2024 noticed the top of many wrestling TV exhibits. “AEW Rampage” was actually reduce off the air by Jon Moxley, NJPW’s contract with AXS TV has come to an finish, and “WWE NXT Degree Up” additionally wrapped up its time on Peacock after three years. Nonetheless, that hasn’t stopped WWE from filming one thing to take its place, which was initially slated to be a present titled “LFG,” a present the place the premise was not formally revealed, but it surely was confirmed that Elijah Holyfield, son of legendary boxer Evander Holyfield, can be concerned, however that is not the case now.
Based on Dave Meltzer within the Wrestling Observer E-newsletter, “Degree Up” is about to get replaced by a present referred to as “NXT Evolve.” It’s anticipated that the present will start airing in a while this yr, and can proceed to concentrate on the developmental expertise on the WWE Efficiency Heart who aren’t on weekly episodes of “WWE NXT,” with Meltzer believing that the present will concentrate on angles, promos, and make it look extra like a TV present, quite than simply specializing in matches.
What’s attention-grabbing about “NXT Evolve” is the person behind the mission, Gabe Sapolsky, who has been a part of WWE’s artistic group since September 2022, however has an extended historical past with impartial wrestling, and the phrase “evolve” as nicely. Sapolsky was Paul Heyman’s understudy in ECW, and would ultimately turn into the co-founder and head booker of ROH, whereas additionally reserving exhibits for Full Affect Professional. As soon as he left ROH and FIP, he would turn into Vice-President of Dragon Gate USA in 2009, earlier than co-founding the unique EVOLVE promotion in 2010 and reserving each corporations concurrently. DGUSA would shut its doorways in 2014, whereas EVOLVE would final till 2020, with WWE buying the corporate’s property.
