Review for Evolve 6: Aries vs. Taylor

Evolve 6
Aries vs. Taylor

Evolve Wrestling has had its up and downs during the course of its short life-time. However, they continue to churn out some of the most accomplished bell-to-bell action in American wrestling, without overstating the market. Volumes 4 and 5 were bolstered by the appearance of WWE's Daniel Bryan, one of the most versatile workers currently in the business.

In lieu of Bryan, Evolve 6's ace was announced as Austin Aries, the two-time Ring of Honor Champion, and a guy who has consistently been involved in Match of the Year Contenders since around 2004. Evolve 6 also promoted rematches on the card, and several notable storyline advancement. While the event perhaps seemed on paper to lack a standout collision like Hero/Hidaka, or Saw/Danielson, it looked both solid, and crucially in terms of ongoing storylines. Would the end result deliver though?

Evolve 6

-The show commences with quick backstage promos to set the tone for the event.

Silas Young vs. Drake Younger

Surprising starter, with an outcome that perhaps shocked a few. Silas is another underrated worker, who Gabe Sapolsky seems to enjoy booking. He certainly made the most of this opportunity, his second in Evolve, showing off a little agility in a short clash. Young seems to appreciate the chance to show his athletic range, while Younger is seen here sporting a new look to his coiffure, but sticks to his trademark, awful ring gear. A good opener to get the crowd pumped up.

Rich Swann vs. AR Fox vs. Tony Nese vs. Scott Reed

Essentially a spot-fest that's over almost as soon as it begins. Fox is fast becoming the one pushed as the star in these bouts, and this is no exception. Mind you, he takes an awkward tumble to the outside, off a botched early spot, miraculously emerging unscathed. Following that, he does manage to win over the crowd. Some exciting moments in this one, and the live crowd lapped it up.


Bobby Fish vs. Kyle O'Reilly

The bigger story here is that Fish is 0-4 in Evolve and sinking fast. O'Reilly is 2-2, and needs to pick up a streak in order to prevent slipping in the ranks, as mentioned on commentary, he has been swiftly losing momentum following the departure of his mentor (Davey Richards who exited Evolve following the first show).

The bout itself though, starts out at a furious pace, that rarely lets up. Contravening the usual logic to pro-wrestling, both guys go all out from the start in delivering stiff, hard-hitting strikes. It is a particularly interesting approach, because the impatience, and determination shown absolutely encapsulates the competitive authenticity that is at the heart of Evolve. At the same time, the distinct lack of a slow, storyline-orientated build is something one would normally associate with lesser spot-fests. These two make the battle special, and with hindsight, it's a match that probably should have been placed close to the top of the card, as the efforts of both competitors elevate it into something special. A great match, and especially rewarding for those who have followed the promotion since the beginning.


Up in Smoke vs. The Super Smash Brothers

This is the Evolve debut of The Smash Brothers, a much-admired tandem in Chikara Pro Wrestling. They acquit themselves very well indeed in a fast-paced sprint of an encounter that will no doubt infuriate purists. Anti-Indy smarks will also likely guffaw at the early Noughties independent style ring attire of the participants. Despite the lack of selling and appealing outfits however, the clash satisfies, perfectly positioned between the Japanese inspired antics of before, and the brawl that follows. Essentially, it's a light-hearted dose of lighting-quick frolics, and in the absence of a tag division with depth, that's perfectly fine.

Relaxed Rules Match
Homicide vs. Jon Moxley

A bit of a departure for Evolve this one. Both guys, gimmick-orientated brawlers, engage in a great deal of jaw-jacking, and striking that differs greatly from the O'Reilly/Fish match. Here, it's more of an un-pretty brawl, a slapdash series of reckless exchanges and unglamorous, rough-edged punishment. I found it pretty pedestrian to be honest, until they spilled to the outside, and tussled around the arena, Moxley utilising the furniture in submission holds.

Homicide enters one of his better post-TNA performances, which really helps proceedings. Unfortunately, this whole affair doesn't really feel right in Evolve, which was probably the whole point, as it certainly stands out as different. But the violence lacked immediacy in my opinion, and without a heated, long-term build up, I found it hard to care. I imagine many viewers will enjoy this however, especially those invested in the feud between the combatants that took place in Dragon Gate USA. In the post match segment, Homicide is repeatedly goaded into further attacks upon Moxley, which is an intriguing development, and one that could have been really beneficial for Moxley. In fact, I found this a lot more interesting than the actual match itself.


- Larry Dallas and Reby Sky then entered the ring, and introduced Chuck Taylor ahead of his main event. Standard heel stuff.

Ricochet vs. Adam Cole

This one is unusual in the sense that Cole is usually regarded as a high flyer, but here it the nominal mat-wrestler, due to his opponent's aerial prowess. Hence, Cole attempts to keep proceedings on the mat in the early going, and they build (fairly quickly it should be said) towards an assortment of wild, cruiserweight manoeuvres. Both guys deserve credit for resisting the urge to simply go back and forth from the get go, and attempting to tell a story of sorts.

The bout suffers somewhat from coming after such a long-winded angle, and the Larry Dallas segment that didn't seem to inspire the crowd. Regardless, it's filled with eye-opening antics. Ricochet has really come on as a talent in recent times, while Cole is already showing great progress in his young career. In theory, this could be a great contest to revisit on future Evolve releases.




Jimmy Jacobs vs. Johnny Gargano

A rematch from Evolve 1, the semi-main event witnesses the perennially under-appreciated Jimmy Jacobs in fine form against Gargano, an opponent with whom he has great chemistry. Gargano himself is impressive here, especially looking the part with his spanking new haircut (a vast improvement). This is a nifty back-and-forth effort, punctuated by several big sequences. At one point, Jacobs takes a horrific bump off a Suicide Dive to the outside, landing uncomfortable across the Union City seating arrangements. Both grapplers also make use of the buildings' frighteningly low ceilings, producing a couple of spots that show invention and innovation.

I thought this was a great match, and another that fits perfectly into the Evolve mantra of heated competitiveness, without indulging in excessive high-spots. Additionally, it's a perfect example of how the entire Evolve concept can really embed a collision with extra heat, and something to aim for. They're doing a great job with Jimmy and his boastful aspirations, whilst maintaining a Babyface complexion. After the match, Larry Dallas and Reby Sky again came to the ring, recruiting another member to the group he supposedly sponsors. That's perhaps one Dallas segment too many on this event, but on the other hand, they've swiftly established a stable of sorts for the next show.


Austin Aries vs. Chuck Taylor

This top-liner lacked the excitement of previous Evolve Main Events for me, largely because I just don't buy Chuck Taylor as a Main Eventer. While there is a lot I do like about the guy, and his ability to take impressive bumps is unquestionable, I'm just not sold on him as a character. He shifts too wildly from cowardly to arrogant, and often with little conviction. During this bout, he dons a hoodie at one point in order to hide from Aries, but despite the amusing idea, his mannerisms are robotic and far from compelling. That said, when it comes to the basics, he again delivers, and as always, the result is a very watchable clash. He deserves praise for this performance in particular, suffering a shoulder injury during the scrap that causes him noticeable pain.

Aries shines, showing his trademark combination of cocky wit and fire, as he throws out all his typical spots. Arguably limited in the business due to a size-prejudice, it's a shame that he has recently taken a sabbatical from wrestling, having endured years of working this punishing style.

Neither a classic, nor an embarrassment, Taylor/Aries is a perfectly solid effort, that trumps the quality of your average mainstream wrestling marquee match-up.

Extras
Sawa Lost In New York Featurette
Erm, there isn't much point in describing the details of this frankly bizarre segment with Munenori Sawa. It's certainly unique, and for that alone, I applaud. Really, it has to be seen to be believed. I however, would like to see more interviews included in the DVD packages.
Optional Commentary

Conclusion

Evolve 6 is probably not quite on par with several of the other volumes already released. Given the incredibly high standard set by those entries however, that statement hardly suggests this edition is anything less than good. While the Main Event is not among the shows' best collisions, let alone the headliners previous, the under-card delivers some dazzling action. Only in the aforementioned, and underwhelming Aries/Taylor bout, and the overlong Moxley/Homicide duel did I feel a little disappointed. Even in those two though, there were nuggets of greatness: Taylor's gutsy performance despite an injury, and the really juicy character developments of Moxley.
What's particularly nice about this volume, is the scene setting for future events. While the backstage promos/segments are hit and miss, the likes of Gargano's moment with Silas Young simply and effectively establishes the two as future rivals. Likewise, a scene with Moxley inflicting a touch of self-harm on his own fingers, hits the mark in terms of his character. I would like to see slightly longer interviews in this environment however, the sit-down is a vital aspect of MMA promotion, and one I feel was very neatly incorporated into Evolve 1, and could be further explore.

Evolve 6, like all DVD releases from the group, is a consistently entertaining, surprising release, filled with more than enough dazzling action. Fish vs. O'Reilly, and Jacobs vs. Gargano stand out as the two best contests, and worth the price of admission alone. Combined with the noble fundamental concept, and a card that top-to-bottom remains enthralling, this makes for a very worthwhile purchase. Highly recommended.