WWE Evolve Review- 06.25.25

Hey, folks! It’s Wednesday night, and you know what that means! To me, it meant that I had to replace a blown PS5 Pro a couple of hours ago, where I decided to also randomly ask the Gamestop dude, “hey, you wouldn’t happen to have any Switch 2’s around, would you?” I mean, it’s just money, right? I can make more. Gulp. Anyways, enough about me. Let’s get to what matters tonight, and that’s Evolve.

Since we don’t have an actual LFG reviewer, I think I’m going to give y’all a quick synopsis of what went down, purely from memory, since it all sort of ties in together, at the end of my review. I’d do my best to review it, if folks want, but if they start airing new episodes back-to-back again, I’m out. That would be way too much. You all tell me and, as long as it’s alright with Scott, I’ll get to it. I’m pretty good at getting these out quickly, so it shouldn’t be too much of an issue most weeks. For now, know that Harlem Lewis, Haze Jameson, Trill London, and Summer Sorrell have moved over to that show. Harlem had a nice early run on here, while the other three had “quick and you’ll miss them” jobs to bigger stars. We’ll talk about them more later. For now, let’s get to this show.

Then. Now. Forever. Yeet.

Tonight, we’ve got a LAST WOMAN STANDING match between Kylie Rae and Wendy Choo. Watch them fight out of the ring and into the…….we don’t really have aisles here. I don’t know where they’d go.

We immediately go into our first match!

KEANU CARVER VS. ICE WILLIAMS

Keanu is PISSED at being eliminated in the men’s title four-way by two WWE ID talents, and he’s going to take it out on all of them, beginning with a guy we saw for about three seconds before tonight. I’m not holding out much hope for him, and, accordingly, KEANU ATTACKS FROM BEHIND before Ice even gets a chance to hit the ring. Ice hits some punches, but they don’t do much damage. Keanu goes for some sort of backdrop driver, which Ice reverses for two. Ice hits a dropkick to the outside, then makes the mistake of going after Keanu on the floor, earning a fallaway slam to the concrete. Keanu rolls him back in, hits some punches, and a giant throw. Keanu with a big elbow for two. A huge clothesline sold like death by Ice leads to some clubberin’ from Keanu. Burning Hammer gets two, and we hit resthold city. Ice fights out, but gets slammed. Keanu misses an elbow,. Clothesline takes Keanu off his feet, and Ice hits a back elbow off the top. Superkick, also called the Icebreaker, gets two. Ice is getting a LOT more offense than I thought here. Ice misses another elbow off the top, though, and the POUNCE hits. Spinning powerslam finishes for Carver.

WINNER: Keanu Carver

Overall Rating: B- – A much more back-and-forth matchup than I think anyone expected. Some of the strikes caught a whole lot of air, but overall not bad, even though the result was never in doubt.

Keanu: B- – Usual good intensity from Keanu, with some brief moments of sloppiness.

Ice: C+ – Certainly booked stronger than I thought, Ice sold reasonably well and hit a couple of nice moves. He needs work on some of his strikes, as a lot of it looked pretty soft.

Keanu attacks Ice again after the match, which draws out Timothy Thatcher to bring Ice to the back and stand up for the ID talent.

Speaking of WWE ID, here are Cappuccino Jones and Jack Cartwheel to tell us how they got to Evolve. Jones talks about wrestling at an indie show in front of thirty people in Tulsa, but one happened to be a WWE scout. Cartwheel mentions GCW, Japan, and AAA. Both talk about improving as wrestlers since joining up, getting better bookings and gear, as well as being able to support themselves financially more. I liked this, as it helps really spell out what the ID program is about for fans who may not be as obsessed as you and I, dear reader.

Coming up next, Zara Zakher, being treated as the red herring in the “who attacked Carlee” saga, returns to take on Kendal Grey. No one gives a flying fudge who attacked Dani Palmer, though.

Last Sunday, at an IWTV show, the Vanity Project address the crowd at what looks like a high school gym. Hondos ensue, Jackson Drake shows off his belt, and Zayda plays with her hair. Lince Dorado and the LWO are mentioned, and some kid in the front row thinks he’s getting actual WWE main roster superstars tonight. Life’s about to teach you a tough listen, kid, as you ain’t getting jack nothing.

Next week, though, you get the Vanity Project versus the LWO and Lince Dorado on Evolve. Maybe his parents will take him to Disney World. Doubt it.

ZARA ZAKHER VS. KENDAL GREY

Kendal, who I am mildly crushing on, comes out to the Temu version of Jade Cargill’s theme. They tie up, and Zara assures Kendal that she didn’t do anything. My god, it was Snitsky. That bastard. Kendal with some firefighter’s carries into an armbar, which she really doesn’t do much to make it seem like its cinched in. C’mon, Kendal. Make it look like it hurts. Kendal misses a charge, and Zara hits some elbows into a lariat for two. The crowd is very quiet here. Kendal with the takedown into another armbar, but Zara gets her foot on the ropes. Zara with an enziguri. Kendal with a roll up, and an Angle Slam type thingee called the “Control Z” for…..the pin? OK, then.

WINNER: Kendal Grey

MATCH RATING: C- You could barely lightly toast a slice of bread with the energy these two gave out there.

Kendal: C- It hurts me to say this but, other than the few sprinkled-in amateur moves, Kendal moved with zero energy or authority tonight. She’s still my favorite person on the show, and I promise it’s only somewhat due to my crushing on her. The potential is still real, but we didn’t see the killer out there she could be.

Zara: C- We’re giving out C-minuses like they’re hotcakes here. Zara didn’t show much energy either. Are you sure you’re innocent, Zara? ARE YOU?!

Kendal feels kinda sorta proud of herself afterwards.

Stevie is out to announce Evolve’s newest signing, when she’s interrupted by Edris Enofe. Stevie can’t give Edris attention, because ARIA BENNETT HAS BEEN ATTACKED in the small alcove. Both Kendal and Zara come to her rescue, thereby proving that this was, in fact, Snitsky’s doing.

A WWE ID program ad airs. I guess they must be looking for new talent here. I think Moxley would be a good fit.

Stevie, in an outfit that’s businesss up top, party down low, announces Evolve’s latest signing……Dante Chen. Dante is very excited to be demoted to a step above the unemployment line. Hey, it’s worked for Nikkita so far. Dante does his signature pose, which kinda looks like he slipped a disc, and he’s got a mic! Dante is honored to be here with such a unique roster, then brings up Ethan Page attacking him on NXT. Those were dark times, but all he could think about was getting back into the ring and grinding tirelessly. This brings out Edris Enofe, also screening his phone calls. Edris reminds him that he was announced as special just a few weeks ago, but that he now feels just like everyone else. Edris asks what’s so special about Dante when he had to overcome an injury and wants to be the face of Evolve as well. Dante tells Edris this isn’t the Edris he knew. Edris disagress and says he’s tired of playing by the rules and getting walked on. Edris decks Dante and walks away…..AND HERE’S GALLUS. Nah, Gallus ain’t here. I’m joking.

Chuey is backstage with Layla Diggs and asks for her origin story. Layla talks about having issues with public speaking, which Chuey cannot believe. Layla mentions the tryout process being hard, loving the Evolve experience, and learning about her strengths and weaknesses. Chuey mentions Layla was supposed to face Aria Bennett next week before getting hurt, when Jin Tala interrupts and volunteers to face Aria Bennett. Jin shows all the intensity of a Kendal/Zara match. I’m liking the backstage stuff tonight.

The Last Woman Standing match is up next!

Tate Wilder vignette, as he lift weights and does all sorts of e-sports. Has Adam Page ever done this? I think not.

Lince thanks the LWO and they get hyped for next week.

Edris Enofe argues with Jamar Hamptom backstage. It doesn’t lead to anything, other than showing us that Jamar has mastered “confrontation.”

KYLIE RAE VS WENDY CHOO (LAST WOMEN STANDING)

AND WE ARE OFF with punches flying. Kylie with a kick, then a dive to the outside, as I’m reminded that there’s actual room to do stuff on the entrance ramp. Kylie goes to pull out a table, but Wendy attacks from behind. Kylie gets a trash can from the back, hits Wendy, and puts it over her head, as we often do to Asian women in the WWE. Someone tell MVP. Kylie hits the can with a broom, as Peter mentions Aaron Judge for some reason. Back in the ring, Kylie brings the trash can back in. Kylie with a vertical suplex, but then eats trash can, followed by a german suplex by Wendy. Stone is watching this totally mid action and name-dropping horror movies. Dear lord, Stone. Lay off the whippets. Wendy pulls out a tool box as we continue namedropping horror movies. Wendy duct tapes Kylie’s foot to the second turnbuckle, then bashes her with the trash can lid. It’s just like Saw. Wendy hits Kylie with a wrench, just like they did in The Hills Have Eyes, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and Blackula. Kylie frees herself from the duct tape and goes after Wendy, but Wendy attacks again, trapping Kylie in the ring apron. I totally saw that happen in The Human Centipede. Kylie with the fire extinguisher! Wendy hits the steel steps, just like in Poltergeist 2. Kylie watches like a goof while Wendy stands up at eight. They exchange blows, like Freddie facing Jason, and Kylie hits a headscissors into a crossface utilizing the wrench. I guess it’s a wrench, but the announcers have no idea what it is. Maybe it’s one of those weird tools Jeremy Irons used in Dead Ringers (now THAT’S a messed up movie.) Wendy goes to the pillow case and dumps out some Legos, as we’ve hit so many cliches this may as well be Scary Movie 8. Wendy pulls a brick out of her teddy bear, and the announcers get VERY serious about this. Stone deadpans that this is the first time he’s seen a brick inside a teddy bear. Kylie finally meets the Legos. This is a horror show indeed, just not as they’re suggesting. Wendy with the sleeper, which Kylie kicks out of. They continue fighting on the apron, with Wendy putting the sleeper back on, and Kylie reversing as they both go through table. This is enough for both women to struggle to the point where we hit eight……nine……and Kylie Rae seems to slightly get up before the ten count to put us out of our misery.

WINNER: KYLIE RAE

MATCH RATING: D – This was an awful series of cliches, completely oversold by the announcers, and ridiculous performances by both wrestlers.

Kylie: D – It’s not working. It’s too late. She either get a complete overhaul, or it’s time to send her on her way.

Wendy: C– Wendy can, at least, offers veteran knowledge, but she didn’t make things any better here.

Natalya and Stevie end the show backstage, marvelling at the collection of women’s talent, before Natalya asks for a title match with Kali Armstrong and taking a joint selfie. This ends the show.

OVERALL RATING: C – There is something to like here, as there was some decent storytelling happening, the vignettes were solid, and the opener was good. The main event only isn’t one of the worst matches of the year due to at least not being botchy. It was a tiring sequence of every WWE hardcore match spot you’ve ever seen, however.

Let’s move on to a synopsis of what happened on LFG and how it ties in here.

All the contestants from season one of LFG return, with the formentioned Harlem Lewis, Haze Jameson, Trill London, and Sommer Sorrell replacing the two winners, as well as Jin Tala and Jamar Hampton, who are now on Evolve. The last three newbies sre obviously very green, and had been relegated to either job or “sit in the VIP area” duty on Evolve. Haze seemed to be developing what looked to be an entertaining “party girl” gimmick a la Session Moth Martina. I don’t get the Harlem Lewis inclusion, as he seemed to be doing quite well in his feud with Keanu Carver, which lends the question is moving to LFG a promotion, demotion, or lateral move?

Three of the four judges return, with Mickie James being replaced by noted ring general Michelle McCool. This instantly storyline-upsets Booker T, who accuses the WWE of nepotism.

We have a mini-combine of sorts, with no real results reported, and only a strange moment in which the Undertaker convinces BJ Ray to dog it. I’m guessing this leads to Taker drafting BJ late at some point in the draft.

Two matches occur, with Harlem Lewis facing Chris Island in one, and Dani Zelesky taking on P Nasty for the umpteenth time in the other. Both are actually pretty good matches, really reaching almost NXT level. Dani, in particular, is showing a ton more poise in the ring, and really is some character development away from being ready. Harlem looked dominant in his match, and also really feeling like he doesn’t need much from this show. It’s a bit perplexing. Harlem and P Nasty won their respective matches.

The weird stuff begins to happen when McCool is informed that, as the new coach, she will be given the advantage of having the first pick of both men and women to her squad, further displeasing Booker T. This, of course, leads to her picking both P Nasty and Anthony Luke, formerly of Booker T’s team, to her squad. This upsets Booker so much that he walks off the set.

I’ve got some issues with this. We don’t need obvious worked elements around coaches here. Even if this were a shoot, how do you now bring Booker T back to serve as a model for these young wrestlers now? Also, if Booker were so unprofessional to have walked off the job, why was he at the announce desk for NXT on Tuesday, as if this didn’t happen? This was a very dumb thing to do on all sorts of levels, was obviously storyline, and calls into question just what else is scripted here.

It puts a dark spot on what was a decent show. I look forward to seeing the four newbs in action more, as well as the continued improvement of what really is an overall solid set of prospects.

Let me know if you want more LFG from me, and I’ll do my best. Until then, have a great evening, everyone.