EVOLVE 45
Tune out the commentary and there’s no way you’d know this card was so thoroughly rearranged on short notice. This feels like the EVOLVE version of ROH’s “Death Before Dishonor VIII”, starting with a series of matches revolving around a heel faction, satisfying MOTY candidates on the undercard, and a main event with a significant plot twist. That the main event doesn’t surpass the quality of Lee vs. Hero and Strong vs. Sabre, Jr., is more do to the face-meltingly awesome performances that preceded them. If you hope to get into this promotion, this feels like the place to start.
8