WWE Set to Launch NXT Evolve in Coming Months

A new WWE in-ring show is on the way, and it looks like the company is bringing back the Evolve name in a big way. NXT Level Up is scrapped and will be replaced with NXT Evolve, a show expected to launch in the next few months.

The project has been in the works for years, but it didn’t exactly start off strong. Sean Ross Sapp revealed that WWE had the concept “years ago”, but when they originally tried to film it, “it didn’t come out well.” However, this new version is “expected to involve a completely new approach.”

Dave Meltzer initially reported that Gabe Sapolsky—the mastermind behind the original Evolve Wrestling—will be involved in the project. WWE had a working relationship with Evolve before officially purchasing the brand in July 2020, and now, it looks like they’re breathing new life into it.

“Level Up is being replaced by something called NXT Evolve although not at the start of the year. We’ve heard to expect it in a few months. It’s a Gabe Sapolsky project and essentially would be people in developmental but not on NXT television regularly, like Level Up. I think that instead of just matches, to do angles and promos and book it more like a television show. It will be shows taped only for television/streaming.”

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Similar to NXT Level Up, the show will focus on developmental talent who don’t get regular TV time on NXT. While it won’t be directly tied to the original Evolve promotion, it’s expected to serve as a proving ground for the next wave of WWE talent.

WWE is giving NXT Evolve a fresh start, but the real question is whether it will actually deliver or end up like Level Up—a forgotten experiment. With Gabe Sapolsky back in the mix and a “completely new approach” on the table, this could be the breakout platform for the next generation of WWE stars. Or, it could be another case of WWE trying to fix what isn’t broken.

With NXT Evolve officially on the way, will it succeed where Level Up struggled, or is this just another experiment? Let us know what you think in the comments!