Evolve 131 is set to debut on the WWE Network on July 13th, live from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the same day as AEW’s Fight for the Fallen.
Evolve is a wrestling company that has had a close relationship with WWE for the past couple years now. Many talent from Evolve end up signing with WWE in NXT eventually. Superstars like Matt Riddle, Adam Cole, Kassius Ohno, Drew Gulak, and many others have made a name for themselves through Evolve.
AEW, on the other hand, is trying to establish themselves as the alternative to WWE. They hit the ball out of the park in their first show, Double or Nothing, and look to continue their success this Saturday as well as on July 13th.
Evolve 131 Card
Evolve 131 is stacked with current NXT wrestlers, including an NXT title match. Regular Evolve superstars will be on the card as well.
Josh Briggs takes on Anthony Greene in a The Future is Now Showcase Match, former Catch-Point stable mates Matt Riddle and Drew Gulak will do battle as well.
The main event is for the NXT title, where Adam Cole will defend against Akira Tozawa. Austin Theory, JD Drake, Eddie Kingston, AR Fox, and more are also set to compete in Phili that night.
Fight for the Fallen Card
Meanwhile in Jacksonville, Florida, AEW presents Fight for the Fallen. Just like Evolve 131, only three matches have been announced for the show.
Bradi Rhodes faces Allie and Kenny Omega will go one on one with Cima. In the main event, and probably the biggest match out of either show, Cody & Dustin Rhodes take on the Young Bucks.
There is more to be announced for both shows, but as of now, these are the set matches. The next night, WWE is hosting their Extreme Rules PPV. It should be a fantastic weekend of pro wrestling.
Will This Continue to Happen?
Yes. AEW and WWE already have another situation exactly like this. On August 31, AEW hosts All Out in Chicago, Illinois. The same day, WWE is hosting NXT UK TakeOver Cardiff as well as New Japan running a show in London.
This will happen more often in the future, whether it be by coincidence or not. WWE has seemingly stepped up to the plate the past couple of weeks. Fans have been complaining and now WWE has a reason to produce a consistent product.
While Evolve is not a part of the WWE, getting them on the Network on the same night as an AEW PPV is shots fired. Many WWE NXT superstars will be on the show. They didn’t need to do that and it makes you think, is WWE actually trying to compete with them?
Regardless, both Evolve 131 and Fight for the Fallen look to be solid, if not great shows. What a time it is to be a fan of pro wrestling.
