The Dime Piece defends his era!

Tonight, Aaron Rourke’s first defense of the WWE Evolve Championship is the biggest opportunity of “Starboy” Chazz Hall’s career!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Tristan Angels VS Romeo Moreno; Angels wins.
• Tate Wilder & Luca Crusifino VS Kam Hendrix & Harley Riggins; Cancelled.
• Gauntlet Eliminator Qualifier Fatal 4 Way: Gianna Capri VS Sloane Jacobs VS Veronica Haven VS Anya Rune;  Sloane wins and advances to the WWE Evolve Women’s Championship match.
• WWE Evolve Championship: Aaron Rourke VS “Starboy” Chazz Hall; Rourke wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

“Starboy” Chazz Hall walks ‘n’ talks.

“Yeah, I know the opportunity I’ve got tonight. Y’see, at just 23 years old, I made ‘Starboy’ one of the biggest names on the indies. And all my hard work has led me to WWE ID, it’s led me to Evolve, and this is where I take my first steps to becoming a superstar at NXT, Raw, SmackDown, and one day, you’ll see me at WrestleMania. But timing is of the essence, and I think it’s about time the Denim Dragon takes over Evolve. Because when the straps come down, the Dragon comes out.” But whoa, what’s going on around the corner? Kam Hendrix & Harley Riggins attacked Tate Wilder & Luca Crusifino!

The grid iron boys talk trash after blindsiding Tate & Luca, will their tag match be off now? Or will things only get wilder for this?

Tristan Angels VS Romeo Moreno!

The WWE ID Prospects continue to arrive, and “Mr. England” says we all have the honor of seeing the most handsome man make his debut. On the flipside, El Freestyle says si se puedes, and plans to paint his masterpiece on this canvas. Time to see who is truly ready to Evolve!

The bell rings, Romeo and Angels circle, tie up, and go around. The fans rally for Romeo but Angels pulls hair! Angels wrangles Romeo but Romeo fights up to wrench and chinbar. Angels wrangles Romeo with the armlock, but the fans boo. Romeo kips up, bridges, handsprings, and slips around to waistlock. Romeo drags Angels down, then does it again. Angels pries free, switches and rolls Romeo up, TWO! Romeo shoots around to waistlock, but Angels goes to the ropes. The ref counts, but Angels SLAPS Romeo! Angels and Romeo clinch, but Romeo powers up and out. Angels RUNS Romeo over, then takes a bow. Romeo SLAPS back!

The fans fire up as Romeo then dodges Angels, hurdles, and he trips Angels up to DROPKICK him down! The fans fire up again as Romeo RAMS Angels in the corner! Romeo picks Angels up, marches around with him, and then runs to BACKDROP! Cover, ONE! Angels is tougher than that but Romeo stays focused. Angels CHOPS Romeo and the fans “WOO~!” Romeo CHOPS, whips, and CHOPS again! The fans fire up as Romeo whips corner to corner, but Angels reverses. Angels runs up but Romeo ELBOWS him away! Romeo kicks, Angels blocks, and Angels puts the leg in the ropes. Romeo dangles, Angels JUMP STOMPS him down! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally as Romeo survives, but Angels seethes. Angels KNEES Romeo in the side! Angels rains down fists, then he isolates an arm to KICK it! The fans boo but Angels drags Romeo up. Angels suplexes high and hard, then covers, TWO! The fans rally again while Romeo goes to ropes. Angels pie faces Romeo, but Romeo RAMS low! Romeo runs, but Angels scoops for the BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer Romeo on but Angels snarls. Angels looms over Romeo, UPPERCUTS him, then HOTSHOTS him! The fans boo but Angels SLAPS Romeo again. Romeo ELBOWS Angels, BOOTS him, then springboards!

Angels gets under but Romeo ducks ‘n’ dodges! Angels TOSSES Romeo up and out, but Romeo GAMANGIRIS in return! Romeo jumps but Angels trips him up to HOTSHOT again! Romeo hits the floor and the fans boo Angels, but Evolve goes to break.

Evolve returns and Angels has Romeo down with a motorcycle stretch. The fans rally for Romeo as he fights up, and Romeo fires body shots! Angels headlocks, Romeo powers up and out, but Angels avoids the dropkick! “Too smart, baby!” Angels runs, but into a somersault DROPKICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Romeo and Angels go to ropes, and they run up! Romeo LARIATS! And LARIATS! Then he ducks a lariat, Angels counters the hip toss, but Romeo counters that to THROW Angels out! Then Romeo goes up, up, ESCALARA! Down goes Angels and the fans fire up! Romeo puts Angels in, springboards, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO!

Angels survives, but the fans rally as Romeo brings Angels around. Angels wrenches, blocks a kick, and DRAGON SCREWS the leg! Romeo clutches the leg, but he manages to hobble over to Angels. Angels catches Romeo to a cradle, TWO! Romeo waistlocks, Angels switches, and Angels O’Conner Rolls! TWO, but Angels spins through to have the HALF CRAB! Romeo endures, fights, and the fans rally up. Romeo kicks at Angels, reels him in, and then deadlifts for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Angels survives and Romeo is stunned! Romeo goes to a corner, climbs up, but Angels bails out. The fans boo but Romeo hops down to the apron.

Romeo ROCKS Angels, but Angels ROCKS Romeo! Romeo THROAT CHOPS! Then he reels Romeo in, but Romeo fights free! Romeo ROCKS Angels, then PENALTY- NO, Angels blocks, and he YANKS Romeo down, into the steel steps! Angels puts Romeo in, then takes the kneepad down so he can KNEE DROP Romeo’s head! Cover, Angels wins!

Winner: Tristan Angels, by pinfall

Angels takes a bow, even as the fans boo. But in the end, Angels takes that first big step on his WWE journey. Will Angels soon Evolve into a true star?

Santi Rivera and Jacari Ball talk backstage.

Santi wants to compare their gym records and asks about Jacari’s box jump. Jacari says it’s 45 inches. It’s Gal walks in and says, “Look at the size of these two studs! You two are built like absolute machines! And in this business, looking the part, that’s basically half the battle. And you guys are now repping WWE ID, so you wanna take things to the next level. Looking like a million bucks is one thing, but staying in mint condition, no competition, that’s a whole different game. You guys are the fresh meat, and It’s Gal likes what he sees. So how about we hit the gym, chest day best day. What do you say?”

Santi says wise words from an ID OG. Santi’s up for it, Jacari’s up for it, and Gal says let’s go! Has Gal found himself some new gym partners?

Byron Saxton is in the ring.

Normally on Raw and SmackDown, THE Byron is here to say, “The WWE ID Program has grown exponentially. And tonight is no exception to the rule, because right now, I am joined in this ring by the four newest signees to WWE ID!” The fans cheer that! Byron says it is not only a big night for these four ladies because they’ve joined WWE ID, but in just a matter of moments, they have an opportunity! They face each other in a FATAL 4 WAY, and the winner will go onto next week’s Gauntlet Eliminator to crown a NEW WWE Evolve Women’s Champion! The fans like the sound of that, too! Laynie Luck is in the VIP Lounge, also excited to see this match.

Byron says without further ado, let’s meet our newest signees. First off, Gianna Capri! Gianna thanks Byron, and says her years of training at Flatbacks Wrestling School has prepared her for this moment. Not only that, but her time at SHINE Women’s Wrestling, and even overseas in Japan, has given her the extra “soauce” that she really needed to stand out and succeed. Everyone wants to eat at Gianna’s table, until she flips it. The fans like the confidence, but second is someone WWE remembers, it is the return of Sloane Jacobs! Sloane says finally, finally, finally, she is back! She is ready to resurface where she belongs: In the Evolve Women’s Championship scene!

Sloane trained at the Worldwide Dojo, she made waves at Create-A-Pro and Wrestling Open, and she has waited three long years for her redemption! Tonight, all these girls will sink beneath her! Byron likes the strong words. Third up, and embarking on a new path, it’s Veronica Haven! Veronica says when the light shut her out, Sin City lit the way. She was lucky enough to train at Future Stars of Wrestling in Las Vegas, where she channeled her ruthless aggression into the art of pro-wrestling. So she wants to thank FSW and Arizona Wrestling Federation for giving her start, and for Duke City Wrestling seeing her as the outcast that she is, and loving her anyways.

It is time to show Evolve why this Fallen Angel was chosen for WWE ID! The fans applaud, and Byron says last but not least, known to refer to herself as the “Main Character,” please welcome Anya Rune. Formerly Airica Dune, “this anime girl is straight out of a manga panel! And thanks to SHINE Women’s Wrestling, I have officially been noticed! I trained at the Star Lab in South Carolina and became their first female graduate. And now, the Main Character of Everyone’s Favorite Anime, Anya Rune, is here in Evolve! And soon, all of you will have no choice but to notice me. UWU~!” Bryon loves all the confidence and determination, and wishes the best of luck to them all.

But wait, PJ VASA is here?! She has a mic to say, “The only thing I see in the ring are my future victims! And y’all better be careful what you ask for, cuz if you do make it to the gauntlet eliminator, just know I’M the last one in! Come get your issue!” #PNasty just put everyone on notice, but who defies the odds and defies the intimidation to join an already star-studded field?

Timothy Thatcher is in the office.

The Foreman of Evolve is still sorting out the mess that is his own paperwork, and he puts his chili away. He says Evolve Foreman here! Evolve has been changing over the past few weeks. Look at Thatcher! He’s wearing a collared shirt! Every morning, he wakes up, puts the hardhat on, and gets to work to make Evolve the best it can be. There’s a brand new Evolve Champion in Aaron Rourke, and women from all over the world are vying for the title Kendal Grey vacated after her Final Evolution against Tyra Mae Steele. Speaking of Tyra, what a go from her. She just barely missed out at winning that title.

In fact… Thatcher says why not! Put her in the gauntlet as number seven! Thatcher needs to make a phone call to make it more like lucky number eight. But unfortunately, Tate & Luca will not be able to compete tonight. Kam & Harley repeatedly attacking people backstage, Thatcher does not understand. Is it from fear or jealousy? In any event, he could suspend them to stop it. He could. But he doesn’t think Tate & Luca want that. So, when those two are cleared, the match will be back on. Thatcher’s pretty sure that’s all he had to say. Oh, wait. GET BACK TO WORK!

Gauntlet Eliminator Qualifier Fatal 4 Way: Gianna Capri VS Sloane Jacobs VS Veronica Haven VS Anya Rune!

Evolve returns as the four women wait, each in a corner. The bell rings, the four step up, and Anya shakes hands with Haven as old friends. Sloane and Gianna mock them by fangirling together, and then they both kick! But Haven and Anya both block, then duck the haymakers to DOUBLE ARM-DRAG! The forearms start flying and the fans fire up! But Gianna HOTSHOTS Anya while Sloane CHOPS Haven! Gianna TOSSES Anya out while Sloane whips Haven corner to corner. Sloane runs up, Haven slips out and sends her into buckles! GAMANGIRI for Gianna, then Haven goes up, up, and DOUBLE CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO!

Haven kicks Sloan, hops on, but Gianna DECKS Haven! Gianna and Sloane coordinate, Gianna runs up but Haven ELBOWS her! Haven BOOTS Sloane, then dodges Gianna. Haven runs up, Gianna puts her up top, but Haven kicks Gianna! Gianna HIGH KICKS Haven! Haven tumbles to the apron then the floor while Gianna and Sloane high-five. Anya returns, she ducks ‘n’ dodges, then KICKS Sloane! And ROCKS Gianna! Anya fires a flurry, then DECKS Sloane! But Gianna THROWS Anya down! Gianna rains down elbows on Anya, then crossface forearms! Cover, TWO! Nikkita Lyons has joined Laynie in the lounge, also curious about these four.

Gianna feeds Anya to Sloane for DEADLY NIGHTSHADE, and then a BOOT! Gianna adds an AX KICK! Gianna sprinkles salt, then she and Sloane double whip. Sloane scoops for the SIDEWALK SLAM, then Gianna LEG SPLIT LEG DROPS! Very similar to Lyons, really. Cover, but Sloane drags Gianna up! Sloane won’t let anyone take her redemption story away! Sloane covers but Gianna drags her up now. They start shoving, but then agree to work on Anya together. Anya UP KICKS them both! Anya ROCKS and BACKHANDS Sloane, then ROCKS and kicks Gianna! Then a meeting of the minds for Sloane and Gianna!

The fans rally up, Anya UPPERCUTS Gianna in the corner! Sloane runs in, but she’s sent into Gianna! ROUNDHOUSE from Anya to Sloane, then she wrenches and NECKBREAKER DROPS Sloane! The fans fire up for that, but Gianna runs up! Anya dodges to hit a BIG back suplex! The fans rally as Anya stands Gianna up for a flurry of forearms. Anya whips, and Have DUMPS Gianna out! Sloane is back, she waistlocks Anya, but Haven rolls them both up! Gianna breaks it all up, then BOOTS Haven! Gianna hooks Anya for a FISHERMAN SCREW! Cover, Haven breaks it! The fans cheer as Haven gets moving!

Haven ducks ‘n’ dodges Sloane, tilt-o-whirls, but Sloane turns that into SNAKE EYES! Sloane runs up and CHOP BLOCKS Haven’s leg! The knee wrap made it a target from the start, and now Sloane has a MUDA LOCK! Haven endures the Siren Song, but she TAPS!! SLOANE WINS!

Winner: Sloane Jacobs, by pinfall (advances to the Gauntlet Eliminator)

Sloane is back and better than ever! But will her redemption story continue all the way to the top of Evolve? And now that the field’s expanding to eight, who else gets in on this golden opportunity?

Speaking of that field, KALI ARMSTRONG runs out here! She TOSSES Anya, then TOSSES Haven! Sloane says whoa, hold on! But then Laynie jumps in! She spins Kali around to fire forearms! The WWE ID Women’s Champion doesn’t appreciate Kali doing this to the new recruits, but Kali DECKS her in return! “Is you crazy? Is you crazy?! Ain’t none of them girls gonna beat me next week! They can’t beat ME! That’s what I do!” Lyons brags that no, Kali’s got it wrong, we all know it will be Lyons winning the title. Who backs up all this confidence with results in the Gauntlet Eliminator?

Mike Cunningham gets in some ring work.

Main Man Mike finishes 100 corner jumps, and he hops down from the apron. Lince Dorado is there to say great stuff. Not sure he needed to do it with his sunglasses on, but that was impressive. Thanks, Coach! And y’know what’s cooler than getting in the ring with Lince? Getting to hit the gym with him. But what’s not cool is Lince gatekeeping that lucha magic! Can’t he teach Mike that roll-up? That would be Main Man Energy! Yes, that would be, but no, Lince isn’t going to teach Mike that just yet. Meanwhile, Gal, Jacari & Santi are getting loud as they pump iron.

Lince says they must be new here, because there are some rules about etiquette here. Some are actually professional around here. Conduct yourselves that way. Gal says Lince is just jealous that their peaks are peaking! Peaking what? Mike says what would be Main Man Energy is if Mike & Lince teamed up against Gal and a partner! Gal says that IS a great idea, but he’ll do them one better. Mike & Lince can face Jacari & Santi! Lince says fine, they’re on! Okay, protein shake time! Studs out! Jacari says these duds can have the gym to themselves. The Gal pals head out, but will Jacari & Santi flex on Mike & Lince? Or will Evolve get Lucha Lit with the Main Main Energy?

Aaron Rourke speaks.

“First title defense against Chazz Hall. It’s one thing to win the belt, it’s a whole other thing to keep it.” But then Kam & Harley walk by and taunt the champ. “Paint up. You’re gonna need all the help you can get, pretty boy.” Rourke asks what they’re getting at. He says he likes his face paint, but he doesn’t need it, because he will beat anyone who steps to him. It’s why he has the title and they don’t. They gonna jump him like they did Tate & Luca? Didn’t think so. Now excuse him, because the champ has to go defend his title. Rourke heads to gorilla, and Harley admits, Rourke’s feisty. Will the Dime Piece shine like a diamond in the spotlight?

WWE Evolve Championship: Aaron Rourke VS “Starboy” Chazz Hall!

Jackson Drake’s reign of terror ended with his Final Evolution, and that gave rise to the sparkling Dime Piece Era. But Rourke isn’t above taking chances, which is why he’s giving this chance to Chazz! Can Rourke slay the Denim Dragon? Or will Starboy truly become a star by becoming champion?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who shines the brightest of all!

Brooks Jensen is in the VIP Lounge to watch, because we all know he wants to finally have his own shot at this title. The bell rings and Rourke shakes hands with Starboy to show respect. They tie up, Rourke arm-drags and wrangles Starboy, but Starboy keeps his shoulders up. Starboy rises to his feet, but Rourke powers him step by step to the corner. But Starboy uses the corner to FLYING arm-drag! Starboy has the armlock now, but Rourke fights up. Rourke waistlocks, SLAMS, and then holds Starboy down. Starboy fights up, but Rourke ripcords to wrench and wristlock. Starboy rolls, handsprings, and wrenches.

Rourke rolls, kips up, and wrenches back to WRING Starboy out! Starboy UP KICKS, both men kip up, and the fans fire up for the standoff. Rourke brushes himself off and resets with Starboy. Rourke headlocks, Starboy powers up but Rourke snapmares. Starboy handsprings through, runs, but Rourke hurdles. Starboy cartwheels, but Rourke dodges the dropkick! Starboy dodges back, then covers, ONE! Rourke sweeps and covers, ONE as Starboy goes Matrix! Rourke rolls Starboy again, TWO! SHOTGUN and down goes Starboy! The fans fire up while Rourke watches Starboy. Starboy sputters, Rourke rolls and picks a leg.

Rourke trips Starboy, Starboy boots him away, and Starboy stays low. Starboy hurdles but Rourke catches him! Starboy slips free, knuckle locks to CHOP, KICK, and go up the corner! FLYING ARM-DRAG! The fans fire up as Starboy keeps moving, handspring, but Rourke passes him up and over! Starboy comes back to DROPKICK! Starboy air guitars while Rourke bails out, and the fans fire up! Starboy has Rourke at the apron, but Rourke blocks the gamangiri! Rourke goes for the buckle bump but Starboy blocks! Starboy GAMANGIRIS after all! Rourke sputters, Starboy BOOTS him down, and Jensen taunts Rourke.

Rourke tells Jensen to sit back on the couch! Starboy PLANCHAS! Down goes Rourke and Jensen says that’s what happens when you’re a coward! The fans boo Jensen, and CAPPUCCINO JONES goes after Jensen! These two spark things from their match weeks ago while Evolve goes to break.

Evolve returns as Starboy CHOPS Rourke in a corner. Starboy whips Rourke corner to corner but Rourke goes up and over. Rourke handsprings and SHOTGUNS Starboy down! Starboy hits buckles and Rourke runs up, UPPERCUT! Rourke snapmares Starboy, runs up again and BOOTS Starboy down! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer while Rourke brushes that off. Rourke drags Starboy around, then handstands to KNEE DROP! The fans cheer as Rourke dusts himself off, maybe hits a Griddy, then gets Starboy up. Starboy fires body shots, but Rourke CLUBS him down! Rourke whips Starboy, but Starboy wheelbarrows!

Rourke stops the rest, and he shakes his head as he now puts Starboy in the FULL NELSON! Starboy endures, fights up and arm-drags free! Starboy runs up, blocks boots, but Rourke ENZIGIRIS on the rebound! TWISTING VADER! Cover, TWO! Starboy survives and surprises Rourke but the fans rally up again. Rourke drags Starboy around but Starboy kicks from below. Rourke stomps Starboy, then ELBOW DROPS! The fans rally as Rourke puts Starboy in the drop zone, and he goes up the corner for the SPLIT LEG, but into BOOTS! The fans rally as both men rise up, and Starboy counter punches Rourke! And counter punches again!

The fans rally as the shots keep going, and Starboy CHOPS! Starboy whips, Rourke reverses and BACKDROPS, but Starboy lands on his feet! The fans fire up as Starboy then WHEEL KICKS Rourke down! Rourke goes to a corner, Starboy whips corner to corner, but Rourke reverses. Starboy dodges and Rourke hits buckles! Then Starboy springboards to DROPKICK! The fans fire up for Starboy and he brings Rourke around. Starboy has the cravat, but Rourke blocks the Asai DDT! Rourke shoves Starboy to the corner, runs up, but Starboy ELBOWS him away! Then Starboy QUEBRADAS, only for Rourke to catch him!

Rourke swings Starboy but Starboy uses that to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up again while Starboy covers, TWO! Rourke survives, Starboy is a bit frustrated, but Starboy climbs up the corner. But Rourke CHOPS him! Rourke climbs, Starboy throws hands, but Rourke GAMANGIRIS! Rourke then runs to hit STRATUSFACTION! Starboy flounders, Rourke brings him up, but Starboy fights the lift. Rourke ROCKS Starboy, tries again, but Starboy flips through to RANA! Only for Rourke to handspring through that! The fans fire up again, and Rourke runs up to SUPER- NO, Starboy goes Matrix, kips up, and PELES!

The fans fire up as Starboy gets moving, but he runs into a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Rourke is shocked that Starboy survives! The fans duel while Rourke shakes his head and rises up. Rourke goes to a corner, climbs up, and reaches the top. But Starboy is right after him! Rourke shoves Starboy away, but Starboy handsprings to SASUKE PELE! Then the straps come down! The Denim Dragon handsprings to SASUKE SPECIAL! The fans fire up again as Starboy puts Rourke in! Starboy goes up, up, and SHOOTING STARBOY PRESS misses as Rourke dodges! Rourke runs up, but Starboy wrenches through to ASAI DDT!

The fans fire up again, and Starboy hits the STANDING MARIPOSA! Rourke sputters but Starboy goes back to the corner! Starboy goes up, up, but Rourke rises! Rourke jumps right up, they fight on the top rope, and Starboy SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB, but Rourke backflips through! METEORA in the corner, then fireman’s carries for a tuck and USHIGOROSHI BUSTER!! Rourke roars, the fans fire up behind him, and Rourke climbs the corner! Rourke aims as Starboy rises, MOLLY-GO-ROUND!! Cover, Rourke wins!

Winner: Aaron Rourke, by pinfall (still WWE Evolve Champion)

Rourke wins his first defense as he and Starboy pushed each other to the limit! Rourke shows respect to Starboy by helping him up and hugging it out. The fans cheer champion and challenger, and Rourke poses with his title. Kam & Harley are still watching, and Harley admits, Rourke can fight. Kam admits, Rourke has moves. But Harlem Lewis steps in and says Rourke’s still ducking him. The Long Island Jackhammer heads back out, will he finally get the title shot he’s been chasing? Or will Rourke prove that you can’t break diamonds?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode for Evolve, they’re throwing a bit more of that NXT presentation on this with with Chazz Hall getting that walk ‘n’ talk promo and going right into that blindside attack spot. Not sure why they needed to call that audible on Tate & Luca VS Kam & Harley unless someone was still recovering from real injury. Still good stuff in that story with how this adds more heat on Kam & Harley. Very good promo from Timothy Thatcher, he’s really made this “so serious it’s funny” Foreman character work. And I do appreciate he talked out the kayfabe of not suspending the Heels so that the Faces can get their payback.

Angels VS Romeo was a very good match to open, solid personas for both guys, and solid win for Angels. It seems Jha’quan McNair has his WWE name, and Jacari Ball is already establishing himself as a Heel alongside Santi and Gal. Good promo from them, good promo from them with Mike & Lince, and that’ll be a real fun tag match. With Vanity Project on NXT and “Team PC” not a fully fledged faction anymore, the “Gal Pal” gym bros could work as a trio. Great WWE ID Prospect showcase with that Fatal 4 Way. Even in losing, Gianna, Veronica and Anya had a great debut, and Sloane winning out was a pleasant surprise. Laynie Luck and Kali Armstrong throwing hands was good, and I’m very curious as to who will be the eighth woman in the match.

Good promo from Rourke ahead of the main event, and that was a great match. As I figured, Rourke would retain, there wouldn’t be a one-off transitional champion here. Good bit with Jensen and Cappuccino, too. Harlem Lewis is clearly positioned as the next challenger, but maybe he still has to earn his match. After all, it was only Kam Hendrix’s word that gave him his #1 contender’s status, that deal isn’t being honored by management. Harlem has half a chance of taking that title, but I think that depends on what bigger plans WWE has for him and Rourke.

My Score: 8.5/10