WWE’s Robert Stone on Evolve’s Return, the Battle for Superstardom, and Potential Crossovers


Robert Stone has shifted focus from the ongoing activities in WWE NXT, diving instead into the realm of commentary for WWE’s fresh show, Evolve. Debuting tonight at 8 PM EST on Tubi, Evolve will see Stone alongside Peter Rosenberg, as they guide us through the journey of emerging WWE talents eager to unleash their immense potential and make a mark in wrestling. With its rich history and recent resurgence, Evolve is set to be the stepping stone for future headliners once more. ComicBook got an exclusive interview with Stone discussing his commentary role, the distinctiveness of Evolve compared to other WWE programs, and the fusion of independent scene and Performance Center talent.

Stone admitted that while he has dabbled in commentary previously, this is largely uncharted territory for him. Nevertheless, he’s eager for the opportunity and is ready to refine his skills and expand his skillset further. “It’s fresh ground for me, and I’m thrilled about that,” Stone stated. “I’ve had a taste of it, but let me clarify, just a taste – maybe two or three times have I done this. But I can see the potential for growth here, and I believe it suits me well. So, I’m focusing on mastering my craft and immersing myself in the game to reach my full potential.

Stone expressed his enthusiasm for the unique Evolve event, explaining that it will stand out due to its personal and fan-focused nature. The combination of independent wrestlers with those from the performance center creates a one-of-a-kind spectacle. Just imagining these two realms intersecting, he noted, is something that as a fan, he would eagerly anticipate. For the independent wrestlers involved, it’s not just about winning matches; it’s about seizing life-changing opportunities.

In simpler terms, Evolve isn’t like LFG (Legends and Future Greats) in being a competition show. However, it does place emphasis on growth and improvement. The participants aim to not only distinguish themselves from others initially but also consistently maintain their status, both on TV and within the brand as a whole.

In my view, there’s nowhere else quite like this where performers might give their last show if they don’t impress or deliver an exceptional performance. You see, this is a chance, and when you’re watching them, it’s a bit of a gamble for many of these individuals. They all aspire to become WWE Superstars, but let’s face it, not everyone can make the cut.

In Evolve, there’s an intriguing query: Can these individuals transform into WWE Superstars? It has a raw, underground vibe that isn’t as meticulously refined, which I believe will make for an exciting spectacle. From the very first episode, as a fan, you’ll witness raw talent, join them on their journeys, and observe their growth.

Evolve has an illustrious past of nurturing rising talents, many of whom are currently headlining events in the WWE. Stone foresees a similar pattern emerging with this fresh batch of performers.

As a passionate cinephile of the squared circle, I often find myself reminiscing about Evolve – that groundbreaking wrestling promotion launched in 2010. It’s fascinating to look back on talent like Sami Zayn and Drew McIntyre who graced its rings, only to ascend the ranks and main event some of the most iconic wrestling events.

So, who among tonight’s contenders will be the next superstar to headline WrestleMania in a decade? Following these journeys is what makes this show unique, and it’s that sense of anticipation that keeps us hooked. That’s what sets Evolve apart – and in 2025, you won’t find anything quite like it, so make sure to tune in! It’s not just must-see TV; it’s a window into the future of professional wrestling.

Initially, WWE NXT served as the primary brand for WWE’s talent development. However, over a period of about two years, NXT has expanded significantly to the extent that it now operates as an independent brand. This growth has resulted in fewer chances for TV exposure and early training, which is where Evolve comes into play.

Stone explained, “Initially, it was similar to NXT before it became as big as it is today. It’s a positive challenge to face such growth. When it first began, it was a blend of talents like Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano who were part of NXT but not yet fully contracted. We also had independent wrestlers brought in, such as Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. However, we also nurtured homegrown talent from the Performance Center, like Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair, along with experienced veterans.

Stone mentioned that some seasoned wrestlers similar to Natty Neidhart or Rhyno might appear in their team, as they did during their time in NXT. This blend of various levels of experience creates an excellent show. The intriguing aspect is when an inexperienced performer takes on the challenge alongside a veteran. It’ll be exciting to see which newcomer will shine brightly and prove their potential as a star, while others may struggle to keep up.

Stone commented that it’s thrilling to witness these athletes attempting moves in the ring since they sometimes stumble or make mistakes. They are still learning their skills, and we get to observe them grow. Who will become a star, who might break through, who’s the next big talent? That’s what Evolve is all about.

For the moment, it seems Evolve will operate independently and focus on its unique content. Stone mentioned that while anything can happen in the WWE due to its unpredictable nature, he believes Evolve will remain separate, much like an island or another planet with its own set of performers. The talent primarily consists of those from the WWE ID program, Performance Center trainees who haven’t debuted on NXT yet, and others not part of LFG.

Stone explained that their training center currently hosts more than a hundred potential stars, which is beneficial since it provides them with a platform. Additionally, he mentioned that veteran performers might occasionally visit, perhaps to reinvent themselves or experiment with new ideas. Sometimes, performers also want to reconnect with their roots and demonstrate their continued prowess among the younger generation. Stone added that the environment will likely be a blend of both up-and-coming and established talents. Regarding your question about unpredictability, Stone emphasized that anything is possible following John Cena’s recent performance, suggesting that nothing can truly be predicted nowadays.

Evolve debuts on Tubi tonight, and you can watch it right here.

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2025-03-06 04:10