WWE Evolve: What To Expect, How To Watch & Episode 1 Results
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WWE is set to launch its newest developmental brand, WWE Evolve, on Wednesday, March 6. Designed to spotlight independent wrestling standouts and Performance Center recruits, Evolve will serve as a proving ground for future WWE Superstars.
How to Watch WWE Evolve
- Date: Wednesday, March 6, 2025
- Time: 8PM ET / 5PM PT
- United States: Streaming Exclusively on Tubi (Free Access)
- International: Available for free on WWE’s YouTube Channel
What to Expect from WWE Evolve
Unlike NXT, which has evolved into a larger touring brand on The CW, WWE Evolve will take a more intimate, grassroots approach. The show will feature:
- Up-and-coming talent from the WWE Performance Center
- Independent wrestling standouts looking to break into WWE
- A studio-style setting with fans close to the action
- A hunger-driven atmosphere, where wrestlers fight for a spot on WWE’s bigger stages
WWE NXT’s Robert Stone and sports personality Peter Rosenberg will provide commentary. This will bring a mix of in-ring experience and mainstream sports media insight. Stone, who wrestled as Robbie E in TNA/Impact Wrestling before joining WWE as a manager, believes Evolve will capture the raw energy of wrestlers at the beginning of their journeys.
Who’s on the WWE Evolve Roster?
The first few episodes have been filmed behind closed doors. But, WWE has confirmed several names who will be part of Evolve’s debut season. The roster includes former collegiate athletes making the transition to professional wrestling, as well as seasoned independent stars:
- Trill London (Former NFL Safety Trill Williams)
- Tate Wilder (Former Arizona Fullback Case Hatch)
- Keanu Carver (Former Temple Defensive Tackle Kevin Robertson)
- Drako Knox (Former Mercer Tight End Drako Starks)
- Harlem Lewis (Former Morehead State Linebacker Vincent Winey)
- Kylie Rae (Well-known Independent Wrestling Star)
- Zayda Steel (Upcoming Women’s Division Talent)
The Long-Term Vision
With NXT growing into a major brand, WWE needed a new developmental tier to introduce fresh talent to television audiences. WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels, who oversees talent development, sees Evolve as a vital piece in shaping WWE’s future. The show’s intimate setting will allow fans to see wrestlers’ first steps on their journey to becoming major WWE stars.
Another key element is its free accessibility via Tubi and YouTube. With no subscription barriers, WWE Evolve will be one of the most accessible wrestling shows, allowing fans to witness new talent in action without financial commitment.
While the show currently doesn’t have titles, Robert Stone hinted that championships will likely be introduced as the brand progresses. However, the focus in Evolve’s early stages will be on competition, storytelling, and personal growth rather than immediate title chases.
Episode 1 Recap & Results
The show kicked off in a style reminiscent of WWE LFG, the new A&E series, but with one key difference—it’s not competition-style. Shawn Michaels and WWE NXT GM, Ava, stood alongside the talent, announcing the matches for the night. While not featured on the show, Luca Crusifino and It’s Gal were highlighted as two rising stars to watch in WWE Evolve. Gal tried to steal the spotlight, flexing in the background of the matches, while Luca had an interview with Rosenberg, where he took the chance to plug his upcoming in-ring debut.
Episode 1 had it all—fun matches, great moments, promos, and video packages that gave fans a preview of what the new talent is all about. The hour-long runtime was perfect for the episode. It ended with Shawn handing over the show to Ava, who will be at the helm of the show.
Kendal Grey & Carlee Bright def. Kali Armstrong & Dani Palmer
While the match delivered, Dani Palmer was the clear standout, though Kali Armstrong also impressed. A three-time NCAA All-American, Kali holds a world record in the Sprint Medley Relay. Palmer, a familiar face in NXT, showcased her experience with an incredible corkscrew moonsault before ultimately tapping out to Kendal Grey’s Flying Armbar. After the match, Kendal cut a strong promo to end things off, leaving the perfect lasting impression.
Keanu Carver def. Trill London
Trill London, a former NFL safety who played for the Miami Dolphins for two years, came to WWE to fulfill a lifelong dream. He brings a unique style, blending elements of Travis Scott and Jeff Hardy. On the other hand, Keanu Carver is massive and incredibly intimidating. A former defensive tackle at Temple University, he’s a force to be reckoned with. Both men are football players now pursuing their dreams in the squared circle, but it ended up being a squash match for Keanu. Despite the loss, Trill looked impressive even in defeat.
Sean Legacy, Jack Cartwheel & Cappuccino Jones def. Brad Baylor, Ricky Smokes & Jackson Drake
All of these guys looked phenomenal. The match and matchup were worthy of being the first main event of WWE Evolve—a six-man tag team match featuring WWE I.D. talent. Before this episode, I was already familiar with Swipe Right and Jackson Drake, both of whom are standouts on the regional scene. Described by the commentary team as the modern-day Zack Morris and AC Slater, Swipe Right definitely has that ‘it’ factor. It’s refreshing to see teams on the independent circuit stick together as they climb the ranks—something you don’t see much in WWE anymore.
Another familiar name was Sean Legacy, who didn’t catch my attention until tonight. The guy is built for this and was able to showcase his skillset nicely and had a killer finisher. He was a lot of fun to watch. Cappuccino Jones is incredibly unique, from his look to his name and promos. He’s one to watch, with a bright future ahead. Ultimately, it was a great match to end the night, with Sean Legacy, Jack Cartwheel & Cappuccino Jones picking up the win.
Are you tuning in to WWE Evolve’s debut, or will you be sticking with AEW Dynamite on Wednesday nights? Let us know in the comments!
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