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WWE Evolve - Season 2 - Episode 11: Evolve 52
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00:07Then, now, forever, together.
00:32Hey guys, look, I don't know about you, but to me it feels like the Vanity Project was
00:38born just yesterday.
00:40Bro, we walked in and immediately shook this place.
00:43Well, yeah, guys, we came in and literally walked everyone down.
00:45Dr. Thirst, the first and only champ for 287 days.
00:49That's nasty.
00:50Every challenger who stepped up to you, you just knocked them right back to their place.
00:53Yeah, good point, good point.
00:54I mean, Lince Dorado, beat him, Sean Legacy, Cam Hendrix, he's even beat the
00:59athlete crumbs.
01:01It's easy.
01:02Speaking of which, we even took over NXT.
01:04I mean, we've said it since day one and nothing has changed.
01:07The Vanity Project runs Evolve.
01:09I am the first, only, and longest reigning Evolve champion.
01:12It's not just a slogan, bro.
01:14Vanity Project runs Evolve.
01:15Guys, I've literally heard no lies.
01:17Stop.
01:18Look, man, Timothy Thatcher wants a final evaluation of Heartbreak Drake?
01:23Fine.
01:23Cool.
01:24I will happily give him something to evaluate when I embarrass Aaron Rourke again and cement
01:30myself and the Vanity Project as the foundation of Evolve and the future of WWE.
01:35That's right.
01:36I love the sound of that.
01:37Fees up, boys.
01:38It's gonna be easy.
01:39Light work.
01:46I'm a G-Law holly.
01:47I'm in the holly while I'm in college.
01:49And I'm in my body.
01:50I don't think quicker than whipping or running.
01:52I live on my bed like Harry.
01:53Where are my Batman carrying?
01:55Ain't nobody to get no info.
01:57No.
01:57Key to keep me.
01:58I'm a bro.
01:58Hey.
02:04Hey.
02:04TAB, baby.
02:04Tonight, it's the final evolution for the Evolve Champion.
02:08It's another Big Fight Field here on TuneIn.
02:11Hey.
02:12Hey.
02:13Hey.
02:16Hey.
02:17Hey.
02:17Hey.
02:17Hey.
02:21Hey.
02:21Weigh in at 257 pounds, Cam Hendricks!
02:28Well, Peter, we saw last week this one's starting to bubble a little bit,
02:32and tonight a rivalry that necessarily wasn't there before.
02:36It's got a little bit personal.
02:38Well, doesn't it seem like everything is personal with this yo-yo Cam Hendricks?
02:42I say that respectfully, of course.
02:44As Cam Hendricks has been dominating ever since coming to Wednesday nights
02:48and, of course, with his new sidekick at Harley Riggins.
02:51Yeah, I like how each of them were like, how can we be more obnoxious?
02:55Let's hang out with each other.
02:56They're certainly leveling up each other in more ways than one.
03:01Some way.
03:09And his opponent from Singapore, weigh in at 227 pounds, Dante Chen!
03:19A couple of months ago, Peter, Cam Hendricks, Harley Riggins, the rest of that PC crew, if you will,
03:23kind of came in, infiltrated the system, if you will.
03:26But Dante Chen, he's been the constant.
03:28He's been around for over five years.
03:30From NXT, we've seen him on Level Up, Main Event, Friday Night SmackDown, TNA Wrestling.
03:35He's been all around the block.
03:37And Dante Chen, a true tested veteran.
03:39But now, Cam Hendricks is respecting him a little bit.
03:43Absolutely.
03:43And this is what makes Evolve so awesome.
03:45It's because not only do you get new jacks like Cam Hendricks finding their way in the business.
03:50Wait for it, Peter.
03:51Hold on.
03:52Wait for it.
03:53The air is coming.
03:54It's coming.
03:54Wait for it now.
03:56Yeah!
03:57Do it!
03:57Blake did it!
03:58That's a good claw from you.
03:59I'm impressed.
04:01But yeah, it's not only that you get youngsters like Cam Hendricks who are figuring it out,
04:04but you also have guys like Dante Chen who have been around, have learned a bit,
04:08and are looking to really get their name.
04:10We've certainly seen different sides of the spectrum, I guess, from the PC side.
04:14When you look at Cam Hendricks, you look at Dante Chen.
04:16Peter, does Dante embody what the PC athlete should be?
04:19Pretty much.
04:20I mean, it's hard to have anything to say about Dante Chen that's not positive.
04:24You see Dante here.
04:25A little bit of an uptick in aggression.
04:27We saw that against True London a couple of weeks back.
04:29That, of course, led to victory.
04:30It seems like Dante Chen playing Mr. Nice Guy anymore.
04:33A hundred percent.
04:34And that's something that, you know, Robert Stone used to say all the time about Dante Chen.
04:39Incredibly talented.
04:40But when is he going to turn the level up a bit?
04:43Obviously, now that criticism more relevant considering Robert Stone's making the choices
04:47over at NXT.
04:48We talk about Chen being incredibly talented, but the question begs,
04:51why did Cam Hendricks not want Chen on Team PC?
04:54Well, I think you know why, Blake.
04:56Let's not be ignorant.
04:57Cam Hendricks is a bad guy.
04:59And Dante Chen is someone who ultimately is not only a hard worker, not only talented
05:05in the ring.
05:05Oh.
05:06Chen's got some moves.
05:07That's right.
05:08But he's also a dude who does things the right way.
05:11That's not how Cam Hendricks has operated from the second he got here.
05:14He has been all about tipping the scales for Team PC.
05:18And that's not Dante Chen's way.
05:19Chen's so technically sound here in a series of arm drags.
05:22Yeah, he's teaching a lesson to young Cam Hendricks right now.
05:25About to get to double digits right here.
05:27I don't know if I've ever seen this many arm drags.
05:29It's an arm drag fest here on Tubi.
05:32As Dante Chen taking full advantage right now against Cam Hendricks.
05:36And also a little bit of extra spice there to what Dante is bringing, of course, in a way,
05:40defending the honor of Tate Wilder.
05:42Yeah, absolutely.
05:43And, you know, everybody was upset and disgusted about what happened to Tate Wilder at the
05:49hands of Cam Hendricks.
05:50See, and that's the Cam Hendricks, you know.
05:52A guy who's going to hide behind Harley Riggins and then throw a haymaker.
05:56A series of cheap shots here by Cam Hendricks.
06:00As Harley Riggins and Hendricks getting the last laugh right now.
06:04Referee Chip Danning administering his count.
06:06Dante Chen needs to get back in this one.
06:08Peter, last week we saw the final evolution of Kendall Gray tonight.
06:11It's Jackson Drake, and will he have the same result as our winners, Jim?
06:15I mean, you have to imagine.
06:16That is what all Jackson Drake has been dreaming about all week.
06:19Is being able to close out the same way Kendall Gray did.
06:23With a win over Aaron Rourke.
06:25And having to vacate that title.
06:27He does not want to hand that title over to Aaron Rourke tonight.
06:30Cam Hendricks, of course, got a recent Evolve Championship opportunity.
06:33He would love to be in that position.
06:35But it's Aaron Rourke tonight.
06:36But Cam Hendricks with a win here.
06:38Certainly could get in the mind of Foreman Thatcher to the cover.
06:42Only gets two.
06:43I don't even understand how Cam Hendricks is allowed to be competing.
06:46This is a guy who took out Tate Wilder.
06:48A man who's still not clear.
06:49With a vile attack in the parking lot outside the PC.
06:53It's disgusting.
06:55We know how violent the parking lot is at the Performance Center.
06:57But never really seen it on Evolve.
06:59No, it's a...
07:01Honestly, it's disgraceful.
07:04It's one of the things that always made me proud to be a part of Evolve.
07:07Is that people generally do things the right way.
07:10And Cam Hendricks has shown up and said it's going to be his way.
07:12Not the right way.
07:13Talk about Hendricks.
07:14We talk about Riggins being all the sore losers.
07:17Those bullies.
07:17And that was on full display with that attack on Tate Wilder.
07:20And Hendricks looking to capitalize right here.
07:22Out of the corner.
07:23And Ched with the drop down.
07:25German suplex.
07:26And again, a lesson there for Cam Hendricks.
07:29Took too long to make his way back to Dante Chen,
07:31who absolutely had the young man scouted.
07:36And Dante lives by those three Ps.
07:40Perseverance, preparation.
07:41Peter.
07:42And of course, Peter indeed.
07:43As Dante right now continuing the onslaught.
07:46Irish Whip reverse here by Cam Hendricks.
07:49Oof!
07:50Big boot by Dante.
07:51As Chen's starting to roll a bit now.
07:53Dante Chen wants to shake things up.
07:55In the championship rankings here.
08:00Man, how about the motor of Dante Chen?
08:02Blake, you're at NXT.
08:03You're at main event.
08:04You see wrestling constantly.
08:05How about just the general energy and breath capacity of Dante Chen?
08:10He's always ready indeed.
08:11As Chen, building some steam right here, Peter.
08:14He doesn't normally take to the air.
08:15But Suicida to the outside.
08:18As Dante, we talked about that uptick in aggression.
08:20It's on full display here.
08:22Now can he take advantage?
08:23He throws Cam Hendricks back in.
08:25Can he finish the job?
08:26What a win this would be.
08:27And the springboard chopping down the tree.
08:30And Peter, he might start to think about that gentle touch.
08:33Absolutely.
08:34You said it earlier.
08:35He's been more aggressive.
08:36He's looking for the gentle touch.
08:38Wants to finish this thing off.
08:39Oh!
08:40Here comes that Yo-Yo Harley-Riggins.
08:42And the Showtime kick.
08:44That should be a disqualification.
08:46You would think so.
08:47Oh!
08:48Instead, it's lights.
08:50Cam.
08:50Action.
08:54Here is your winner.
08:57Cam Hendricks!
09:00I don't want to take anything away from what Cam did there.
09:03Well, that should not even count.
09:05Harley-Riggins ends up costing Dante Chen the match.
09:08Listen, Cam Hendricks took advantage.
09:10But that's not right, Blake.
09:12Certainly a questionable call right there.
09:14But nonetheless, the numbers game prevails as Cam Hendricks gets the victory.
09:18Absolutely.
09:18If Dante Chen came out strong.
09:20And he really wanted to secure this win.
09:22We talked about him upping the aggression.
09:24Trying to get to the championship picture.
09:26But the odds not in his favor late.
09:28You see the distraction from Harley-Riggins.
09:31Cam Hendricks takes advantage.
09:33And takes the victory.
09:36Hey, Wilder, where you at?
09:38You little baby, huh?
09:39You scared of you?
09:40You gotta take a week off.
09:42Yeah, you're a little swerp, Tate.
09:43Tate or Tyler?
09:44Nobody does.
09:45We'll break you in half, buddy.
09:46Where you at?
09:46You in the medical room?
09:47Are you scared?
09:50Try in the parking lot.
09:51Try in the parking lot.
09:52They certainly have some words right there.
09:53Now it's here from Foreman Thatcher.
10:01Things are always evolving.
10:03And being the Foreman, there's a lot of issues that come across my desk.
10:06That you deserve to be updated on.
10:09I'm gonna leave the vacant Women's Championship until next week.
10:12But I do have exciting news.
10:15Brand new talent from North America and Europe has been found.
10:19The contracts are currently being signed.
10:21So in two weeks, we'll have an Evolve special that will showcase these European talents and brand new WWE ID
10:28prospects.
10:29Hey, Tommy!
10:30What about It's Gall?
10:32You wanna try that again?
10:37Mr. Foreman, sir.
10:39It's all about It's Gall.
10:40What about me?
10:41I mean, take a peek at those peaks.
10:45You want some attention?
10:47Oh, yeah.
10:47Do you want some attention?
10:48Oh, yeah.
10:49Alright, then.
10:50Then in the two weeks, I'll put you on that special Evolve show.
10:54Yes!
10:55Now you're talking.
10:56I love it.
10:57Well, good.
10:57Good.
10:58Now see yourself out.
11:00It's Gall.
11:01It's Gall.
11:02It's Gall.
11:03Yes!
11:05Gonna need a lock for that door.
11:09On Saturday, May 9th, after the biggest weekend in WWE, what happens at WrestleMania doesn't
11:17stay there.
11:18Sweet, sweet revenge!
11:20It follows you.
11:22And in Tampa, it hits back.
11:26All scores are settled.
11:28It's personal.
11:31It's backlash.
11:42The educated differ from the uneducated as much as the living differ from the dead.
11:48Aristotle 384 BC.
11:50Now that is an interesting concept to ponder.
11:55Actually, my Ivy League intellect is what makes me truly different from the uneducated
12:00dead weight around here.
12:01Ha!
12:03Excuse me.
12:05Where are my manners?
12:06My name is Braxton Cole, the epitome of privilege, an eclectic of excellence, a top-of-the-class
12:15Brown University graduate, and an all-league defensive end football player.
12:19And what sets me apart from these one-dimensional athletes is that I am the perfect conglomeration
12:24of brains and brawn.
12:28Now, while they're working hard, I am working smart.
12:32And pretty soon, when I'm at the top of the class in Evolve, you'll all see why I am straight
12:38A's in every way.
12:42Be gone.
12:44You're taking up my precious oxygen, and I need to get my mental work.
12:52Oh, the intelligence is about to be next level here on Evolve.
12:59The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
13:04It's a new first, from Chicago, Illinois, Lainey Luck!
13:10Well, Peter, Lainey Luck waves the flag in the women's division for the ID program.
13:15And hasn't had the best win-loss record ever since coming to Wednesday nights, but she continues
13:19a fight as the heart of a champion.
13:22Let's see what she brings here tonight.
13:23Listen, that's what it's all about.
13:24You're not always going to get favorable matchups.
13:26There are going to be L's.
13:27The question is, can you take that L?
13:29Can you hold it?
13:30Can you love that L?
13:31Nurture it and turn it into a W.
13:33You know what I'm saying?
13:33Hi, it's me, Xena.
13:34Double L, Lainey Luck.
13:36See?
13:39And her opponent from Lviv, Ukraine, Xena Sterling!
13:46You can see the evolution of this superstar, Peter.
13:48You go from LFG, of course, to Evolve, and now Xena Sterling looks to be in a position now
13:53with a vacant women's championship, wants to put herself right in position.
13:57That's exactly, you're smarter than you look, Blake Howard.
14:00Exactly where I was going to go.
14:03Now, thanks to the open slot that may exist because Kendall Gray has moved on to NXT,
14:10these are two women who have a major opportunity.
14:13Neither has had a great fortune when it comes to Ws,
14:16but one of them's coming out with a win tonight and pushing themselves forward in the women's division.
14:21Great opportunity for Xena Sterling and Lainey Luck.
14:24We know it's a high-stakes night, of course, with our final Evolution main event,
14:27but this is a high-stakes matchup, certainly in the women's division.
14:30Bell sounds were underway, Lainey Luck, Xena Sterling, and we talked about that evolution of Xena from LFG to Evolve.
14:36Peter, what differences really have you seen from Xena since coming to Wednesday nights?
14:39Well, listen, she is clearly a more serious competitor. The learning curve has been tremendous.
14:46You see when people walk through the door at LFG, they are green as could be, nervous, intimidated,
14:51and as you can see right now, that is not the look of someone who is nervous and intimidated.
14:56It's someone who's ready for the moment. The question is, can that translate into getting meaningful wins?
15:00A lot of confidence, especially when you're in the learning tree of someone like Bubba Ray Dudley, Xena Sterling.
15:04Certainly looking up her game here, but Lainey Luck, here we go into a quick cover, only gets one.
15:09Of all the people to be under the learning tree of, is anyone more intimidating than Bubba Ray Dudley?
15:15That's the thing. You end up, it's trial by fire, you know what I mean?
15:19And you come out a stronger competitor because of that.
15:21As these two, a couple of pinfall exchanges in the early going, very back and forth between Lainey Luck and
15:27Xena Sterling.
15:28And Peter, we're talking about Lainey Luck, not just here on Wednesday nights, but ultimately, has she repped the ID
15:33program?
15:34I think she's done a great job. I mean, listen, everyone is trying to etch their name in stone.
15:40Everyone wants to be the next Kendall Gray, the next Callie Armstrong, the next Jackson Drake.
15:46Has she done that yet? No, obviously she has not, but she has repped the program well.
15:50But again, she is also someone who needs to start stacking some wins and putting herself in a position to
15:56be a legitimate contender here on Evolve.
15:58When we talk about that stiff competition, she's gone one-on-one with the likes of Carmen Petrovic, P.J.
16:03Vassa.
16:03Certainly some of the top women on the Evolve roster.
16:05But how many wins?
16:07We'll see how that transpires as, again, Peter, right now, both superstars looking to move up the ladder as Xena.
16:15Fireman's scary takeover looking to take full advantage as Xena zeroing in right now.
16:19Of course, former Division One swimmer, very well-conditioned athlete is Xena Sterling.
16:23Both of these ladies very impressive. I won't lie though, Blake.
16:25It is hard for me to not think about our main event tonight. I am. It is Wednesday night.
16:30We go out of the corner. It is 2B.
16:32Full attempt. 2.
16:34It's a Wednesday night. It's 2B.
16:36And we have a main event with Jackson Drake defending the title for the last time ever on Evolve against
16:42none other than Aaron Rourke.
16:43That's the mayor of Sparkle City to you and me.
16:45Indeed. We'll see if that has the same fare as it did last week with the final evolution of Kendall
16:50Gray.
16:50But right now, Lenny Luck taking some full control, sending Xena Sterling to the apron.
16:55It's just you get to see the full spectrum here on Evolve. Look at that.
17:00Absolutely. You see people find their way and find real success like the Vanity Project over on NXT already.
17:06Capturing tag team gold. It's pretty crazy.
17:11As Lenny Luck trying to take some risk and landing with a bullseye on Xena.
17:14And into the cover.
17:17A near fall there for Lenny Luck. And Peter, we've been talking about the women's division here.
17:21But ultimately now with the title being vacant, how wide open is it on Wednesday nights?
17:26At this moment in time, it is as open as it's ever been.
17:30Since the very beginning when Callie Armstrong became our first women's champion, I would say right now,
17:34there are as many people as ever who have a legitimate claim that they should be in the title picture.
17:41We'll certainly see how that one transpires over the next several weeks.
17:43A lot of decisions to be made for Foreman Thatcher.
17:46As Xena Sterling, belly back suplex. Dumps Laney Luck and she capitalized here.
17:52I mean you think about the Wendy Chews, the Callie Armstrongs, the people who have really been competing for a
17:57very long time.
17:58But then you can't forget people like P.J. Vassa who have come along and completely changed the scope of
18:03the women's division.
18:04And then superstars like Layla Diggs, Mason Holliday starting to bubble up a little bit.
18:08And how about Chantel Monroe? You know she wants to be in the thick of things.
18:11Can't forget about the reflection of perfection as Laney Luck and Xena Sterling going back and forth right here in
18:16the center of the ring.
18:17These two have been very evenly matched throughout, Peter.
18:22Absolutely. Both with some vicious blows exchanged in the middle of the ring.
18:25As the intensity ramping up a little bit here, Xena some overhand rights.
18:29And Sterling unloading a bit here. We talk about Dante Chen's aggression starting to come out.
18:33We're seeing it here in Xena Sterling.
18:34Yeah, don't let the blue sparkly skirt fool you. She's bringing it.
18:38Oh! Reverse front DDT.
18:41Could that be enough?
18:41Into the cover. Oh!
18:43And Laney Luck at two and three quarters able to press out.
18:46I just think you can't overemphasize how hard all of these youngsters work to get these opportunities.
18:51What it means to make it to the performance center, to be a part of the ID program, whatever your
18:55path was.
18:56And then to end up here on Tubi on Wednesday night with everybody else in the business watching.
19:00Oh!
19:01Everybody settles down to see what everyone is doing on Evolve.
19:04It's a lot of pressure each time one of these wrestlers steps in the ring.
19:07Death Valley driver right there into the cover.
19:10And Laney Luck picks up her first win on Evolve.
19:14Here is your winner, Laney Luck!
19:18Peter, you talked about that win-loss record, but right here in front of our eyes we see the first
19:23dub for Laney Luck.
19:24That's exactly right. It makes me happy because she needed the win and she ended up getting one tonight over
19:30Xena Sterling.
19:32Well, Peter, let's go back and take a look at the action.
19:34You see Laney Luck risking it all right here.
19:36Really expanding her arsenal of offense, trying to get the win over Xena Sterling.
19:39But Xena also looking for a big win here on Evolve.
19:42It's that time of the year where both superstars trying to move right up the ranks.
19:46Laney Luck right there with that Death Valley driver into the cover.
19:49And Laney Luck picking up her first win here on Evolve.
19:53Big, big moment here tonight.
19:58Have a perfect day here at the P.C. Hurricoranas.
20:02Hey, Lince! Hey, Lince! Wait up! The Amigo!
20:06Hey, sunglasses off.
20:08I just gotta say how sick it is, man, to be able to trade at the Performance Center
20:12with a cat like you.
20:13Oh, my bad.
20:14My bad.
20:15I remember growing up watching you in the Cruiserweight Classic.
20:18And now look at us, man.
20:20We're outside just chopping it up.
20:23Security.
20:23Plus, plus, plus.
20:24Catch my vibe.
20:25Lucha Lit.
20:26That's basically main man energy.
20:28You're just throwing a mask on it.
20:30You're not just throwing a mask.
20:32There's more to that, catito.
20:33Man, listen.
20:34You're gonna learn.
20:35But I gotta go, all right?
20:35Ho, ho, ho.
20:36Before you go, you and me, in the ring, one-on-one.
20:40I think it'd be a killer learning experience.
20:43And also, good to check out how many lives you got left.
20:47Main man.
20:48Yeah.
20:48First, Lucha Lit.
20:49That's right.
20:50In the ring.
20:50Uh-huh.
20:51That sounds perfect.
20:52Yeah.
20:53But you know what?
20:54I'm gonna teach you a lesson right now.
20:56You see, when you're in the ring with me, Lucha Lit.
20:59Lisa Dorado!
21:00You're not gonna be the main man.
21:02You're gonna be the next man.
21:03I'll catch you, all right?
21:04I'm out.
21:05So we got our match.
21:06Oh, we got it.
21:07Perfect.
21:07Perfect.
21:09The sunglasses back.
21:13This April, live from Las Vegas, the best in the world, CM Punk.
21:20I'm the champ and I call the shots.
21:23Versus the original tribal team, Roman Reigns.
21:26Two of the biggest stars for the World Heavyweight Championship.
21:30Greatness demands an answer.
21:34You will acknowledge me.
21:38Wrestlemania.
21:40We are.
21:46Here's four-time, Shawaya.
21:46Here we are.
21:52Here we are.
21:56Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Cappuccino Jones.
22:01Hawith Ross!
22:02The pot.
22:02The pot is hot Peter.
22:05She's hot.
22:05You know what?
22:06Shout out to my dude Cappuccino Jones.
22:09I got to tell you, look at my man with the glasses getting down.
22:12I'm going to need to replay that guy.
22:13Oh, look at my man right there.
22:14Oh, he's feeling it.
22:15He's feeling Cap.
22:16He's had maybe too much Cappuccino.
22:18Yeah, he might have had a few too many Cappuccinos.
22:20But, man, I'm telling you, this guy has gotten better in every way.
22:23In the ring, the swag, the vibe.
22:26I really dig what Cappuccino Jones is putting down as a singles competitor.
22:30He's certainly feeling himself after a tough championship loss a few weeks ago
22:33in succession, but Cap's back, and he's ready to roll.
22:36And my man with the glasses is feeling it.
22:38What's a refill?
22:39Yo, yo, yo.
22:41Yo, the pot is hot tonight.
22:44And I know y'all like that.
22:48And it's going to be a crazy rush when Aaron Rourke walks out the new WWE Evolve champion.
22:59Aaron.
23:00Dine Peace.
23:04Aaron, for real, you got all of our support.
23:07Let's take it home.
23:11Dine Peace.
23:13Dine Peace.
23:14Dine Peace.
23:15Dine Peace.
23:16Dine Peace.
23:17Dine Peace.
23:17Dine Peace.
23:17Dine Peace.
23:18Hey, hey, hey.
23:18But for real, though, before that, before that main event goes down,
23:22there's something that's been brewing for weeks.
23:29Brooks Jensen, I'm calling you out.
23:34See, no, no, no.
23:35For real, you're a student of the game.
23:37You can remember matches from the 80s, the 90s, the 2000s.
23:42But one thing you don't seem to remember is me beating you in the gauntlet match.
23:49Clock it.
23:51But the one thing you keep on bringing up is you beating me with one arm tied behind my back.
23:59So listen real close, Brooks.
24:01This ain't about Team ID versus Team PC.
24:04Nah, nah, nah.
24:05That's over.
24:06This is personal.
24:08This is about me whooping your ass.
24:11So next week, next week.
24:17Oh, look who's here.
24:24Personal.
24:25Personal.
24:26Personal.
24:27Cappuccino Jones, you just made the biggest mistake of your life.
24:32You want to make it personal with a bad man that hails from Alabama.
24:38BAM, BAM, BAM, BAM, BAM, BAM, BAM.
24:44Then so be it, Cappuccino.
24:47You didn't just call me out.
24:50You just ended your own career.
24:55Well, Peter, a huge grudge match is set.
24:58I cannot wait to see this.
25:00Give me Cappuccino Jones and Brooks Gibson all day long.
25:04The stakes have certainly been raised.
25:07And, Peter, we saw a glimpse of it last week.
25:09And now our own Chewy Martinez sits down with Luka Crucifino.
25:16E-Ball fam, how you doing?
25:17Chewy Martinez here hanging out with my man, Luka Crucifino.
25:22How you doing, sir?
25:23I'm doing excellent.
25:23Good to see you, brother.
25:24Hey.
25:24What are we doing?
25:25What are we doing?
25:25What are we doing?
25:26I got a gift for you.
25:26Watch this.
25:27Watch this.
25:27Make me a favor.
25:28Put up two fingers here.
25:29A little peace sign.
25:29Make a love.
25:30All right.
25:31And then connect the hands.
25:32Here you go.
25:32This is for you.
25:33My guy.
25:34Look how beautiful.
25:35Thank you so much, man.
25:36You're welcome.
25:37Welcome to Evolve.
25:38Thank you so much, man.
25:39How you feeling?
25:40I am too blessed to express.
25:42This whole place has been bouncing.
25:44The stars from all over the world have been shining.
25:46Take a look at Kendall Gray.
25:47Take a look at Shawn Legacy.
25:49People that didn't just walk here, Chewy.
25:50They evolved.
25:52They figured it out under these lights.
25:53And now shining bright under the lights of NXT.
25:57It is truly peak inspiration.
25:59And I'm about to loop it all back.
26:02And the whole crowd is going to be rolling.
26:05With the life of the party as I cruise my way through Evolve.
26:09I feel it.
26:10I love it, brother.
26:11But is all this partying going to be distraction?
26:13You know what, Chewy?
26:13I can see how the outsider might think.
26:15Hey, Luca, you got your priorities all mixed up.
26:17Maybe upside down.
26:18Maybe a little helter-skelter.
26:20However, I can promise you on the inside, Cruz figured it out.
26:26That when my energy is vibrating with love, connection is fun, is when I am my most effective.
26:32Ineffective me is dangerous me.
26:36Let me put it for you this way.
26:37My flow state is my ghost state.
26:41Wow.
26:42And it seems like you've done all the internal work, man.
26:44Yes, sir.
26:45I respect that.
26:45Thank you, man.
26:46It's all blur.
26:47Blur.
26:48I know what that means.
26:50But for the folks that are out there that don't know what it means, what does it mean?
26:53Break it down.
26:54Let me tell you.
26:55Blur stands for peace, love, unity, and respect.
26:58It is the staple of the rave community.
27:00Values that we simply do not have here in WWE Evolve.
27:05All we have is people with big egos and insecurities.
27:08And we have big bad Cam Hendricks and Harley Riggins.
27:10Guys that are just simply vibe killers, man.
27:13We need someone to shine the lights and show you.
27:17I think I know who can figure it out.
27:20I think that's Luca.
27:21I think you're right.
27:22Hey, brother.
27:23Thank you so much for your time.
27:25Yes, sir.
27:25I appreciate that.
27:25And this is just a build.
27:27Wait for the beat to drop.
27:29Hello.
27:29Hello.
27:33Cut.
27:35Well, Peter, a whole new Crucifino looks ready to evolve.
27:41And imagine the evolution of the dime piece if Aaron Rourke were to walk out Evolve champion tonight.
27:51Last week, we talked about it being the biggest match in Tyra Mae Steele's career.
27:55And sometimes we speculate, not using hyperbole per se, but this is without a doubt.
28:00The biggest match of Aaron Rourke's life, the biggest opportunity he's ever had in professional wrestling.
28:05And now, could he be the man to derail Jackson Drake?
28:11It is such a great question.
28:13It's the reason we're all here.
28:14By the way, it looks at the best shape of his life.
28:17I have never seen Aaron Rourke look better.
28:20Shredded and ready for this opportunity.
28:23Trained by greats.
28:25He's worked his tail off across the industry to get to Evolve.
28:31And since he's been in Evolve, he's done it as a tag team competitor.
28:34He's done it as a single star.
28:36And he earned this shot against Jackson Drake.
28:44Guys, here comes an Evolve champion.
28:47Peter, for the last time.
28:48I guess it's your turn.
28:49Yeah, it's the last time ever.
28:51I got to do it.
28:53Party's here!
28:54The party is here, folks!
28:57That was like next level stoner.
28:59Well, I had to.
29:00I had to.
29:01It's the last time.
29:02Look at the shredded halves of our champion, Jackson Drake, as he stands by with Swipe Right,
29:07who recently, by the way, became NXT Tag Team Champions, but they're back to support the champ.
29:13And Peter, we talk about, obviously, the evolution of different superstars and how they've grown and evolved.
29:18These two have competed one-on-one on the indies before, but how was tonight different?
29:22You talked about it.
29:23The stakes.
29:24What this match means.
29:25I mean, it's, listen, I don't want to take anything away from big matches on the indies as you see
29:29our champion holding that title high.
29:32Win or lose, that's the last time you will see Jackson Drake hold that Evolve championship.
29:36But this is different.
29:37This is about being in the WWE record books.
29:40This is about becoming the WWE Evolve champion.
29:46Challenger is in.
29:47Champion is in.
29:48Flanked by his boys.
29:50Now it's time to Mike Rowe to set the table for this final evolution.
29:59The following contest scheduled for one fall is for the Evolve championship.
30:11Introducing first the challenger from Sparkle City, weighing in at 208 pounds, Aaron Roark.
30:28And his opponent, weighing in at 188 pounds, representing the Vanity Project, he is the Evolve champion, Jackson Drake.
30:47That's the last time Jackson Drake will receive a ring announcement here in Evolve, but will he still get and
30:52still at the end of the match?
30:54Can't believe I have to deal with this emotion two weeks in a row.
30:57Kendall Gray last week for the last time and Jackson Drake, win, lose, or draw for the last time as
31:02Evolve champion.
31:03Peter, you mentioned Kendall Gray last week.
31:05Will we see the same story tonight?
31:06You know that is what Jackson Drake wants more than anything, to leave as champion, to have to hand over
31:13that title because he chooses to, not because it's been won.
31:17As you see again, a full VIP section of support for this incredible main event that we have.
31:25Full of ID talent right there in just two weeks about before NXT returns to Madison Square Garden.
31:30The site where Jackson Drake had a successful title defense against Sean Legacy late last year.
31:35Now an opportunity here against Aaron Roark.
31:37But Peter, these are two men that embody not just the ID program, but Evolve itself.
31:41Watch out early pin there for Roark.
31:43Yeah, completely.
31:44Two totally different guys.
31:46Here we go, Roark.
31:47I mean, Roark and Drake are so different as people, as competitors, style-wise.
31:54Oh, roll up.
31:54Roark.
31:55Nice counter.
31:56The one thing they have in common is an absolute undying love for professional wrestling.
32:01That's what Jackson Drake is, and that's what Aaron Roark is.
32:05Roark flips out the belly to back.
32:11As Aaron Roark's starting to roll right here.
32:13Who's walking out as Evolve champion?
32:22Everyone's got to tell.
32:29WrestleMania Vegas.
32:32It's anyone's game.
32:41It's anyone's game.
32:52Back in action here on Evolve.
32:54You see the richest prize on Wednesday nights here.
32:56Blake Howard, Peter Rosenberg.
32:57The final evolution of Jackson Drake here in Evolve.
33:01His final matchup again.
33:02Will he leave as champion?
33:04Well, we will find out by the end of the night.
33:06And I really hope, for your sake, if you're a viewer tonight, you've been watching since we started over a
33:11year ago.
33:12Because you've seen the evolution of Jackson Drake.
33:15You saw him compete early on.
33:17And Roark, oh!
33:18We see Brad Baylor trying to get involved.
33:20We know how that numbers game really can help the Vanity Project.
33:22Well, that is part of the plan always.
33:24And you see Jackson Drake taking advantage of it.
33:26But besides even everything we've seen Jackson Drake do here.
33:29Oh, nice counter by Roark.
33:30His story going all the way back to being a teenager in the wrestling business in North Carolina.
33:35A young Jackson Drake and a young Javon Evans training together.
33:40Dreaming of one day getting there.
33:41You see what his best friend Javon Evans has done.
33:44You know this kid is dreaming not just about NXT.
33:46But one day having a WrestleMania match against his best friend.
33:49Tearing it up on Monday nights is the young OG.
33:51And, of course, Jackson Drake.
33:52He's starting to make his name on Tuesday nights.
33:54But it all started right here on Wednesdays, Peter.
33:56As Jackson Drake, the first ever Evolve champion.
33:59And Aaron Roark, who embodies everything that Evolve represents.
34:03From opportunity to growth and development.
34:05Looking to really pay that off right here.
34:08Nice counter by Jackson Drake.
34:09And, Peter, whether you like him or not, you can't take anything away from his skills inside the ring.
34:13100% you cannot.
34:15He is one of the most skilled young stars.
34:18I see.
34:18Look at this, though.
34:19He's going to work on the back of the head of Aaron Roark.
34:21And you can see the aggression turned up right here.
34:24It's a big match for Jackson Drake.
34:26Of course, successful with two title defenses at both Succession 1 and 2.
34:30We'll see if he's able to get the win here tonight against Aaron Roark.
34:32And head to NXT.
34:34Having never lost the Evolve championship.
34:36Now, you mentioned Aaron Roark.
34:39Ooh!
34:39And how he embodies everything that is Evolve.
34:43Watch out.
34:44And the cover.
34:44Shoulders are down only one.
34:45And that is the ID program.
34:47It's so true.
34:47He is his own man.
34:49Aaron Roark does things his own way.
34:51And he has just won people over since the moment he walked in the door.
34:55And I think Jackson Drake, I don't know if he'd admit it publicly.
34:59I think even Jackson Drake has great respect for the work of Aaron Roark.
35:03You certainly would think so.
35:04Here we go.
35:05Side rush and leg sweep.
35:06Floats over.
35:09Only gets two right there.
35:10Aaron, of course, Aaron Roark picked up the pin in that huge 10-man tag team match between the PC
35:15and ID matchup a couple weeks back.
35:17And really, that started to kickstart the momentum for Aaron Roark and helping him put him in the position today.
35:21And allowing Foreman Thatcher to really honor him with this title opportunity.
35:25There's no question.
35:26Him scoring the pin in that 10-man, that is the reason Aaron Roark has this opportunity.
35:30One opportunity begets another.
35:32And now Aaron Roark is on the precipice of history.
35:35Could he be the second ever WWE Evolve champion?
35:39Has Roark in a fight right here.
35:41Certainly, as you pointed out, Peter, in the best shape of his young career.
35:44But walks right into a knee of Jackson Drake.
35:46The champ creates a separation, but look at the dying piece from up top.
35:51He throws up the V.
35:53Jackson Drake doing Jackson Drake things.
35:55Stopped to the back of Aaron Roark.
35:57Trying to do some damage to that lower lumbar region right here.
36:00Now Jackson Drake has Roark up.
36:03And a Fisherman's Brain Buster into the cover.
36:06Man, Jerry Marcus says it's only two and a half.
36:09What an exclamation point it would be to the first year of Evolve that Kendall Gray wins out on her
36:15last match.
36:16Ends her time here as champion.
36:18If Jackson Drake were to be able to do the same thing.
36:20Think about what that says about the championship reigns of our men's and women's champions.
36:25Indeed, as Aaron Roark right now in the receiving end of some punishment.
36:29We talked about that mutual respect potentially to Jackson Drake towards Aaron Roark, whether we'd like to admit it or
36:34not.
36:34But two people that don't have necessarily any respect are swiped right.
36:38Brad Baylor, Ricky Smokes.
36:39We saw them walk out on that 10-man tag, not really showing a whole lot of respect to their
36:43fellow ID mates.
36:44No, but they have respect for each other.
36:45I mean, Ricky Smokes and Brad Baylor, they have great respect for one another.
36:49And no matter what, no matter how little respect they show to anyone, you have to respect the way they
36:55operate as a tag team.
36:56And Roark, look at this counter right here.
37:00Oh, and Roark, look at that.
37:04Dials it up with the area code in Sparkle City.
37:06That's right.
37:07I didn't know that Sparkle City had that area code, but absolutely a 619.
37:12Here we go.
37:13Aaron Roark starting to build a little steam right here, Peter.
37:17Oh, man.
37:18This is the most momentum we've seen from Roark in this matchup.
37:20He's locked in on the championship.
37:23Oh, man.
37:24And Jackson Drake now goes for the big swipe.
37:26And look at Roark back up on his feet.
37:27Bam!
37:28Big super kick.
37:29Aaron Roark into position again.
37:31Trip and release suplex.
37:32Aaron Roark so dangerous with his hands and his feet as you saw that back super kick connecting to the
37:38chin of the champion.
37:39The momentum sent Drake back up on his feet.
37:41He's in the far side corner.
37:43Aaron Roark zeroing in on his target here.
37:45Oh!
37:46And meets the back elbow at Jackson Drake.
37:48The champ creates separation.
37:49Roark back up top one more time.
37:51The second time's the charm.
37:52Oh, and he sent the champ flying and landing on his back.
37:56Great work by Aaron Roark to take advantage of that situation.
38:00Eat the feet.
38:01Here we go.
38:02Center of the ring.
38:02Hooks the outside leg.
38:03Shoulders are down.
38:05Oh, man.
38:06I cannot imagine the internet breaking if Aaron Roark were to beat Jackson Drake for the Evolve championship tonight.
38:18Dial it up.
38:19Looks at Ricky Smokes and Brad Baylor.
38:20Might have wasted too much time.
38:21And Drake!
38:22The German suplex in the corner.
38:25Well, that's the thing.
38:27In a situation like this, a massive matchup, Aaron Roark has to remember the moment.
38:32You cannot get caught up in any sort of theatrics or trying to prove a point.
38:35You just got to score.
38:37Oh!
38:38And there, Roark fighting off the champion.
38:41Nice counter with the Uranagi.
38:42Roark.
38:43Oh, man.
38:44That's the innovative offense, Blake.
38:45Drops the elbow.
38:46Close to the ropes.
38:47Could it be?
38:48And Drake able to hang on.
38:50Roark's starting to build some momentum right here, Peter.
38:52Think about the people Jackson Drake has survived.
38:56This man has survived Keanu Carver.
38:58All right?
38:58So think about what that would mean if Aaron Roark is the man to dethrone Jackson Drake.
39:06We're talking about looking at a new era on Evolve coming up in just two weeks.
39:10Some brand new talent coming.
39:11Some ID talent.
39:12Talent from all over Europe.
39:13The stacked divisions will continue to grow.
39:16But who's going to sit at the top?
39:17We don't know.
39:18Or is it going to be Aaron Roark?
39:20Well, listen.
39:21Here we go.
39:22On the outside now.
39:23As Drake and Roark, they're going back and forth right here, Peter.
39:28Precarious position.
39:29I don't know which man is more comfortable out on the apron.
39:32We've seen Jackson Drake operate out here before.
39:35Oh, to the throat of Roark.
39:37That's the hardest part of the ring.
39:39And Drake looking to dial something up right now.
39:41What is he thinking?
39:42He can't be serious.
39:43Suplex off the apron.
39:45All the way to the floor.
39:48Drake is down.
39:49Roark is down.
39:50Peter, the above championship, hanging the balance.
39:53This match continues on Tubi.
39:58I want to break some big news.
40:00NXT will be bringing one of its biggest PLEs to one of the greatest wrestling cities in all the world.
40:06On Saturday, April 4th.
40:08Get ready for a fight.
40:10NXT stands up in St. Louis.
40:14The stakes are high.
40:16The world is watching.
40:17NXT and only the best stand and deliver.
40:22NXT stand and deliver.
40:23Saturday, April 4th.
40:30Back in action here on Evolve as Aaron Roark certainly feeling the effects of what we saw right before the
40:35break.
40:37As Roark here looking for the challenge.
40:39Let's take another look right now.
40:40Jackson Drake, the suplex from the apron all the way to the floor, rocking his challenge.
40:47Some blood in the mouth of our champion as well.
40:50The Evolve Universe really rallying behind the challenger right now.
40:53Jackson Drake.
40:55He's locked in.
40:57And Aaron Roark in a bad spot, man.
40:59You can see he is out of it.
41:02And the Carolina Reaper starting to unload.
41:05And Peter, we thought there might have been some respect before.
41:07We're not seeing it right now.
41:08Roark might be out.
41:10Everyone who ever jabbed you was right.
41:12You don't belong here.
41:14Everyone, see you alone.
41:16But look at the fight here.
41:18Oh, man.
41:19Aaron Roark.
41:20He's worked his entire life for this type of opportunity.
41:23He's going to go down swinging.
41:24Aaron Roark.
41:25What's he looking to do here?
41:26Oh.
41:26That's a spinning toe hold perhaps.
41:28Here we go.
41:28Half crab.
41:29Oh.
41:30I like this.
41:31Look at the torque on the lower back here of Jackson Drake.
41:33Peter, he's right in the center of the ring.
41:34No, this is a very smart move from Aaron Roark.
41:37He not only is he holding on to that leg, but the kicks to the back of Jackson Drake.
41:41Roark starting to unleash.
41:43Swipe right, none too pleased.
41:44And Roark now.
41:49You see Roark.
41:50He believes it.
41:51Looking to fulfill his destiny right here.
41:53Drake with the counter.
41:55Oh.
41:55Version of an Ushiguroshi right there.
41:58Let's see what Drake can do.
41:59Off the ropes.
42:00Oh.
42:01Big punt.
42:02Oh, that could be it.
42:03Center of the ring.
42:03And Roark kicks out at one.
42:05All right.
42:06Look at Aaron Roark kicking out at one.
42:08And look at the disbelief on the face of the champion.
42:10Jackson Drake has unlocked the inner dragon of Aaron Roark.
42:15Set up powerbomb.
42:16Oh, two and a half.
42:21And Roark knows he missed that opportunity.
42:24And the champ lives to see another day.
42:27Ready to stop.
42:28Ready to stop.
42:29Ready to stop.
42:30Drake scratching and clawing Roark.
42:32Feeling that frustration here.
42:34Ricky Smokes.
42:35He might be feeling that title slipping out of Vanity Project's grasp.
42:39And now Drake taking a moment with Baylor and Smokes.
42:43Little Vanity Project conference there.
42:45But Aaron Roark trying to keep his foot on the gas right now.
42:48Oh, man.
42:49This is one of those moments.
42:51Your entire life could go differently, Blake.
42:53Oh, referee Jerry Marcus got inadvertently struck right there in the midst of this final evolution of Jackson Drake.
43:00Wait a minute.
43:01Baylor and Smokes are in.
43:02Oh, this isn't right.
43:04Super swipe.
43:06Drops Roark center of the ring.
43:07It can't end like this.
43:09Oh, that is it.
43:09Drake with the cover.
43:11No.
43:11Aaron Roark came this far.
43:12One, two.
43:14Oh!
43:15And Roark is still alive!
43:17And you can hear and feel the electricity in the Evolve Arena here at the Performance Center Orlando.
43:26Jackson Drake and the Vanity Project may have ripped all the pages out of the playbook, Peter.
43:31They've got nothing left.
43:32Aaron Roark eats the super swipe and somehow kicks out.
43:37And Roark, oh!
43:39Sends Drake on the way to the floor, taking out swipe right.
43:42But you know, Aaron Roark, that's not going to be enough.
43:45He's going to want to add.
43:47Aaron Roark is going to want to fly.
43:49He's going to lay it on the line!
43:52Down goes Smokes and Baylor, but the champion's back in the ring.
43:55You see that?
43:56The champ smartly gets out of it and manages to avoid the damage.
44:00And now, oh!
44:02A big kick.
44:03I don't know if it was quite unaliving, but he might be setting him up right now.
44:06As Jackson Drake, in fireman's carry position, looks to execute.
44:11Oh!
44:12Burning hammer, center of the ring.
44:14Oh, here comes the unaliving.
44:15That's step one.
44:16Building some steam.
44:17Oh!
44:17And right to the back of the neck.
44:20Aaron Roark, a valiant effort.
44:22And Jackson Drake will not retain quite yet.
44:27Wait, wait.
44:28I have called nearly every Jackson Drake match in Evolve.
44:32I don't know if I've seen anyone kick out of an unaliving like that
44:36connecting to the back of the head, but that's what Aaron Roark just did.
44:40You see Drake, that frustration setting in, but he's got to continue, Peter.
44:44This title hanging the balance.
44:45You see the VIP section.
44:46They're in disbelief.
44:47Here comes Drake charging at nobody home.
44:51And Roark.
44:52Oh!
44:54Feels the enziguri right to the back of the head.
44:56Drake now.
44:58Look at the look of insanity for Drake!
45:00Drake's up!
45:01And he's nearly folded in half by Aaron Roark!
45:04Oh!
45:05Aaron Roark is hitting a different gear.
45:08I've never seen this from Roark before.
45:10He's up top, Peter.
45:11And he's going!
45:13Five!
45:14One!
45:15Cover!
45:15Three!
45:16And Aaron Roark fulfills his destiny!
45:20Here is your winner.
45:21And the new EVOLVE champion, Aaron Roark!
45:33You see the looks of disbelief.
45:38Aaron Roark is your second ever WWE EVOLVE champion.
45:44The genuine emotion pouring out right here in the EVOLVE arena.
45:49Aaron Roark, the biggest moment of his career!
45:56Absolutely incredible moment to witness.
46:00The final evolution of Jackson Drake came and it delivered just as he has the last 300 days.
46:08The precision of Heartbreak Drake was on full display early on.
46:12The Vanity Project thought they'd be celebrating, but the dime piece had other intentions.
46:17Drake couldn't get the best of it right there and once again goes forward, but Aaron Roark putting a stop
46:24to the champion's offense.
46:25And then Aaron from the top on cloud nine.
46:29And that is enough for the win.
46:31And now Peter, he's sitting on cloud nine atop the EVOLVE division.
46:36True, genuine emotion.
46:38It's all raw, it's all coming out right here.
46:41You see the superstars from the back.
46:43The entire EVOLVE locker room, men's and women's, emptying out to show support for Aaron Roark right here.
46:49ID Prospects, PC talent.
46:51An incredible moment here for Aaron Roark.
46:55Oh, a little too excited right there.
46:57The celebration continues through all the ups and downs, trials and tribulations.
47:04The ID Prospect has built momentum, shined through, made history, and officially taken a vault to Sparkle City.
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