Fans have been eagerly awaiting updates on a new WWE show, currently under the working title WWE NXT Evolve. Reports suggest that the project is still in development, with Gabe Sapolsky playing a key role. Sapolsky, who worked with Paul Heyman in ECW, co-founded Ring of Honor (ROH), and later led EVOLVE as its head booker and head of talent relations, is said to be actively involved in this endeavor.

According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, the concept for WWE NXT Evolve remains “in play,” but no concrete plans have been confirmed. The report notes that some independent wrestling talents had been approached about their availability for a potential taping date, though that initial date was later postponed. As of now, there are no internal WWE dates scheduled for anything related to the brand.

The proposed show would likely feature WWE NIL (Next in Line) and developmental talents, providing a platform for the company’s rising stars. However, nothing is official until WWE formally moves forward with the project.

Gabe Sapolsky’s involvement in the project has drawn attention, given his storied history in professional wrestling. Sapolsky began working as a creative consultant for WWE’s NXT brand in January 2016. He was released in January 2022 but returned in September of that year. EVOLVE, the independent promotion Sapolsky founded, was acquired by WWE after shutting down during the pandemic in 2020.

For now, fans will have to wait for more concrete updates as the project continues to develop.

WWE ID hopes to give independent wrestlers a clear path to a future in the company, and Gabe Sapolsky will take a leading role in the new program. On X, Sapolsky changed his bio, which reflects his position as WWE Creative Consultant & Domestic Talent Scout. Sapolsky also changed his cover image to the WWE ID logo.

Sapolsky being a part of WWE ID makes a lot of sense given his history in various independent promotions. From origins in ECW writing a newsletter, Sapolsky co-founded Ring of Honor in 2002 before launching Dragon Gate USA seven years later. In 2010, EVOLVE Wrestling became the latest promotion launched by Sapolsky. Sapolsky was

Now part of WWE ID, Sapolsky will continue to demonstrate his talents for recognizing talent in independent wrestling. In his memoir Yes: My Improbable Journey to the Main Event of WrestleMania, Bryan Danielson recalls being valued by Sapolsky.

“It was the first time anybody had chosen me to be “the Man” – the only time, really- and I can’t thank Gabe, ROH, and the ROH fans enough for giving me the opportunity to be the guy to carry the promotion.”

Sapolsky’s role with WWE will likely see him work with a team in WWE ID as the promotion further expands its reach into the independent wrestling scene. On X, the official WWE ID account confirmed that the first member of the program will be revealed this weekend at the latest event for Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling promotion.

Reality of Wrestling is just one company that is tied to WWE ID, as Cody Rhodes’ Nightmare Factory and Seth Rollins’ Black & Brave Academy are also linked. ROW is led by World Champion Zilla Fatu, who Booker has endorsed as a future WWE Superstar. The son of Umaga, Fatu was at this year’s SummerSlam in Cleveland, which again fueled speculation that a WWE move is coming. Fatu even teased that he was the signing to be announced this weekend, though his post has since been deleted. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on WWE ID and the future Superstars who join WWE through the innovative new program.

Longtime wrestling promoter, Gabe Sapolsky, has commented on NXT’s Velveteen Dream being booked for upcoming EVOLVE shows.

It was announced yesterday that Velveteen will wrestle on EVOLVE 112 and 113. The events will take place on September 7th and 8th respectively. His opponents for the shows have yet to be announced, however.

When asked on Twitter if Velveteen was sent to EVOLVE, Sapolsky was quick to deny this was the case.

https://twitter.com/BookItGabe/status/1035283442873843713?s=19

“Let’s just kill this narrative now,” Sapolsky Tweeted. “Dream was requested by us because of his history at the MCW Arena in Joppa, MD. We wanted a homecoming. He was then asked to do Queens, to give the fans something special at La Boom. Dream was not ‘sent’ by anyone, he agreed and wanted to.”

Velveteen Dream started his career in Maryland Championship Wrestling. EVOLVE 112 on September 7th takes place in Joppa, MD. The city was home to many of Velveteen’s early matches back in 2014 and 2015. WWE didn’t take long to sign him, however, and Dream was on the NXT house show circuit by 2016.

Velveteen Dream Evolve 112 and 113

Sapolsky then commented that Velveteen being sent to EVOLVE was WWE helping the independent scene.

https://twitter.com/BookItGabe/status/1035283445780545536

“This is WWE helping the independent wrestling scene,” Sapolsky Tweeted.

Gabe Sapolsky will reportedly be signing a contract with the WWE, according to PWInsider. Sapolsky has been working for the sports entertainment company on a handshake agreement while helping out at NXT TV tapings.

According to the report, Sapolsky will retain his position and responsibilities with WWNLive, which is the parent company of EVOLVE.

Back in August, Sapolsky commented on his role in NXT in an ‘WWN Alerts’ email blast. At the time, he denied that he was joining NXT full-time.

“It has been an invaluable learning experience being at NXT. I am all about talent development. My favorite part of this job is seeing talent learn, improve, grow and then realize their dreams. The lessons I have learned from Triple H, William Regal and everyone at NXT has made me better at my job. Everyone is incredible there.”

“There is no talk of a writer’s job at NXT. I am not there for a tryout as has been rumored. I’m there because we all want to have the best tools and ideas possible to lead pro wrestling into the future. NXT is an opportunity for me to improve my skills, and then spread that knowledge to everyone in WWN, whether it is directly to our locker room, to those who participate in the Seminar/Tryout or anyone who joins our office staff with the New Promoter Initiative.”

EVOLVE booker Gabe Sapolsky has commented on his status with NXT after recent reports that he’s been visiting the Performance Center and attending NXT TV & Takeover tapings.

During last week’s media call to promote Takeover, Triple H commented on Gabe’s involvement with the company  “I like Gabe,” said Triple H. “I like what he does. I think he’s a smart guy that helps to get talent going in their careers and is a great place for them to work and he’s cultivating talent.”

He continued, When I have an opportunity for him to be around us, and learn from us, and I can bring him in, see how his mind works, and think, it’s good for everybody…If I feel like someone is a talent who can add to our product, add to enjoyment for fans and can help, yeah I want to work with that person, and I want to help them be able to do the same.”

In the latest WWN Alerts email, Sapolsky addressed Triple H’s remarks but assured fans he’s not looking to join NXT full-time.

“I need to thank Triple H for those humbling and nice words,” said Sapolsky.  It has been an invaluable learning experience being at NXT. I am all about talent development. My favorite part of this job is seeing talent learn, improve, grow and then realize their dreams. The lessons I have learned from Triple H, William Regal and everyone at NXT has made me better at my job. Everyone is incredible there.”

“There is no talk of a writer’s job at NXT. I am not there for a tryout as has been rumored. I’m there because we all want to have the best tools and ideas possible to lead pro wrestling into the future. NXT is an opportunity for me to improve my skills, and then spread that knowledge to everyone in WWN, whether it is directly to our locker room, to those who participate in the Seminar/Tryout or anyone who joins our office staff with the New Promoter Initiative.”

While Evolve’s Gabe Sapolsky initially tweeted that he wouldn’t be commenting further on the firing of Joey Styles as the promotion’s play by play announcer for making a crass reference to the Donald Trump “hot mic” recording, he followed up further late Sunday morning:

https://twitter.com/BookItGabe/status/797838067776319490

He followed up on a reply from Jim Cornette to elaborate slightly:

https://twitter.com/BookItGabe/status/797847846972227585

The show, hailing live from La Boom in the Woodside section of Queens, New York, was Evolve’s first as the flagship promotion on FloSlam, FloSports’ pro wrestling streaming service. The FloSlam Twitter account, currently operated by  FloSports Managing Editor Jeremy Botter, tweeted support for Sapolsky’s decision, later adding that the show is being edited before it’s uploaded for on-demand viewing. As of Sunday morning, @FloSlam is tweeting that not just the required editing, but also slow hotel Wi-Fi in New York is delaying the availability of the on-demand version of the show.

Evolve has another show scheduled tonight in Joppa, Maryland.

Tonight was supposed to be a big night for Evolve with their first show on FloSlam’s streaming service. The show ended up getting a lot of attention on social media, but not for the reasons you would expect. During the show, announcer Joey Styles was doing a segment with ring announcer Joanna Rose when he said this:

Joanna you look great, if our next President were here he’d want to grab you by the —

After a lot of complaints to Evolve booker/talent relations head Gabe Sapolsky, Styles was dealt with swiftly:

https://twitter.com/BookItGabe/status/797610704861822976

https://twitter.com/BookItGabe/status/797618340252487680

https://twitter.com/BookItGabe/status/797620815156117504

Flo also acknowledge the situation:

https://twitter.com/FloSlam/status/797631016307478528

https://twitter.com/FloSlam/status/797635898812825600

Chiara Pro and Beyond Wrestling, who Styles is also doing commentary for, have not yet commented on the Styles news on Twitter as of yet.

– Paul Heyman’s Heyman Hustle website has published a heartfelt open letter by Gabe Sapolsky addressing Daniel Bryan’s retirement.

– Speaking of Gabe, he announced on Monday night that Ricochet vs. Will Ospreay will headline the EVOLVE 59 live event in Dallas on 4/2 during WrestleMania 32 weekend. For ticket information and details of how you can stream the show live, visit MoreThanMania.com.

https://twitter.com/BookItGabe/status/696897070742028289

– New Japan Pro Wrestling star Kazuchika Okada says he’ll never follow in Nakamura’s footsteps and work for WWE.

Weekly prowestling magazine issuing tommorrow.

Okada said "I will never go to WWE." pic.twitter.com/Tnj7XTDrGn

— enuhito(English) (@enuhito_eng) February 9, 2016

As noted on Monday evening, former NXT Champion Sami Zaym has been officially announced for this weekend’s EVOLVE internet pay-per-views in New York.

It was made clear today that while Zayn won’t be wrestling at the shows, however he will appear before the live crowds during the events, and will air during the beginning of the internet pay-per-view broadcast.

EVOLVE issued the following today:

“I love what EVOLVE does….I support them.” – Triple H in last week’s NXT conference call

The man backs up what he says. Sami Zayn is coming from NXT to EVOLVE in New York this weekend. We have all the details in this WWN Alerts. Let’s get to it….

October 13th: In an unprecedented move, Sami Zayn will be at EVOLVE 49 this Saturday in Queens, NY and EVOLVE 50 this Sunday in Long Island, NY. Here are the details:

-VIP ticket holders can take part in a meet and greet with Sami Zayn. This includes an autograph opportunity.

-If you have already purchased tickets, you can upgrade it to a VIP ticket at the events.

-Sami Zayn will make an in ring appearance on both events, but this will not be broadcast on live iPPV. It will be a special moment for fans in Queens and Deer Park. What will Zayn do? Who will he end up in the ring with? Be there and find out!

NXT star Sami Zayn is confirmed to appear at both the EVOLVE 49 and EVOLVE 50 iPPV shows in New York this coming weekend.

The announcement came courtesy of EVOLVE booker Gabe Sapolsky, who broke the news on social media and then proceeded to publicly credit Triple H for being a man of his word and helping support the independent wrestling scene. Sapolsky and Zayn also shared a brief back-and-forth.

This is said to be part of W#WE’s new working relationship with WWN Live.

Below is the reaction from Sapolsky and Zayn on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/BookItGabe/status/653696764239872001

So excited to return to #EVOLVE wrestling this Saturday & Sunday in NYC! Info & Tickets: http://t.co/6krm9u2cpb #RAW #supporttheindies

— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) October 13, 2015

https://twitter.com/BookItGabe/status/653734135303942144

https://twitter.com/BookItGabe/status/653741807994585088

https://twitter.com/BookItGabe/status/653742893115568128

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