Tonight's episode of WWE EVOLVE (May 28, 2025) was recorded in advance at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida at some point in February. WWE EVOLVE airs every Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on Tubi, and tonight's episode was a big one, as it determined the inaugural WWE EVOLVE Women's Champion.
How did this go down tonight, what led to this, and what could be on the horizon? Let's break it all down!
How We Got Here:
When it was originally announced that the men's and women's EVOLVE Championships would be settled in Fatal 4-Way matches, three of the participants in the women's match were announced from the onset. Kendal Grey, Kali Armstrong, and Wendy Choo were given spots purely because they had impressed Prime Minister Stevie Turner more than anyone else. Eventually, Kylie Rae was able to win a play-in match over Aria Bennett, Chantel Monroe, and Zayda Steel to get the last spot in the match.
On top of the women's title match, there was also a final play-in qualifier for the men's title. "Super" Sean Legacy had been announced in advance, Keanu Carver had beaten Harlem Lewis and Edris Enofe had beaten Oro Mensah last week to qualify. Tonight's episode settled the final slot between Jackson Drake, Jordan Oasis, and Lince Dorado.
Full WWE EVOLVE Results - May 28, 2025:
- WWE EVOLVE Championship Triple Threat Play-In Match: Jackson Drake defeated Jordan Oasis and Lince Dorado by pinfall on Oasis.
- In a vignette promo, It's Gal told Troy Yearwood to stay out of his way and is jealous of people saying Yearwood has the best physique in EVOLVE, because he thinks that he does.
- Jackson Drake cut an in-ring promo about how great he and The Vanity Project are and how that means he's going to win the men's EVOLVE title next week. One by one, the other men fighting for the belt (Edris Enofe, "Super" Sean Legacy, and then Keanu Carver) came out to all speak their peace, with Carver not saying a word. The three of them punched out Drake to send a message.
- Tag Team Match: Tyson DuPont and Tyriek Igwe defeated Cappuccino Jones and Jack Cartwheel by pinfall.
- Backstage, Stevie Turner signed WWE LFG's Leigh Laurel, now going by the name Jin Tala, to a contract for joining the EVOLVE roster. Turner then told Carlee Bright that she's not allowed to accompany Kendal Grey ringside in the title match tonight, and that Bright will face Tala next week after introducing those two. Also next week, Wes Lee will be wrestling.
- WWE EVOLVE Women's Championship Fatal 4-Way Elimination Match: Kylie Rae eliminated Wendy Choo, then Kendal Grey by pinfall. Kali Armstrong then eliminated Kylie Rae to win the title. Armstrong was presented with the belt by Natalya and Stevie Turner.
Personal Reactions & What Happens Next?:
Kali Armstrong is one of the few talents in EVOLVE that have quickly progressed enough that if she were on NXT proper, she would fit in. It makes sense for her to be given this honor, and for Kylie Rae to be the runner-up who just couldn't quite seal the deal. Rae could very well be set up to eventually take that title from Armstrong.
As far as next week's men's title match, the attention on Jackson Drake brings a lot of value to picking him, but I'm more so thinking Sean Legacy or Keanu Carver comes out on top. Legacy's future North American Championship shot could factor into him getting the belt or not, specifically, but it's too early to tell. Carver could win if they don't plan on having Harlem Lewis interrupt or something.
Tell us what you think about this title change by leaving a comment below! Who do you think will be the next in line to challenge for the title, or possibly even win the belt next? Keep the discussion going!