing his own take on the passive aggressive Face who is really more a Heel, and I could see another loss make Mike turn on Lince. The tron being poor quality was also a good bit of meta, like this was somehow very sudden and the production team had little time to do more than that for him.

My Score: 8.7/10