WWE Announces Roderick Strong to Challenge for EVOLVE Title

Undisputed ERA’s Roderick Strong sent shockwaves through the EVOLVE Wrestling locker room over the weekend when he issued a challenge to EVOLVE Champion and fellow NXT Superstar Fabian Aichner on Twitter.

Now, WWE.com can confirm that Strong will not only receive at title opportunity at EVOLVE 117 on Saturday, Dec. 15 in Queens, N.Y. — facing Aichner and previously scheduled challenger Austin Theory in a Triple Threat Match — but the NXT Tag Team Champion will also face one of the sport’s most fearless risk-takers, Darby Allin, the next night at EVOLVE 118 in Deer Park, N.Y.

Strong called out Aichner via a tweet on Saturday while commenting on the recent trend of NXT Superstars competing in EVOLVE. NXT’s Italian Roughneck, who captured the EVOLVE Title in October, didn’t wait long to respond, accepting the challenge the next day:

Interesting thought Hot Rod! U can show up anytime you want. But just know this….If you push me, I will push you back! #ChallengeAccepted https://t.co/XrrNqRP2Tu
— Fabian Aichner (@FabianAichner) December 2, 2018

While Strong’s declaration earned him a spot in the Dec. 15 title match, it also drew a response from Allin, who has long been in the hunt for the EVOLVE Championship. Allin challenged The Messiah of the Backbreaker to a match on Dec. 16, leading EVOLVE to make the bout official for EVOLVE 118.

Hold up, Roddy. Yeah, it’s #undisputed you are great, but the EVOLVE Championship is mine. I’m getting the shot on Dec. 15th at EVOLVE 117 at La Boom. Just a heads up you will not #shockthesystem because I’m the #NeXT EVOLVE Champ. Dunna dun dun da dun da…?? https://t.co/QnBk7BOPgt
— Austin Theory (@austintheory1) December 2, 2018

Before you go around throwing challenges…..TAKE a hard look at who’s been fighting for that EVOLVE championship.
So before I learn my lesson let’s see how bad things can get.
Come on down to EVOLVE and pay me a visit at EVOLVE 118 on Dec 16 in Deer Park, NY. https://t.co/rFJ1ppmHXz
— DARBY ALLIN (@DarbyAllin) December 2, 2018

Additionally, EVOLVE has announced the full lineups for both New York events, listed below, featuring NXT’s Kassius Ohno and EVOLVE Tag Team Champions The Street Profits. Tickets for EVOLVE 117 and EVOLVE 118 are available now at WWNLive.com.

EVOLVE 117 — Saturday, Dec. 15, at La Boom in Queens, N.Y.

EVOLVE Championship Triple Threat Match

Fabian Aichner (c) vs. Roderick Strong vs. Austin Theory with Priscilla Kelly
EVOLVE Tag Team Championship vs. WWN Championship (If JD Drake is pinned, he will lose the WWN Championship to whomever pins him)

EVOLVE Tag Team Champions The Street Profits vs. WWN Champion JD Drake & Anthony Henry

Special Challenge Match

Kassius Ohno vs. Darby Allin

AR Fox with Ayla & The Skulk vs. Curt Stallion

Josh Briggs vs. Leon Ruff

BSHP KNG vs. Joe Gacy

Harlem Bravado vs. Joe Bailey

EVOLVE 118 — Sunday, Dec. 16, at NYWC Sportatorium in Deer Park, N.Y.

EVOLVE Championship Match (If Aichner is still champion)

Fabian Aichner (c) vs. AR Fox with Ayla & The Skulk

EVOLVE Tag Team Championship Match (if Street Profits are still champions)

The Street Profits (c) vs. Harlem Bravado & Austin Theory with Priscilla Kelly

Special Attraction Match

Roderick Strong vs. Darby Allin
Special Challenge Match

Kassius Ohno vs. Anthony Henry

SHINE Showcase Match

Priscilla Kelly vs. Shotzi Blackheart

Josh Briggs vs. Adrian Alanis

Joe Gacy vs. Joe Bailey

Four Way Freestyle

Curt Stallion vs. Leon Ruff vs. BSHP KING vs. Colby Corino