Will Big Kat Kita still be on top?

Nikkita Lyons defends her WWE Evolve Women’s Championship for the first time, against WWE ID Women’s Champion, Laynie Luck!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Cappuccino Jones & Marcus Mathers VS Shido Ash & Viktor Zanov; Ash & Zanov win.
• Sam Holloway VS Dorian Van Dux; Double Count-Out Draw.
• Elijah Holyfield VS Brooks Jensen; Jensen wins.
• WWE Evolve Women’s Championship: Nikkita Lyons VS Laynie Luck; Lyons wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Nikkita Lyons & Sloane Jacobs meditate together.

And the guided meditation is narrated by Lyons herself. “You have entered the Lyons Den, The Zen Den, the most prosperous space in the universe.” Sloane says this is relaxing and all, but Lyons has her first title defense tonight. Is she ready? Lyons says one more deep breath, hold it… Hold it… And breathe out. Lyons says tonight is a lesson in karma. They ruined Laynie Luck’s shot against Wendy Choo, though deserved, but then Laynie ruined Lyons’ championship celebration, which was ridiculous. But now, the cosmos is balanced out, and they are getting an opportunity to make sure that the Divine Feline Era gets a proper start.

Yes, Sloane loves the energy, but Lyons is like really Zen for her first title defense. Lyons says she touched grass at sunrise, Sloane needs to try it. Sloane did, she went on a walk. Lyons says please, be her extra eyes on the back of her head. We already know everyone is looking at the title. Sloane says the title is where it belongs, and Lyons has nothing to worry about. Though from the way Sloane looks off to the side, maybe Lyons should worry?

Cappuccino Jones & Marcus Mathers VS Shido Ash & Viktor Zanov!

Like a lot of people on Evolve, our WWE ID OGs have had some rough run-ins with the former special security, but that was because these two gold medal level judokas never wanted to protect anyone, they wanted to BREAK EVERYONE! Will Ash & Zanov start on that here tonight? Or will they learn what it is to face pro-wrestlers in a fair fight?

The teams sort out, Philly’s Finest starts against Zanov. The two tie up, Zanov THROWS Mathers down, then grins as Mathers gets up. The two go again, but Zanov STOs Mathers down! Zanov kicks Mathers to a corner, and we see The Mog Squad is hanging out in the VIP Lounge, enjoying what they’re seeing already. Zanov storms up, Mathers turns things around, and Mathers CHOPS! Zanov just brushes that off to DECK Mathers! Zanov whips Mathers to ropes, ELBOWS him down, then drags him up to THROW him to the corner! Then Zanov runs up, but into a BOOT! Mathers goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, ONE!

Mathers CALF KICKS Zanov, covers, ONE! Zanov is tough but Mathers facelocks. Jones tags in, he clamps onto an arm, but Zanov just gets mad! Zanov ROCKS Jones, headlocks, then brings him over to Ash. They mug Jones, Ash UPPERCUTS and MONKEY FLIPS! And SAYANAGIS! The fans boo but The Mog Squad wants more. Ash talks trash, but Jones pie faces him! The fans cheer, Ash runs up, but Jones dodges, hurdles, hurdles, then DROPKICKS! Sam Holloway is here to cheer Jones on, Jones ROCKS, CHOPS, and whips, but Ash reverses. Jones BLASTS Zanov, BOOTS Ash, but Ash claims he got poked in the eye.

The ref checks Ash, that lets Zanov LARIAT Jones from the apron! The fans boo, Holloway protests, but Ash gets away with one. Tag to Zanov, they mug Jones again, and Zanov clamps onto Jones for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Zanov scoops, swings, and THROWS Jones away! Jones writhes, Ash tags back in, and they double back suplex! Jones lands out, dodges Ash and DROPKICKS Zanov! The fans cheer, but Ash grabs a hand! Jones fights free, Ash shoves, but Jones slides under! Ash grabs Jones for a GUT WRENCH PLEX! Then a cover, TWO! Ash tags Zanov, they whip Jones to the corner, then Zanov ELBOWS Jones while Ash BLASTS Mathers!

Ash runs in and ELBOWS Jones, then feeds Jones to the OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Cover, TWO! Jones survives, the fans rally, but Zanov clamps on with a COBRA CLUTCH! Jones fights up, fires hands, but Zanov THROWS him down! Jones flounders to the corner, Zanov runs up, btu Jones BOOTS him! Jones ELBOWS Ash, boots Zanov, then dodges again! Hot tags to Ash and Mathers! Mathers LARIATS Ash, wrenches and HOOK KICKS Zanov, then ROUNDHOUSES Ash! Mathers goes up, out, and PENALTY KICKS Zanov! Mathers then springboards to CUTTER Ash, and BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!

Ash survives but Mathers and Jones agree to finish this! Holloway dares Mog Squad to do something other than just talk! But then that distracts Jones! Ash SHOVES Mathers into Jones, and Jones hits the floor! Then Ash runs, dodges, and UPPERCUTS Mathers! The fans boo but Ash tags Zanov. Ash feeds Mathers, POP-UP GERMAN! Cover, Ash & Zanov win!

Winners: Shido Ash & Viktor Zanov, by pinfall

It was a #DeadEnd for Philly’s Finest, but The Mog Squad did have a part to play. But then Ash & Zanov tell the squad to shut their mouths! Max Abrams says they don’t want the heat, and actual security gets Ash & Zanov outta there. Will The Mog Squad make sure they’re not prey for these two hunters?

Laynie Luck prepares backstage.

Layla Diggs, Zena Sterling and Anya Rune are all rooting for her against Nikkita Lyons, but Laynie says Lyons had one thing right: The universe will align itself, and tonight is Laynie’s night! Ten years of the grind finally pays off. Layla says Laynie’s got this, and hopes to be first in line. Laynie says deal. They shake hands, Zena rolls her eyes a bit, but Anya stands up to do a Moe Moe Kyun! In the name of uwu, Anya bestows upon Laynie the Power of Friendship! Um, uwu? What? Anya says she’s giving Laynie the power of good luck! Well, shoot, Laynie can use all the luck she can get. Laynie heads out, but will it all work out for her in the end? Or does it take more than luck to stop Lyons?

Sam Holloway VS Dorian Van Dux!

Well, we just saw Holloway watch his friends lose the hard way, and now he has to focus on his own match. Will there be too many distractions for Sam tonight? Or can he get this win on DVD?

The bell rings and the two tie up. They’re in a deadlock, Sam shoves DVD away, and says HE is the big man around here! Sam and DVD tie up again, Sam powers DVD to a corner, but DVD turns things around. DVD lets off, dodge a shot, but Sam blocks the arm-drag! Sam ROCKS DVD, scoops him, but DVD slips free! Sam still blocks the arm-drag, guzels, and CHOKE- NO, DVD KNEES free! DVD arm-drags Sam after all, then storms up. Sam kicks low, reels DVD in, and lifts, but DVD slips free! But the knee jams! Sam BOOTS DVD down! The fans rally for DVD, but the ref checks. DVD says this isn’t gonna stop him, and Sam isn’t sure what’s going on.

DVD manages to stand, and he manages to ROCK Sam! DVD fires more shots, but Sam KNEES low! And then Sam BUTTERFLY SUPLEXES DVD away! The fans rally while Sam stalks DVD. DVD still throws hands from below, but Sam drags DVD up to scoop and SLAM! Sam goes to the apron, and he steps up for the ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! DVD toughs it out and Sam is a bit frustrated already, but the fans rally up. Sam stalks DVD, stomps him to a corner, but DVD fires body shots. Sam ROCKS DVD, but DVD fires body shots. The fans rally for DVD but Sam ROCKS him again! And again! DVD wobbles, but he SMACKS Sam back!

DVD CHOPS, CLUBS, but Sam ROCKS DVD! And ROCKS him again! Then DOUBLE CHOPS him to the corner! San runs up, DVD dodges, and Sam hits buckles! DVD hobbles, Sam SHOTGUNS him down! The fans fire up while Sam storms his way over. Sam goes up the corner, but DVD jumps up to UPPERCUT! DVD climbs up, he fires hands, but Sam ROCKS DVD in return! DVD drops back, the leg jams again, but DVD still SMACKS Sam! DVD goes up, fires hands again and again, then goes to the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX! The fans fire up as both men are down! DVD rises up while Sam is dazed, and the fans cheer DVD on.

DVD goes to a corner, but Sam runs up! DVD goes up and over, runs again, and he SHOULDER TACKLES! Then THESZ PRESS! DVD rains down fast hands but Sam pushes him away. DVD fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! DVD sees Sam is down, and he goes back to a corner! The fans rally as DVD climbs again, but the bad leg slows him down. DVD still tries, DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Sam survives but that’s perhaps from DVD unable to put everything into that. DVD still runs up on Sam in the corner, but Sam BOOTS him away! Sam runs up, DVD SWATS a lariat, but Sam ducks to URENAGE! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as DVD survives again!

Sam is beside himself, but he stands back up. Sam ROCKS DVD, but DVD ROCKS Sam back! The fans rally as the forearms go back and forth! Sam ROUNDHOUSES, then GERMAN SUPLEXES! But DVD is back up!? DVD hobbles, and he LARIATS! Sam flounders out of the ring while the fans fire up! DVD hurries to the corner, and he climbs up! Sam rises, into DVD’s ARIHARA MOONSAULT! DVD takes Sam down, but his bad leg is only hurting more! The ring count is climbing, and DVD drags himself over. Sam sit sup, we hit 7 of 10! DVD grabs at Sam, and we get TEN!

Double Count-Out Draw

Sam is furious, and fans want “Five More Minutes!” Sam storms up into the ring, but security hurries to stop this! The fans want to “Let Them Fight!” but that’s not happening tonight. Will these two look to run it back soon enough?

Tate Wilder speaks.

“Kam Hendrix and Harley Riggins have singled me out as their number one target. And they’re holding a grudge for what? Because I fairly officiated their little beef with the ID program? Dude, seriously? That was forever ago! But no matter what I do, they remain a constant thorn in my side. Now I thought beating Harley Riggins was the answer. No. Maybe moving up from Evolve to NXT would finally set me free. Still no. Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s flattering how much space I take up in their heads. I’m living up there rent free, along with the two braincells they’ve got bouncing around. And I’ve come to the conclusion there’s only one thing left to do.

“So I talked to Robert Stone. Tate Wilder is coming back to Evolve to face Harley Riggins next week to put an end to this beef once and for all. So strap up, playboy. Beating your ass is the only thrill I’m seeking.” The Modern Day Cowboy is ready for one last shootout, but will he finally leave Riggins in the past? Or will he get run over by the #GnarlyHarley?

Harlem Lewis is here!

The fans cheer the NEW WWE Evolve Champion as he goes to the ring, belt on his shoulder. Harlem then gets the mic and says, “Evolve Men’s Champion, Harlem Lewis! I can get used to the sound of that. And all of you should, too. But I wanna keep it real with you guys for just a second, because I never would’ve envisioned just two-and-a-half years into my career that I would be standing here in a ring as a champion in the WWE.” The fans cheer that, and Harlem says when he got here, he saw a lot of guys ‘n’ girls ship up and ship out. He was a runner-up on LFG, but he didn’t whine, he didn’t complain, he didn’t compare himself to anyone else

And honestly, whether the fans were booing him or cheering him, he stayed himself because he knew it’d lead him right to this title! The fans cheer that! Harlem says he went to Japan for three months, and when he came back, he got to thinking: What did he need to do to break through? He saw it: He needed to be more violent, more dangerous, more dominant, and not give a damn about anyone but himself! This title is the validation for all of that! The fans cheer again, and Harlem says time to turn it up a notch! He worked too hard for too long to get this title, and he is not letting nit slip through his fingers!

There is only one way for Harlem’s story to end as a champion in Evolve, and that’s to do just what Kendal Grey did: win until he has to vacate the title and move up to NXT! But until then, he’s an easy man to find. The beast is out the cage! Welcome to the Harlem Violence World Tour! The fans like the sound of that, but then former champion, Aaron Rourke, appears! And The Dime Piece tells Harlem it’s hard to come to here and see that title on a different shoulder. But he did want to come out and say congratulations. The fans applaud as Rourke says he knew Harlem would be his toughest challenge, and he proved it.

To be a champion is to be a champion in victory and defeat. But just because Harlem won the battle doesn’t mean the war is over, baby boy. Harlem is champion now, but he’s not unbeatable. And no shade, but everyone agrees that title still looks better around Rourke’s waist. Rourke knows he’s owed a rematch, so maybe they run things back ASAP? But then wait, Tristan Angels is here! “ORDER! ORDER! ORDER! You two make me sick! ‘Oh, I’m a great champion!’ ‘No, I’m a great champion!’ Blah blah blah! What a load of nonsense! Aaron, it is time that you accept that your underwhelming and subpar title reign is over! You were mediocre, now would you please step aside?”

Rourke asks who is Tristan to question Rourke’s title reign. What about Tristan’s? Oh, wait…! He hasn’t had one! Tristan says, “Zip it, Sparkles!” Rourke says Tristan’s the one wearing the most sparkles here. Tristan tells “Mr. Lewis” that it must be so gratifying to have that title on his shoulder. But please, do not get too comfortable, for the most handsome man in England, and therefore the entire world, is here to collect his well-deserved rematch. Now, this is something that he is owed, because the only person suitable to sit atop the throne and become the Face of Evolve is Mr. England, the “top shagger,” Tristan Angels!

But wait! Max Abrams makes his way back out here, and he says alright, alright, enough “jester maxing,” Tristan. This whole thing is low key pathetic. The fans boo, but Max says they’re all out here saying they want this, they want that, but he hates to do this, but he will… He MOGS them all! Not an opinion, it is a fact. The fans boo but Max says the cortisol levels are through the roof as they all stand next to a true Chad! But he’s not here to take too much time, he’ll keep it quick. Harlem, congrats, you’re the new champ for now. Max is just letting you know that it is time The Mog Squad takes that title and officially kicks off Hot Boy Summer!

But then Rourke & Harlem take the fight to Max & Tristan! They TOSS Max & Tristan, the fans fire up, and Max says they’ll pay for that! Max says that includes Tristan! Tristan says, “Shut up, horse teeth!” Bu then Harlem CLOBBERS Rourke! It is every man for themself in Evolve, and Harlem tells Thatcher to line ’em up so he can knock ’em down! Who will be the first stop on the Harlem Violence World Tour?

Kale Dixon & Alix Brooks have their newest photoshoot.

Just like a fashion trend, the lovely yet narcissistic young woman by Kale’s side has changed up her name, but who wouldn’t wanna watch them? They’re why Wednesdays are hotter. But then who walks in? It’s Gal! And he says oh yeah, that last shoot was ferocious! The abs were popping, the glutes were pumping, and he has the one thing that can make it even better. He throws off his robe an dis in a bright blue speedo! Alix says ew, but Gal says the peaks are peaking! Let’s collab and make a calendar! No, no, he just ruined things. Kale has the photographer pack up, and he says there’s one place he will see Gal: across the ring so he can get another W.

Kale & Alix leave, Gal says he just wanted to be friends. But fine, he’ll get his in. Will Mr. Mint Condition ever figure out how to connect?

Elijah Holyfield VS Brooks Jensen!

One second-generation athlete trained with Noam Dar, the other ended up spying on that session. But will Elijah prove he’s the Real Deal with fists of steel? Or will he still fall for the tricks of the Bad Man from Ala-Bam-Bam-Bama?

Evolve returns as Jensen makes his entrance, Elijah already waiting in the ring. The bell rings, Jensen eggs Elijah on, but then he bails out. The fans boo but Jensen smirks as he trolls Elijah. Elijah rushes out, Jensen fires a forearm, but that just pisses Elijah off! Jensen runs away into the ring, Elijah pursues, and Elijah dodges to RUN Jensen over! Elijah keeps moving, Jensen drops down, hurdles, but Elijah blocks a hip toss! Jensen LARIATS, but Elijah stays up to LARIAT Jensen down! The fans fire up while Jensen flounders to ropes. Elijah storms up, Jensen BOOTS him away, but Elijah fireman’s carries!

Jensen fires elbows and slips free, but Elijah blocks a shot to ROCK Jensen! Jensen flops against ropes, but Elijah drags him up. Jensen throat chops! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Jensen ENZIGIRIS! Jensen scoops and SIDE SLAMS! Cover, TWO! Elijah toughs it out but Jensen stalks him. Jensen brings Elijah up, ROCKS him, then fires body shots! Jensen UPPERCUTS, but Elijah shoves free. Jensen KICKS Elijah’s legs out! Jensen KNEES away in the corner, but stops as the ref counts. Jensen drags Elijah up, turns him, and NECKBREAKER! Elijah goes to the ropes, Jensen snapmares him and ELBOWS him in the head!

Jensen stands Elijah up, UPPERCUTS, then grinds a forearm into Elijah’s face. Jensen fires a crossface forearm! The fans rally for Elijah but Jensen stands him up. Jensen CLUBS Elijah, ROCKS him in the corner, then brings him around to ROCK him again. Elijah goes to another corner, but Jensen grins as he says watch this. Jensen climbs up, he rains down fists, but Elijah slips free to YANK Jensen down! Elijah learned that trick from last time, and he runs up, only for Jensen to ELBOW him away! Speaking of last time, Jensen starts undoing the buckle pad! The ref reprimands, but Elijah rolls Jensen up! TWO, but Elijah RUNS Jensen over! And RUNS him over again!

Elijah BODY BLOWS Jensen, whips him, and SPINEBUSTERS! Elijah roars, the fans are with him, but Jensen goes back to the corner. Elijah climbs up again, rains down fists, but but Jensen YANKS him down! But Elijah braces himself and lands safe! Dar’s training worked out, and Elijah CLOBBERS Jensen! Elijah runs Jensen at the corner, Jensen stops himself in time, but Elijah O’Conner Rolls! TWO, Jensen has it, and he holds ropes! JENSEN WINS!

Winner: Brooks Jensen, by pinfall

Dar taught Elijah how to counter one trick, but Jensen uses another one to get another win! Elijah is furious, will he just have to study every angle before trying again?

Vanta speaks.

“What’s your biggest fear? Defeat? Being replaced? What about the unknown?” When and where will The Unknown strike?

WWE Evolve Women’s Championship: Nikkita Lyons VS Laynie Luck!

The Divine Feline likes it when all eyes are on her, but not if those eyes are eyeing her newly won championship. Her “third eye” also didn’t see the WWE ID Women’s Champion coming back for revenge for her ruining the match with Wendy Choo. Will Laynie become Evolve’s first double champion? Or will Lyons still roar?

The fans boo as Sloane Jacobs steps out on stage and says, “Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to be divinely blessed, and join me in welcoming my inspiration, my close personal friend, The Lioness, The Divine Feline, Miss Multimedia herself, the Evolve Women’s Champion, Nikkita Lyons!” The champ makes her entrance, the proper introductions are made, and the belt is raised as Lyons and Laynie press their luck!

Meanwhile, Gianna Capri is in the VIP Lounge, eager to see who comes out on top. The bell rings and Lyons TACKLES Laynie! Lyons rains down forearms, then drags Laynie right up to THROW her to a corner! Laynie dodges, Lyons rushes her and THROWS her to another corner. Lyons runs in, Laynie dodges again, and Lyons POSTS herself! Laynie goes out to the apron, Lyons blocks the Penalty Kick, and she THROWS Laynie! Laynie cartwheels through, and she BOOTS Lyons on return! The fans fire up for Laynie, she’s fired up with them, and Evolve goes to break.

Evolve returns with Laynie glaring at Sloane. Sloane backs up and says time out, she swears she wasn’t gonna do anything. But then Lyons runs up! Laynie ducks the roundhouse, ROCKS Lyons, ROCKS her again, then whips, only for Lyons to reverse and BODY BLOW! Lyons then sends Laynie into steel steps! The fans are torn, but the ring count climbs. Lyons drags Laynie up and puts her in the ring while Sloane cheers her on. Lyons kicks at Laynie, KICKS again, then snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Laynie toughs it out but Gianna also cheers Lyons on. Lyons whips Laynie to a corner, runs up, and ROCKS Laynie with a forearm!

Lyons sits Laynie down, then goes up, TOUCH GR-ASS! The fans cheer, Lyons drags Laynie up, and Lyons whips corner to corner. Lyons runs up, Laynie goes up and over to roll Lyons up, ONE! Lyons ROCKS Laynie, Laynie kicks low, but Lyons kicks in return. Laynie ROCKS Lyons, Lyons DECKS Laynie! Laynie goes to ropes, Lyons grabs the legs, and Lyons YANKS Laynie up, only for Laynie to land on her feet! Laynie rolls under, UP KICKS, and CRAVAT SMASH! Then a BOOT sends Lyons to the apron! Laynie goes up, up, and DOUBLE STOMPS on the apron! Cover, TWO! Lyons survives and the fans fire up!

Laynie drags Lyons up, but Lyons ROCKS her again! Lyons underhooks, Laynie wrenches free, and she blocks a kick to KNEE Lyons! Then TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Lyons survives and Sloane is relieved. The fans rally up as Laynie hurries to bring Lyons around. Laynie fireman’s carries, Lyons fights free, and Lyons fireman’s carries! Laynie fights free to the apron, RAMS into Lyons, then goes up and over to sunset, but Lyons sits on it! But she’s holding ropes! The ref notices in time and says NOPE! The fans are conflicted, but then Laynie dodges Lyons! ENZIGIRI! Laynie goes up top and the fans cheer!

Lyons stands, and she hits the ropes! That sends Laynie tumbling down! Lyons hurries to THROAT CHAKRA HEEL KICK! Cover, Lyons wins!!

Winner: Nikkita Lyons, by pinfall (still WWE Evolve Women’s Championship)

One misstep, and Laynie falls short of the title! Lyons survives, but then PJ VASA CLOBBERS LAYNIE! And she fireman’s carries to SAMOAN DROP! Lyons, Sloane, and Gianna all love this! Vasa brings a chair into the ring, and she SMASHES Laynie’s leg!! The fans boo, security and refs rush out here, but the damage is done! Wren Sinclair & Skylar Raye want in on this, but then THEA HAIL storms out here! The brawl is on, Wren DECKS Lyons, Vasa HEADBUTTS Skylar, but Thea DECKS Sloane! Vasa runs up, Skylar DUMPS her out! The fans cheer as Thea, Wren & Skylar stand with Lyons!

Foreman Thatcher storms out her enow and he shouts enough! ENOUGH! Next week, EIGHT WOMAN TAG! Now go on, get outta here! With the #WrenQCC and the Grown-Ass Woman now joining the mix, are things about to get #DAD (Dangerous And Devious) around here?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode of Evolve, though it makes me wonder where this is in real time. Was DVD playing up bad leg because he was also doing that on NXT? Also, WWE ID OGs all taking losses tonight is rather rough. Just as I questioned putting Harley & Presley over the WWE ID guys, I’m a little annoyed they put Ash & Zanov over Jones & Mathers, but I also understand it. They’re getting their push now that they’re wrestling, and it was dirtied up by how The Mog Squad and Sam Holloway got into it. And at the very least, Sam and DVD got a ring out draw, so they can have a rematch, too.

Very good rematch from Elijah VS Jensen, but of course Jensen found another way to cheat. I feel like there’s gonna be a third time around, but it’ll have to be under some special conditions where Elijah can’t get cheated again. And c’mon, he’s Elijah Holyfield, give him a win by knockout so that Jensen stands no chance of cheating. Very good promo from Holloway with Rourke, Tristan, and Max, and I would think we’re getting a Triple Threat #1 Contender’s to see who gets their shot first. A Fatal 4 Way is possible, but that seems like a lot for a first defense.

And speaking of a first defense, I thought there’d be more cheating in Lyons VS Laynie, but Lyons instead just wins out because of “tactical error.” PJ Vasa going after Laynie outta nowhere was a bit odd, too, why wouldn’t she just wreck everyone? But hey, good brawl to close the show, and the first 8 Woman Tag for WWE Evolve, that’s going to be great stuff. There could also be a big #1 contender’s match stemming from this, can’t wait to see who challenges Lyons next.

My Score: 8.7/10