Csonka’s EVOLVE 111 Preview

Welcome back to column time with Larry as we preview the EVOLVE 110 event. We’re coming off of a great set of shows (EVOLVE 108 & EVOLVE 109), which saw Shane Strickland defeat Matt Riddle for the EVOLVE championship in an excellent match, and Joey Janela overcoming game challenger Darby Allin to retain the WWN Championship in another excellent match. Feel free to make your picks in the comment section. Thanks for reading! It’s wrestling, we love it and will disagree. The only rules are “have a take, be respectful, and don’t be a dick.” Evolve is again moving into the next stage of their existence, with Matt Riddle finishing up and heading to WWE. Who will step up in the wake of Riddle, Zack Sabre Jr, Fred Yehi, and Keith Lee all gone? Can the promotion keep the momentum from last weekend? We’ll find out…

NOTE:

This preview had to be completed prior to the end of EVOLVE 110, due to scheduling and time constraints, so my predictions will be mainly based off of my 110 predictions (HERE) and what I think will happen there.

Jaka vs. Saieve Al Sabah: At EVOLVE 110 I have Jaka defeating Tracy Williams to continue the Williams vs. Catch Point feud, while Sabah should be on the losing end of the “dream tag team match,” possibly even talking fall. Sabah is a new signee that they are looking to push and give an opportunity to shine. He works hard and shows potential, but is a really unrefined overall worker. Jaka is one-half of the tag team champions, but has also really shined when given the chance to perform as a singles. Jaka is a good and smart worker, and a good guy to pair with Sabah here, and for Sabah to get a strong rebound win over. WINNER: Saieve Al Sabah

WALTER vs. Anthony Henry: I have both men winning at EVOLVE 110, and coming into this match fired up and full of momentum. While Henry needs wins, I feel that this is WALTER’s weekend to dominate. Henry has been putting in good performances as of late as he starts his singles career, but WALTER is a completely different animal and I don’t feel that Henry’s ready for a win over him at this time. This has the potential to be really good and even great. WINNER: WALTER

Matt Riddle vs. JD Drake: These two had a great match at EVOLVE 100, in a match that was Drake’s breakout match in terms of a singles performance with the promotion. Riddle has been EVOLVE’s top star, constantly delivering great matches, Riddle is another top star leaving, and EVOLVE has to continue to cultivate new stars, which is what they hope to do with Drake here. With Riddle leaving and previously defeating Drake, Drake not only needs to have another great performance, and Riddle has been busting his ass on his farewell tour for the company that made him a name and star on the indie scene. I see Riddle doing everything in his power to deliver one last time, while Drake will be giving his all, and he really NEEDS to win here to continue his rise. WINNER: JD Drake

Non-Title Bonus Main Event: EVOLVE Champion Shane Strickland vs. DJZ: DJZ has been a fun part-time addition to the EVOLVE roster, putting in great performances, but he’s a part time player, and a win over new EVOLVE Champion Shane Strickland feels unlikely unless DJZ is in for more dates and they are setting up a title program for Strickland. That’s not completely out of the question here, but with Strickland being the newly minted champion, it feels like he should be picking up wins to continue his run and dominance. WINNER: EVOLVE Champion Shane Strickland

Williams’ Career vs. Hathaway’s Career – I Quit Handicap Match: Tracy Williams vs. Chris Dickinson & Stokely Hathaway: Williams took over Catch Point when the Reverend Drew Gulak left for WWE, and then hired Hathaway to promote and manage Catch Point. It never quite clicked, Williams went into a dark place, and it eventually led to his frustration and attempt to fire Hathaway. But Hathaway ousted him and Catch Point turned on Williams, leading to his battle with the group he loved and was a huge part of. The war waged on and Williams has been fighting for redemption, leading to this most final of stipulations, an I Quit, career vs. career, handicap match with Hathaway & Williams’ careers on the line. The stakes have been raised here, as the winner will now get a title shot of their choice on an upcoming EVOLVE event. If Stokely wins, he can pick any member of his stable for any title shot he wants! One man will be gone for EVOLVE; the other will have a chance to win the championship of his choice. Williams is coming into this match with an injured eye after “The Screwdriver Incident,” where Hathaway tried to stab his eye out at the EVOLVE 109. The whole built to this has pointed to a Williams win and the unfortunate departure of Hathaway, who has been a complete joy and major part of EVOLVE. I see Williams overcoming, possibly with the help of Dom Garrini (which has been teased), and finally getting rid of Hathaway (leave the memories alone), and allowing Williams to get back into the title scene, where he will be needed with Riddle’s departure. WINNER: Tracy Williams

WWN Championship Triple Threat Match: WWN Champion Joey Janela with Penelope Ford vs. Austin Theory with Priscilla Kelly vs. AR Fox with Ayla & The Skulk: This match has been built up well over the last few sets of shows, and has the chance to be great as all three have been having some great matches. there are a lot of layers to this. Fox holds a non-title victory over Janela. Fox has taken an issue to the path that his protégé Theory has followed, but they two have not come to blows until this match. Theory lost the WWN Championship to Janela, but then defeated him in a FIP World Heavyweight Title Match. Theory then attacked Janela during his 1st WWN Title defense at EVOLVE 109, all leading to this match. Theory feels like he’s finally stepping up, Fox has been on a roll, and needs to be with Riddle’s departure, while Joey Janela has come off as a complete rock star and a breath of fresh air to the company along with Strickland. Everyone winning is believable, which should lead to some great drama. With that being said, the angle going in, and the talent involved, this should be at the very least a very good, and potentially great main event. It feels way too soon to take the championship off of Joey Janela, he’s a hot act, just won the belt, and there’s way too much meat on the bone in terms of his title run. He should win here. WINNER: WWN Champion Joey Janela

– End Scene.

– Thanks for reading.

“Byyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyye Felicia!”