Heydorn's Critique of Evolve

In a recent article, wrestling analyst Zack Heydorn offered a measured critique of WWE’s EVOLVE brand, highlighting its strengths while questioning its overall effectiveness as a developmental platform.

Heydorn praised WWE's initiative to launch EVOLVE as a developmental show, describing it as “a simple, streamlined, 60-minute program that effectively introduces the audience to fresh faces.” He also commended its fast pace and high production values, calling it “a cleanly produced show that is easy to watch.”

However, Heydorn argued that EVOLVE also reveals “a glaring hole” in WWE’s developmental approach. He pointed to the popularity of the Vanity Project faction—particularly the tag team Swipe Right (Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes)—as an example. While the group is the most over act on the show, their success, he noted, doesn’t come from in-ring innovation.

“The most over act on the show is the Vanity Project faction that includes the Swipe Right tag team, Zayda Steel, and some other talents,” Heydorn wrote. “Swipe Right is a team that is more about character than wrestling.” He added that their popularity is “rooted in their charisma” and not because they’re fundamentally different from other acts.

Heydorn also expressed concern about the show’s lack of storytelling structure. “There are no backstage vignettes, no character development, and no real stories being told,” he observed, suggesting that the format may not provide enough opportunities for performers to grow into well-rounded talents.

While recognizing the potential of EVOLVE, Heydorn ultimately argued that charisma alone cannot carry a developmental program if it lacks the tools to nurture complete performers for WWE’s main roster.