LIVONIA, Mich. – Friday night, EVOLVE returned to the Monaghan Knights of Columbus in suburban Detroit for Evolve 115. This event was a major checkpoint for the company, as this marked the start of a so called “new EVOLVE.” From here on, EVOLVE will showcase its current roster, along with the developmental stars of NXT, such as the brand new EVOLVE tag team champions, The Street Profits, as well as new EVOLVE champion Fabian Aichner, who both won their belts at the previous EVOLVE 114.
Given the boost to the roster, it was not a surprise that the hall was packed once again, everyone enjoying a lengthy show full of stars, from both EVOLVE and WWE.
The main event was Aichner defending his championship against Kassius Ohno, making his return to EVOLVE. Ohno received the largest reaction of the night – one you could definitely call a warm welcoming, a homecoming even. The fans in Detroit chanted, “Welcome back!” and “Hero” referencing his original independent name, Chris Hero. Ohno had the advantage the majority of the match, and gave Aichner multiple hard-hitting blows. The finish, though, saw Aichner pull off an impressive power bomb to the larger Ohno to retain his belt.
In the only tag match of the night, former EVOLVE tag team Anthony Henry and JD Drake took on the new champs, The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins). The Street Profits really know how to rile up a crowd, and their charisma was obvious. Drake and Henry attacked them from behind during their entrance to start the match. The Street Profits put out one of their best matches of their careers, letting us know that working with EVOLVE on the “indy” scene will definitely do positive things for them. With multiple near falls, and close break ups, Montez Ford of the Profits pulled off a frog splash for the win.
A highly anticipated match between 205 Live’s Mustafa Ali and EVOLVE’s DJZ took place before intermission. The lights went out, and the crowd knew it was in for a treat. DJZ made his signature entrance with his LED light-up suit, which always pops the crowd. Out next came Mustafa Ali. The lights stayed out for him as well, as he also came out with a spectacular light up LED suit which we saw him wear at WrestleMania 34. The two stood toe to toe with one another, glowing like two superheroes. The match was everything one would expect it to be, with faced-paced, high-flying action. After a long match, with many reversals and high spots, Ali gained the victory. At the end of the match, DJZ grabbed a replica WWE Cruiserweight Championship from the crowd, giving it to Ali, foreshadowing Ali’s Cruiserweight title match later this month at Survivor Series.
FULL RESULTS
– Barrett Brown beat BSHP KNG
– Mike Fierro beat Juntai
– Harlem Bravado beat Adrian Alanis, Jason Kincaid & Leon Ruff in a Four-Way Match
– Austin Theory beat AR Fox in an Unsanctioned Match
– Mustafa Ali beat DJZ
– Josh Briggs beat Cody Vance
– SHINE champion Allysin Kay beat Shotzi Blackheart to retain her title
– EVOLVE tag team champions The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) retained against Anthony Henry & JD Drake
– EVOLVE champion Fabian Aichner kept his belt, beating Kassius Ohno
