EVOLVE 131: EVOLVE’s 10th anniversary celebration preview

The indie promotion EVOLVE will celebrate 10 years in style on the WWE Network highlighted by Superstars of past and present.

The EVOLVE brand was founded 10 years ago and is embarking on its biggest show to date. EVOLVE 131 is set to feature a loaded card full of the next generation of stars and past favorites. WWE began a partnership with EVOLVE back in 2015, using the independent company to scout talent that would eventually move to the various WWE brands. Because of this partnership, WWE has decided to air its 10th anniversary show, EVOLVE 131, on the WWE Network on Saturday, July 13.

The partnership has been fruitful as it has produced many of NXT’s top stars such as Johnny Gargano, Aleister Black, Adam Cole and others. For the past week, these stars have expressed how EVOLVE has shaped their respective careers in preparation for the big night:

In the eyes of many of our favorite Superstars, EVOLVE was the home that gave them their first chance. Cesaro recently shared how the promotion had a “good set of eyes” when grooming the talent that would break through, when speaking about himself, Daniel Bryan and EC3.

In a sense, EVOLVE has been the gateway to NXT and WWE for many wrestlers. Black expressed how EVOLVE shaped his growth and afforded him the opportunity to work with some of the best in the world. Another reflection from EC3 highlighted how the brand aided him in reinventing himself.

Now, these Superstars will look to give back to the indie brand and its fans by performing on this historic night. EVOLVE 131 will get an additional boost by airing on the WWE Network, making it the first independent promotion to be featured on Network programming.

There was some speculation as to the timing of WWE’s announcement to air this special, citing it as a possible response to AEW’s Fight for the Fallen, which is set to take place on the same day and at the same time. Even if that were the case the fans win, as the weekend is set for a smorgasbord of wrestling.

“Evolve was the birthplace for many current WWE and NXT Superstars so it is only fitting that their 10th Anniversary Celebration will be showcased live on WWE Network,” Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE executive vice president of talent, live events and creative, told TheWrap.

The returning WWE cast of talent will include Babatunde, Arturo Ruas, Matt Riddle, Drew Gulak, Akira Tozowa and Adam Cole. EVOLVE 131 will take place at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Match card

NXT Championship Match: Adam Cole (c) vs. Akira Tozawa

EVOLVE Champion vs. WWN Championship — Winner Take All: EVOLVE Champion Austin Theory vs. WWN Champion JD Drake

EVOLVE Tag Team Championship Match: Eddie Kingston & Joe Gacy (c) vs. AR Fox & Leon Ruff with Ayla & The Skulk

Catch Point Reunion Match: Matt Riddle vs. WWE Cruiserweight Champion Drew Gulak

Grudge Match No. 1: Anthony Henry vs. Arturo Ruas

Grudge Match No. 2: Shotzi Blackheart vs. Brandi Lauren

Special Challenge Match: Babatunde vs. Colby Corino

Fatal 4-Way Match: Curt Stallion vs. Sean Maluta vs. Stephen Wolf vs. Harlem Bravado

Special Attraction Match: Josh Briggs vs. Anthony Greene with Brandi Lauren