Evolve 61
The week in independent wrestling has been a fascinating one with both Evolve 61 and ROH Global Wars taking the world by storm with some interesting developments in the two promotions biggest story lines in recent times.
While ROH saw the shocker of a star join the already legendary Bullet Club, Evolve made some headway and faced some in house roadblocks towards its eventual consumption by juggernaut WWE. Hence why it becomes a must watch for me to catch my first ever EVOLVE event and now try my level best to review it.
Remember I'm not a wrestling writer with adept knowledge of moves and all that, so forgive me if I take references and/or make mistakes.
Here goes, Coming to you live from Queens, New York...
Lenny Leonard opens the show to big cheers as EVOLVE returns home. He hypes the two big matches of the night; the WWE Cruserweight Classic Qualifiers and then proceeds to let the action speak for itself.
Match No. 1: Lio Rush vs. Matt Riddle
The opening bout is between the young hot shot Lio Rush and former UFC fighter Matt Riddle of Catch Point [Faction].
Rush comes out to a decent pop with much of the crowd behind the young high flying sensation. His left shoulder is taped up, making it a question of whether this will come into play later in the match.
Out next is his opponent Matt Riddle, Riddle walks down with a swagger and presents underneath his garb the EVOLVE World Title, treating with utter disrespect and throwing it around. The commentators mention that the title is held by Riddle's Catch Point faction member Tim Thatcher, who is currently suspended for attacking an official.
Seems like there's tension brewing between Catch Point.
[SIDE NOTE: It's cool to see a faction having intense rivalry within over the world title and not completely imploding, checking their history out; Catch Point seem to be having a multi match feud between Riddle and Thatcher while Thatcher's methods also eek tension from the group leader Drew Gulak (SIDE SIDE NOTE: Isn't it cool also to see that the leader of a faction isn't the world champion but one of its members is!)]
Anyways onto the match and what is being dubbed as the clash of the two upstarts of the promotion, the two breakthrough men of the past year.
The action begins quick with both men feeling out one another and turning this into a Mat based clinic, Rush tries his best to up his game but he is no match for the submission specialist Riddle. Riddle takes him down however Rush is able to outmaneuver the bigger man and flips and flops away from any locks that can put him out.
Rush once again falls in the trap of trying to play at Riddle's game, failing to suplex the bigger man who completely annihilates him with a vicious suplex and turns it around into a triple dose of Gutwrenches. Rush is completely groggy and Riddle uses this time to slap around his foe like a rag doll.
[SIDE NOTE: Riddle's Heel game is on par with all these side ticks where he bullies the smaller Rush and agitates the crowd with both actions in and out of the ring]
Riddle lands some hard kicks on his downed opponent before Rush turns the quickening pace into a tight guillotine. Vindication for Rush as he is able to take on Riddle in his own specialty. However the power of Rush is undeniable as he transforms the choke hold into a splattering Fisherman's Bomb. The searing pain visible on Rush's face, yet he kicks out from the pin attempt in the nick of time.
A spat of cheers for Rush's fighting spirit.
Frustrated, Riddle further toys with Rush pushing him around and setting him up for the Suplex but the cat like agility of Rush prevails as he lands on his two feet and begins striking deftly at the former UFC Fighter. Yet, one tight slap from Riddle and Rush comes crashing down on his ass [SIDE NOTE: Sadly a little hilarious I might add].
Rush slowly onto his feet as the showboating Riddle heads for a clothesline. He connects! But Rush uses his momentum to flip Riddle down onto the mat. Rush rushes [pun intended] up to the top turnbuckle to connect his patented frog splash.
Rush comes down, but in mid air Riddle rolls away and Rush awkwardly stops his momentum putting his weight onto his leg. Riddle catches Rush in the confused and hurt state, slapping on the kimura lock onto his down competitors weak shoulder for the tap out!
It's all over
Riddle Wins by Submission [4:57 Minutes]
THOUGHTS: Quick match that saw both competitors light it on fire. Some parts didn't seem to gel well but overall a fun match that caught fire towards the finish line just like my writing. Exciting work from Riddle in particular who took to his size advantage with a bullish presence. Though I don't know if that's the case with Rush's character, but he seemed like the hungry dog really going all out to proving himself and playing at Riddle's level instead of what he does best, thus facing the punishment that eventually got him down enough to be beat later on.
Overall exciting but the match felt a bit to short which cut the ring psychology out from the hard worked character psychology, even though this was the hot opener; it was to determine the race for the No. 1 contender to Thatcher and should have come out as such.
Rating: 2.5 stars
Post Match: Riddle calls for the mike and makes a statement by calling out his "bro: Trashy Tim". He tosses the championship around, his faction partner Stokley Hathaway picks it up and walks away much to the confusion and amusement of Riddle.
Match No. 2: The Bravado Brothers vs. Ethan Page and Chris Dickinson
And we're back!
The next match is a tag team match, out first are the fresh team of Ethan Page and Chris Dickinson. Chris nearly knocks down the Evolve board at the entrance ramp and for a moment I thought they'd be some Bushwackers type comedy team, so much for those WWE type notions.
Up next are Harlem and Lance Bravado; The Bravado Brothers to a bit off fanfare and bravado [pun intended]. [SIDE NOTE: Best entrance music ever indeed!].
As the commentators put it, this is an interesting match up. Despite Page and Chris's formidable abilities, they are green compared to the seasoned tag veterans; The Bravados, and in such a match this will definitely come into play.
Chris the local NY boy starts of with Harlem, the two lock up and soon enough the strong man proves his prowess taking down the Bravado and placing him in a tight head lock. He lifts him up and pushes him into the corner, Page makes a tag. Page punching down on Harlem before they come back into the center of what is a surprisingly smaller ring than I'm used to seeing.
He goes to Irish whip Harlem who reverses it onto his own whip on Page into the opposite corner, Harlem rushes in but the athletic Page jumps over him and slams the former Dragon Gate champion down. A pin attempt, but Harlem kicks out. The commentary despite Harlem's fall, mention how the Brothers have been on a tear since returning to evolve at EVOLVE 53.
Page goes to pick Harlem up, but Harlem rams him right into the Brothers corner tagging in the fresh man; Lance. A hell of a uppercut to Page from Lance, who falls right back onto the corner. Harlem tags in and the two double team their opponent. This is what veteran teams do; keep one man downed in the corner and finish him with a succession of quick tags.
They stomp mud holes on Page and a riled up Chris enters to stop them but the referee intervenes. This is building towards something Hot!
Harlem in complete control now, a reversal of fortunes for the Brothers while all the commentary focuses on is Page's desire to become a better man and turn a new leaf/ Yes, their building him up for the fans; who are already wild for the beaten down Page. Chris riling the fans up for the same, desperate for the tag as the heat builds up.
Lance tags in but Page fights back in the corner. The two men trade blows in the center until Lance downs the building momentum with a thunderous big boot. Harlem tags in and these quick tags might give them the double team advantage but it does allow Page breathing time as well. This is presented by the next sequence; Page irish whipped into a lone corner, Harlem whips Lance onto Page but he kicks him away and then kicks a incoming Harlem as well.
Page looks to Chris, he runs; stepping over a prone Lance onto Harlem and landing in with the RKEgo [RKO?], and the crowd is in a frenzy. All three men are down, Chris is getting fired up and despite some resistance from Harlem; Page gets the HOT TAG!
[SIDE NOTE: The Hot Tag is one of the most awesome tropes in pro wrestling, it's usually played out between a babyface tag team where one half of the team is completely beaten down and is forced to fight back and find the strength within himself to tag his partner in who goes all SUPERNOVA on their opponents asses]
Chris runs completely roughshod on the brothers, clotheslines left and right. He is fired up as he passionately stirs the crowd, big mistake! With his back turned, the Brothers take advantage and put him in his place. Yet the fire remains, Chris turns the tables again to his a great combination of Super Kicks and Enziguri's, then stacks the duo onto a corner and clotheslines them both.
Harlem falls down and Chris whips Lance onto the opposite corner, prompting the audience to count for the turnbuckle punches on Lance. Harlem intervenes with a screechy back rake on Chris. He then lifts Chris up on his shoulders for a devastating Electric Chair Shock but it never comes as the high on energy dynamo reverses it into a reverses Hurricanrana. WHAT A MOVE!
Now Lances turn, Chris lifts him up into a Fireman's Carry and turns it into a head splattering Michinoku Driver [that's how you call it Maggle!]. Pin attempt but a tragic kick out, Chris looks to the hyped fans and pops to his partner, tagging in the red hot Page.
They go for the Double Rack on a groggy Harlem but a desperate Lance makes the save, sending Chris to the outside. A pissed off Harlem plays the ultimate heel card and calls for a killer pile driver on Page but the babyface drops him to the floor. Once again Lance intervenes, hitting a sweet neckbreaker sending Page crashing onto something worse than the mat; Harlem's sharp protruding knees. Boom, that's gotta hurt!
Pin attempt but Page stays in it. [SIDE NOTE; Page might be beloved but a rowdy fan seemed might pissed that the piledriver wasn't delivered on, calling for it again].
Harlem heads to the top, perched on the turnbuckle as Page fight off the double team. Chris gets back in and punches on the still perched Harlem with effect. Page takes Lance down on the mat and calls to Chris, who hurricanrana's Harlem from the top and slams him onto his own brother. Pin attempt and still not done.
Back and Forth, Back and forth we go! Who are the legal men?! as all Hell breaks loose in the ring.
The two strong men of their teams Chris and Lance go on a one upmanship tear, punching each other with heavy blows. Nobody wins as their respective others boot the other down. They all get up and Lance suckers Page in, lariates him across the floor. Chris with an enziguri on Harlem and one more for Lance. He then goes to suplex Harlem, who lands on his feet with pride but wait! Behind him, Page high kicks the Brother with a fury and Chris follows it up with a 360 enziguri sending Harlem right down to the floor next to his beaten brother.
The ring is on fire and its spreading to the outside as Chris makes a beeline for the top and hits a 350 on the Bravados. He is quick to move this man, as he rolls Harlem in and tags himself in from Page. There it is, they fulfill their end of the bargain hitting Harlem with the Double Rack but Lance saves the pin attempt once more...
As the men stir up, Lance sends Page crashing to the floor. Chris and Harlem on opposite corners, Chris is still fired up and blindly rages towards Harlem. Big Mistake! Bull stopped in the China Shop as Harlem turns in a bicycle kick knocking the big man silly.
There it is, the brothers cap of their finale with a devastating Gory Special!
The pin and the winners;
The Bravado Brother win by Pinfall [8:42]
THOUGHTS: Holy hells that was a match, both teams captured some intense moments and great momentum especially the Brothers who look to get a taste of tag gold. Not only that, this match made me realize what was wrong with the opener; the fan involvement here was on par with the performances in the ring. They were on fire, cheering on the wily underdog Page and the red hot Chris as well as the strategic calculated team of Bravado Brothers. Shout out the MVP of the match, Chris Dickinson; he took a hell of a beating and dished out even more with both an expected strong man striking as well as some crisp high flying and thrilling moves. But of course the right team won and deservedly so!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Post Match: As the losing team walks away to a small ovation, Harlem hits the ring with a microphone in hand and the boos are showered. Sweet heel work as he asks the fans not to boo...Page and Chris, because they fought so good! [Cheeky Bugger!]. Lance repeats the joke, extending it to no effect [So now we know who the talker of the group is].
Harlem plays up the heat, laying down the teams credentials as the longest reigning [Dragon Gate/EVOLVE] Open United Gate Champions and how they've been robbed of their deserved EVOLVE Tag Title shots.
Instead of going right after the champions [Catch Point, once again], they call out the contenders, the most popular team in the indie scene; TEAM TREMENDOUS. Dan Barry of Tremendous walks out to cheers and after throwing him and his partner as well as the fans, a couple of insults. The Brothers says they mean no disrespect [yeah right!]. Despite their contentedness, Barry does want to fight The Bravados and that's all the brothers want; to settle this like men in the ring.
Harlem sticks his hand out to seal the deal as a gentlemen [Aiden English reflex?] and Barry like an idiot babyface shakes it,. He's held tight while Lance delivers a big boot to his dumb face. Really Barry! What did you think was going to happen?!
The Brothers beat down on him and deliver a Gory Special before walking away to a chorus of boos as officials check on a cheered Barry.
Before the next match, Trevin Adams, representative of WWNLive [the broadcasters for EVOLVE] comes out and urges fans to show their wild and enthusiastic support [sans any derogatory words or slurs] for the upcoming Cruserweight Qualifiers.
As these two matches will be showcased by the WWE who have PG policies and whose reach is global, allowing EVOLVE to be seen by new fans of wrestling around the world as a product worth catching. Despite a spatter of boos, he slyly notes that it's not because of the two companies but the fans should respectfully but enthusiastically cheer because of the glorious opportunity it is for the men who strive to entertain them in the ring.
Match No. 3: TJP vs. Fred Yehi
So the first match in the qualifier is a face off between faction members of Catch Point. Fred Yehi firsyt stepping out and fired up, nearly knocks the EVOLVE 61 entrance board which seriously needs to go. Up next is the veteran but young TJP [Formerly TJ Perkins] whom I have at least seen compete before in TNA.
[SIDE NOTE: Does the unannounced name change herald that TJP whether in the Cruserweight Classic or not might be headed to WWE? After all they do love altering the names of their superstars...]
Yehi gets a funny introduction; tough, angry and short.
The commentators hype the Catch Point mantra of competition to be the best even if your opponent is a team mate, it's all about elevating each other through your own drive to win. [SIDE NOTE: Sound a bit like the KLIQ without the partying and backstage politics]
The two men face off, they teamed up just a couple of days back against another team of Catch Point members, wow I'm loving the idea of this faction!
Casual lock up, nice chain reversals into a drop kick by TJP. The fans are already on their feet with dual chants for both competitors. TJP is being put over to the moon as the commentators say "Wrestling is his life!".
They lock up again. Yehi rolls up for a quick counter, gets a back hold. TJ desperately trying to squirm out, lying down he desperately counters into a headscissors. Yehi lifts him off, shoulder down TJP pinned; reverses back into head scissors, Yehi flips him once more for the pin but he reverses into the head scissors and transitions into his own pin attempt...kick out!
Both men stand up. Some phenomenal early chain wrestling there.
They lock up, hands held tight. Push each other into the ropes [SIDE NOTE: Sadly you can clearly tell this is a strategy for both men to talk and work out the rest of the match]. They go back to the center, TJP hits the Irish, one hand firmly locked in and Yehi pulls back; TJP counters into a high kick and misses and his hand is caught between his legs. Yehi uses the lock on hands to flip TJP to the ground and then promptly stomps on his leg, grinding it down.
Commentators put over TJP's wrestling genius, which needs to come into play; fast!
Fans are behind Yehi. He hooks TJP into the suplex and a pin; kick out. Yehi is a rookie in CP and has to prove himself to them. He twists TJP's leg then beats on it, it's a smart strategy; no holding back here. Yehi goes for the Irish Whip but TJP counters it into an Octo Grape-Vine submission and then to a pin; but kick out and TJP relentlessly goes into a Muta Lock but Yehi manages to get to the ropes on time.
Another awesome chain sequence. This match is on FIRE!
TJP with a simple scoop slam on Yehi, heads to the ropes outside and slingshots himself into a Senton. Pin and Yehi manages to stay in it. Side lock take over into a Head Lock, Yehi lifts TJP from the lock and whips him into a shoulder tackle. He runs the rope, TJP rolls away as Yehi jumps over his downed body. Yehi returns from the opposite ropes and TJP tries to leap frog over him but Yehi slams him down to the mat, face first [Oh that's got to hurt!] and stomps on his back.
Sequence after sequence these men are tearing each other apart.
Yehi goes for the pin but a kick out. He gets angry and chops TJP into the corner who counters back into a head lock and body scissors combo. TJP goes for the pin but no chance. [SIDE NOTE: This time it's obvious the two men are discussing their next moves as an opening and bad shot sees TJP telling Yehi what to do next...this is not good]
Yehi slaps in the body scissors, TJP takes an arm out from Yehi to escape it and rolls through into a Surfboard pin but Yehi counters back into the body scissors and a pin attempt but kick out. Yehi desperate and now stomps TJP down in the corner.
[SIDE NOTE: Once again TJP is caught visibly instructing Yehi what to do next...this is really putting off]
Yehi with a hard Irish into the opposite corner and then charges in but TJP kicks him away, TJP goes for the Sunset Flip but misses and he's down giving Yehi the opening for more vicious stomps on the leg. Yehi waist lock into a suplex, Tjp flips it into a Victory roll but no once again Yehi manages to kick out!
Both men are exhausted, they trade forearm punches, TJP goes for a Kick but Yehi stomps his foot pushing him back down. Yehi flips him up to hit the Lariat but TJP connects this time with a leaping Back Heel Kick. TJP goes for one more but Yehi stops him and hits Rolling Forearms, TJP counters into a drop kick and both men are down!
TJP in the corner, uses the ropes to get up. Yehi charges in once more, TJP hits the neck breaker and then a double arm chicken wing for the pin but Yehi kicks out. TJP cannot believe it, his match psychology off the charts!
Yehi is wildly cheered. TJP goes for what seems like his finisher but Yehi pushes him into the turnbuckles but misses a lariat and TJP takes him down with two suplexes. TJP goes for the Frog Splash, but misses! That's got to hurt! Yehi slams him down onto the mat face first and then goes into a Head Lock/Leg Scissors combo.
TJP not tapping, though the stupid Bell guy nearly rings the bell. TJP gets the ropes. Yehi pauses for a breath, big mistake as TJP catches him for two german suplexes but misses the third as he pushed into the ropes. TJP rests vertically on the middle rope, taunting Yehi. Yehi charges but TJP moves away and Yehi lands head first on the middle rope. TJP knocks him silly with a Springboard Dropkick. TJP heads outside the ropes, goes for a Springboard Slam but is taken out and Yehi counters into an Oklahoma roll but no TJP kicks out.
They now trade punches, chops and uppercuts. TJP once again goes for a flurry of strikes but Yehi stomps back on the weakened leg. TJP still manages to get the high kick and Yehi is dazed, TJP catches him into the fireman carry to hit his finisher; Lights Out!
He goes for a 450 splash from the top turnbuckle, lands it sweetly and pins Yehi for an emotional win.
TJP wins by Pinfall [13:55]
THOUGHTS: What a hot contest?! More importantly the match put both winner and loser over, Yehi's tenacity to try and win was commendable as well as the factor that in a bid to prove himself in the CP faction he kept on losing his cool especially an issue when up against a wrestling genius [indeed] like TJP. TJP was on fire though he got dominated for a portion of the match, his high flying offense and technical finesse; his fluidity in the ring all round is a good sign that he might go further than just the Cruserweight Classic in WWE if they are smart to pick him up for the NXT Brand. The only major grip I have is that TJP was seen visibly and too visibly giving instructions to Yehi a couple of times, that's a big no no; it loses the magic of the performance. For that, this one goes a notch down.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Post-Match: Yehi feels completely broken by the loss but TJP consoles his faction partner and the crowd is still wild for Yehi which is a sign of the massive put over this match has been for him.
Match No. 2: The Bravado Brothers vs. Ethan Page and Chris Dickinson
And we're back!
The next match is a tag team match, out first are the fresh team of Ethan Page and Chris Dickinson. Chris nearly knocks down the Evolve board at the entrance ramp and for a moment I thought they'd be some Bushwackers type comedy team, so much for those WWE type notions.
Up next are Harlem and Lance Bravado; The Bravado Brothers to a bit off fanfare and bravado [pun intended]. [SIDE NOTE: Best entrance music ever indeed!].
As the commentators put it, this is an interesting match up. Despite Page and Chris's formidable abilities, they are green compared to the seasoned tag veterans; The Bravados, and in such a match this will definitely come into play.
Chris the local NY boy starts of with Harlem, the two lock up and soon enough the strong man proves his prowess taking down the Bravado and placing him in a tight head lock. He lifts him up and pushes him into the corner, Page makes a tag. Page punching down on Harlem before they come back into the center of what is a surprisingly smaller ring than I'm used to seeing.
He goes to Irish whip Harlem who reverses it onto his own whip on Page into the opposite corner, Harlem rushes in but the athletic Page jumps over him and slams the former Dragon Gate champion down. A pin attempt, but Harlem kicks out. The commentary despite Harlem's fall, mention how the Brothers have been on a tear since returning to evolve at EVOLVE 53.
Page goes to pick Harlem up, but Harlem rams him right into the Brothers corner tagging in the fresh man; Lance. A hell of a uppercut to Page from Lance, who falls right back onto the corner. Harlem tags in and the two double team their opponent. This is what veteran teams do; keep one man downed in the corner and finish him with a succession of quick tags.
They stomp mud holes on Page and a riled up Chris enters to stop them but the referee intervenes. This is building towards something Hot!
Harlem in complete control now, a reversal of fortunes for the Brothers while all the commentary focuses on is Page's desire to become a better man and turn a new leaf/ Yes, their building him up for the fans; who are already wild for the beaten down Page. Chris riling the fans up for the same, desperate for the tag as the heat builds up.
Lance tags in but Page fights back in the corner. The two men trade blows in the center until Lance downs the building momentum with a thunderous big boot. Harlem tags in and these quick tags might give them the double team advantage but it does allow Page breathing time as well. This is presented by the next sequence; Page irish whipped into a lone corner, Harlem whips Lance onto Page but he kicks him away and then kicks a incoming Harlem as well.
Page looks to Chris, he runs; stepping over a prone Lance onto Harlem and landing in with the RKEgo [RKO?], and the crowd is in a frenzy. All three men are down, Chris is getting fired up and despite some resistance from Harlem; Page gets the HOT TAG!
[SIDE NOTE: The Hot Tag is one of the most awesome tropes in pro wrestling, it's usually played out between a babyface tag team where one half of the team is completely beaten down and is forced to fight back and find the strength within himself to tag his partner in who goes all SUPERNOVA on their opponents asses]
Chris runs completely roughshod on the brothers, clotheslines left and right. He is fired up as he passionately stirs the crowd, big mistake! With his back turned, the Brothers take advantage and put him in his place. Yet the fire remains, Chris turns the tables again to his a great combination of Super Kicks and Enziguri's, then stacks the duo onto a corner and clotheslines them both.
Harlem falls down and Chris whips Lance onto the opposite corner, prompting the audience to count for the turnbuckle punches on Lance. Harlem intervenes with a screechy back rake on Chris. He then lifts Chris up on his shoulders for a devastating Electric Chair Shock but it never comes as the high on energy dynamo reverses it into a reverses Hurricanrana. WHAT A MOVE!
Now Lances turn, Chris lifts him up into a Fireman's Carry and turns it into a head splattering Michinoku Driver [that's how you call it Maggle!]. Pin attempt but a tragic kick out, Chris looks to the hyped fans and pops to his partner, tagging in the red hot Page.
They go for the Double Rack on a groggy Harlem but a desperate Lance makes the save, sending Chris to the outside. A pissed off Harlem plays the ultimate heel card and calls for a killer pile driver on Page but the babyface drops him to the floor. Once again Lance intervenes, hitting a sweet neckbreaker sending Page crashing onto something worse than the mat; Harlem's sharp protruding knees. Boom, that's gotta hurt!
Pin attempt but Page stays in it. [SIDE NOTE; Page might be beloved but a rowdy fan seemed might pissed that the piledriver wasn't delivered on, calling for it again].
Harlem heads to the top, perched on the turnbuckle as Page fight off the double team. Chris gets back in and punches on the still perched Harlem with effect. Page takes Lance down on the mat and calls to Chris, who hurricanrana's Harlem from the top and slams him onto his own brother. Pin attempt and still not done.
Back and Forth, Back and forth we go! Who are the legal men?! as all Hell breaks loose in the ring.
The two strong men of their teams Chris and Lance go on a one upmanship tear, punching each other with heavy blows. Nobody wins as their respective others boot the other down. They all get up and Lance suckers Page in, lariates him across the floor. Chris with an enziguri on Harlem and one more for Lance. He then goes to suplex Harlem, who lands on his feet with pride but wait! Behind him, Page high kicks the Brother with a fury and Chris follows it up with a 360 enziguri sending Harlem right down to the floor next to his beaten brother.
The ring is on fire and its spreading to the outside as Chris makes a beeline for the top and hits a 350 on the Bravados. He is quick to move this man, as he rolls Harlem in and tags himself in from Page. There it is, they fulfill their end of the bargain hitting Harlem with the Double Rack but Lance saves the pin attempt once more...
As the men stir up, Lance sends Page crashing to the floor. Chris and Harlem on opposite corners, Chris is still fired up and blindly rages towards Harlem. Big Mistake! Bull stopped in the China Shop as Harlem turns in a bicycle kick knocking the big man silly.
There it is, the brothers cap of their finale with a devastating Gory Special!
The pin and the winners;
The Bravado Brother win by Pinfall [8:42]
THOUGHTS: Holy hells that was a match, both teams captured some intense moments and great momentum especially the Brothers who look to get a taste of tag gold. Not only that, this match made me realize what was wrong with the opener; the fan involvement here was on par with the performances in the ring. They were on fire, cheering on the wily underdog Page and the red hot Chris as well as the strategic calculated team of Bravado Brothers. Shout out the MVP of the match, Chris Dickinson; he took a hell of a beating and dished out even more with both an expected strong man striking as well as some crisp high flying and thrilling moves. But of course the right team won and deservedly so!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Post Match: As the losing team walks away to a small ovation, Harlem hits the ring with a microphone in hand and the boos are showered. Sweet heel work as he asks the fans not to boo...Page and Chris, because they fought so good! [Cheeky Bugger!]. Lance repeats the joke, extending it to no effect [So now we know who the talker of the group is].
Harlem plays up the heat, laying down the teams credentials as the longest reigning [Dragon Gate/EVOLVE] Open United Gate Champions and how they've been robbed of their deserved EVOLVE Tag Title shots.
Instead of going right after the champions [Catch Point, once again], they call out the contenders, the most popular team in the indie scene; TEAM TREMENDOUS. Dan Barry of Tremendous walks out to cheers and after throwing him and his partner as well as the fans, a couple of insults. The Brothers says they mean no disrespect [yeah right!]. Despite their contentedness, Barry does want to fight The Bravados and that's all the brothers want; to settle this like men in the ring.
Harlem sticks his hand out to seal the deal as a gentlemen [Aiden English reflex?] and Barry like an idiot babyface shakes it,. He's held tight while Lance delivers a big boot to his dumb face. Really Barry! What did you think was going to happen?!
The Brothers beat down on him and deliver a Gory Special before walking away to a chorus of boos as officials check on a cheered Barry.
Before the next match, Trevin Adams, representative of WWNLive [the broadcasters for EVOLVE] comes out and urges fans to show their wild and enthusiastic support [sans any derogatory words or slurs] for the upcoming Cruserweight Qualifiers.
As these two matches will be showcased by the WWE who have PG policies and whose reach is global, allowing EVOLVE to be seen by new fans of wrestling around the world as a product worth catching. Despite a spatter of boos, he slyly notes that it's not because of the two companies but the fans should respectfully but enthusiastically cheer because of the glorious opportunity it is for the men who strive to entertain them in the ring.
Match No. 3: TJP vs. Fred Yehi
So the first match in the qualifier is a face off between faction members of Catch Point. Fred Yehi firsyt stepping out and fired up, nearly knocks the EVOLVE 61 entrance board which seriously needs to go. Up next is the veteran but young TJP [Formerly TJ Perkins] whom I have at least seen compete before in TNA.
[SIDE NOTE: Does the unannounced name change herald that TJP whether in the Cruserweight Classic or not might be headed to WWE? After all they do love altering the names of their superstars...]
Yehi gets a funny introduction; tough, angry and short.
The commentators hype the Catch Point mantra of competition to be the best even if your opponent is a team mate, it's all about elevating each other through your own drive to win. [SIDE NOTE: Sound a bit like the KLIQ without the partying and backstage politics]
The two men face off, they teamed up just a couple of days back against another team of Catch Point members, wow I'm loving the idea of this faction!
Casual lock up, nice chain reversals into a drop kick by TJP. The fans are already on their feet with dual chants for both competitors. TJP is being put over to the moon as the commentators say "Wrestling is his life!".
They lock up again. Yehi rolls up for a quick counter, gets a back hold. TJ desperately trying to squirm out, lying down he desperately counters into a headscissors. Yehi lifts him off, shoulder down TJP pinned; reverses back into head scissors, Yehi flips him once more for the pin but he reverses into the head scissors and transitions into his own pin attempt...kick out!
Both men stand up. Some phenomenal early chain wrestling there.
They lock up, hands held tight. Push each other into the ropes [SIDE NOTE: Sadly you can clearly tell this is a strategy for both men to talk and work out the rest of the match]. They go back to the center, TJP hits the Irish, one hand firmly locked in and Yehi pulls back; TJP counters into a high kick and misses and his hand is caught between his legs. Yehi uses the lock on hands to flip TJP to the ground and then promptly stomps on his leg, grinding it down.
Commentators put over TJP's wrestling genius, which needs to come into play; fast!
Fans are behind Yehi. He hooks TJP into the suplex and a pin; kick out. Yehi is a rookie in CP and has to prove himself to them. He twists TJP's leg then beats on it, it's a smart strategy; no holding back here. Yehi goes for the Irish Whip but TJP counters it into an Octo Grape-Vine submission and then to a pin; but kick out and TJP relentlessly goes into a Muta Lock but Yehi manages to get to the ropes on time.
Another awesome chain sequence. This match is on FIRE!
TJP with a simple scoop slam on Yehi, heads to the ropes outside and slingshots himself into a Senton. Pin and Yehi manages to stay in it. Side lock take over into a Head Lock, Yehi lifts TJP from the lock and whips him into a shoulder tackle. He runs the rope, TJP rolls away as Yehi jumps over his downed body. Yehi returns from the opposite ropes and TJP tries to leap frog over him but Yehi slams him down to the mat, face first [Oh that's got to hurt!] and stomps on his back.
Sequence after sequence these men are tearing each other apart.
Yehi goes for the pin but a kick out. He gets angry and chops TJP into the corner who counters back into a head lock and body scissors combo. TJP goes for the pin but no chance. [SIDE NOTE: This time it's obvious the two men are discussing their next moves as an opening and bad shot sees TJP telling Yehi what to do next...this is not good]
Yehi slaps in the body scissors, TJP takes an arm out from Yehi to escape it and rolls through into a Surfboard pin but Yehi counters back into the body scissors and a pin attempt but kick out. Yehi desperate and now stomps TJP down in the corner.
[SIDE NOTE: Once again TJP is caught visibly instructing Yehi what to do next...this is really putting off]
Yehi with a hard Irish into the opposite corner and then charges in but TJP kicks him away, TJP goes for the Sunset Flip but misses and he's down giving Yehi the opening for more vicious stomps on the leg. Yehi waist lock into a suplex, Tjp flips it into a Victory roll but no once again Yehi manages to kick out!
Both men are exhausted, they trade forearm punches, TJP goes for a Kick but Yehi stomps his foot pushing him back down. Yehi flips him up to hit the Lariat but TJP connects this time with a leaping Back Heel Kick. TJP goes for one more but Yehi stops him and hits Rolling Forearms, TJP counters into a drop kick and both men are down!
TJP in the corner, uses the ropes to get up. Yehi charges in once more, TJP hits the neck breaker and then a double arm chicken wing for the pin but Yehi kicks out. TJP cannot believe it, his match psychology off the charts!
Yehi is wildly cheered. TJP goes for what seems like his finisher but Yehi pushes him into the turnbuckles but misses a lariat and TJP takes him down with two suplexes. TJP goes for the Frog Splash, but misses! That's got to hurt! Yehi slams him down onto the mat face first and then goes into a Head Lock/Leg Scissors combo.
TJP not tapping, though the stupid Bell guy nearly rings the bell. TJP gets the ropes. Yehi pauses for a breath, big mistake as TJP catches him for two german suplexes but misses the third as he pushed into the ropes. TJP rests vertically on the middle rope, taunting Yehi. Yehi charges but TJP moves away and Yehi lands head first on the middle rope. TJP knocks him silly with a Springboard Dropkick. TJP heads outside the ropes, goes for a Springboard Slam but is taken out and Yehi counters into an Oklahoma roll but no TJP kicks out.
They now trade punches, chops and uppercuts. TJP once again goes for a flurry of strikes but Yehi stomps back on the weakened leg. TJP still manages to get the high kick and Yehi is dazed, TJP catches him into the fireman carry to hit his finisher; Lights Out!
He goes for a 450 splash from the top turnbuckle, lands it sweetly and pins Yehi for an emotional win.
TJP wins by Pinfall [13:55]
THOUGHTS: What a hot contest?! More importantly the match put both winner and loser over, Yehi's tenacity to try and win was commendable as well as the factor that in a bid to prove himself in the CP faction he kept on losing his cool especially an issue when up against a wrestling genius [indeed] like TJP. TJP was on fire though he got dominated for a portion of the match, his high flying offense and technical finesse; his fluidity in the ring all round is a good sign that he might go further than just the Cruserweight Classic in WWE if they are smart to pick him up for the NXT Brand. The only major grip I have is that TJP was seen visibly and too visibly giving instructions to Yehi a couple of times, that's a big no no; it loses the magic of the performance. For that, this one goes a notch down.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Post-Match: Yehi feels completely broken by the loss but TJP consoles his faction partner and the crowd is still wild for Yehi which is a sign of the massive put over this match has been for him.
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