Evolve 131: Card preview & predictions for WWE Network special
Matt Riddle vs Drew Gulak
We went more in depth about the relationship between Matt Riddle and Drew Gulak in a previous article that we published, but to give it a brief summary, Riddle joined Gulak’s Catch Point stable shortly after joining both Evolve and the wrestling business. The two have wrestled one-on-one only twice. Once at Evolve 51 and again earlier this year for NXT.
At an NXT house show in Philadelphia – where Evolve’s 10th anniversary event will emanate from the 2300 Arena – back in May, Gulak proposed an open challenge for anyone in the building who was willing to accept it. Enter Matt Riddle who popped up on the titantron.
It's official! @DrewGulak vs. @SuperKingofBros at the 10th Anniversary of EVOLVE/DGUSA #EVOLVE131 on Saturday, July 13th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA!
— EVOLVE Wrestling (@WWNEVOLVE) May 18, 2019
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Footage courtesy #NXTPhilly pic.twitter.com/trsA6j5dzU
Now, the former Catch Point stable mates will tangle once more in a third match. With Riddle racking up wins from their last couple encounters, I think Drew Gulak needs to win here. Gulak walks into this match having just won the Cruiserweight Championship. To carry some momentum heading not only into his reign, but into his title defense the next night against Tony Nese for Extreme Rules, a win over Riddle is a must for the former powerpoint presentation helmer.
Prediction: Drew Gulak
Sean Maluta vs. Curt Stallion vs Stephen Wolf vs. Harlem Bravado
Gulak and Riddle won’t be the only competitors from the black and gold brand to make an appearance at Evolve. Another is Sean Maluta, who WWE fans may recognize for competing in the Cruiserweight Classic tournament back in 2016. He signed a contract with WWE and reported to the Performance Center shortly after being eliminated in the first round.
He competed at the last couple Evolve shows – losing a WWN Title Fatal Four Way at Evolve 129, then losing to Curt Stallion at Evolve 130 – before joining Evolve’s resident heel stable, The Unwanted. More on them later.
This Fatal Four Way is merely a showcase for each competitor, so no story to speak of. Since Stallion has been racking up some impressive wins at the last few Evolve shows, including one against Unwanted leader Eddie Kingston, I think he comes out on top here.
Prediction: Curt Stallion