Credit: WWE.com
WWE EVOLVE delivered a major announcement during its Wednesday night broadcast, unveiling a new special event titled “Succession” scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, 2025. This eagerly anticipated show will air at 8 p.m. ET on Tubi, continuing EVOLVE’s established weekly timeslot and promising high-stakes championship matchups that could reshape the brand’s landscape.
A New Horizon for WWE EVOLVE on Tubi
The announcement came via a video featuring Stevie Turner, EVOLVE’s “prime minister,” who formally introduced the special to the brand’s loyal audience. Succession represents the company’s first-ever dedicated EVOLVE special, marking a significant step in expanding the brand’s identity outside of standard weekly episodes. WWE plans to make the special accessible on Tubi for domestic fans and via YouTube internationally, maintaining the brand’s growing digital footprint.
Sources close to WWE reveal this move is also part of WWE’s strategy to strengthen its streaming portfolio amid ongoing competition with AEW and other wrestling companies. A WWE insider explained, “EVOLVE has been WWE’s proving ground for fresh talent and innovative storytelling, and Succession is poised to elevate the brand by putting the spotlight on its champions and future stars at a time when wrestling audiences want smart, competitive programming”.
Championship Matches Set to Headline “Succession”
Two marquee matches have already been confirmed, with both the EVOLVE Men’s and Women’s Championships on the line, an unprecedented feature for the brand.
Men’s Championship: Current titleholder Jackson Drake will defend against the winner of a number one contender’s match between Brooks Jensen and Keanu Carver scheduled to take place the week prior. Drake, who debuted the championship and holds three successful defenses—including a recent three-way match involving both Jensen and Carver enters Succession as a proven but vulnerable champion.
Women’s Championship: Kali Armstrong, the reigning EVOLVE Women’s Champion with four defenses, will put her title on the line against Kendal Grey. Grey earned this shot after defeating Chantal Monroe and previously captured attention by overcoming Wendy Choo in an intense “I Quit” match. Despite their shared past in multi-competitor bouts, this will be Armstrong and Grey’s first singles encounter on a major EVOLVE stage.
These championship matchups are crucial to EVOLVE’s storytelling, promising high drama and technical wrestling that has become EVOLVE’s hallmark. The success of these contests will also likely influence the brand’s future direction and potential talent elevation to WWE’s main roster divisions.
Importance of “Succession” for WWE’s Midweek Programming
The announcement of Succession comes amid WWE and AEW’s ongoing Wednesday night programming battles, with both companies trying to capture and retain wrestling fans during prime viewing hours. WWE’s decision to reveal this special during EVOLVE’s Wednesday show highlights the company’s confidence in the brand’s ability to draw viewers, despite competing with AEW Dynamite simultaneously.
An industry source commented, “With Succession, WWE is making a statement EVOLVE isn’t just developmental anymore. It’s a destination brand that deserves its own spotlight and can thrill wrestling fans with meaningful stakes on a weekly basis. Stevie Turner and other stars have helped create a fresh energy, and a special like this separates EVOLVE from routine programming”.
What to Expect from Succession and EVOLVE’s Future
Beyond the two announced title matches, Succession is expected to feature additional contests to solidify the brand’s mid-card and emerging talents, continuing EVOLVE’s tradition of innovative and competitive wrestling action. Given WWE’s track record with digital-first content, the event will probably be taped in advance but edited to maximize storytelling and match pacing for the broadcast.
Fans and analysts alike view Succession as a pivotal moment for EVOLVE. Not only does it offer championship stakes, but it also sets the stage for possible new rivalries, talent development opportunities, and creative experimentation under WWE’s umbrella.
In the context of WWE’s overall programming, EVOLVE’s growth through specials like Succession aligns with the company’s intensified focus on diversifying content streams and capitalizing on emerging stars outside the main roster flashpoints.
Talent Spotlight: Stevie Turner’s Role and Rising Stars
Stevie Turner’s role as EVOLVE’s figurehead underscores the brand’s progressive ethos and commitment to spotlighting diverse talent. Turner herself embodies the new wave of wrestlers who blend technical prowess with engaging personalities, traits essential for building attraction in a crowded entertainment landscape.
Kendal Grey and Jackson Drake, two challengers for the upcoming title matches, have been prominent in recent EVOLVE storylines and showcased significant improvements and fan support. Their participation in Succession not only raises their profiles but also injects fresh narrative stakes, with Grey’s women’s title shot coming on the heels of her impressive “I Quit” match victory a contest showcasing resilience and determination.
Succession Poised to Elevate EVOLVE Brand
With WWE EVOLVE: Succession set for October 15 on Tubi, the brand confirms its commitment to evolving beyond a weekly show toward a destination event platform. The dual championship defenses and carefully cultivated storylines promise fans an exciting evening of wrestling action that could chart the course for EVOLVE’s role in the greater WWE ecosystem.
As one WWE insider summarized, “This special is about legacy and new beginnings Succession fits perfectly with EVOLVE’s mission to nurture fresh, compelling talent while delivering must-see matches for wrestling enthusiasts hungry for quality action”.
Mark your calendars for October 15, as WWE EVOLVE prepares to carve out its next chapter with Succession, a night that could very well define the future stars of pro wrestling.