Yesterday marked a five-year anniversary since EVOLVE conducted a live event on the WWE Network — a notable occasion in the history of independent wrestling.
This event remains the only indie production ever to have gone live on the WWE Network.
Gabe Sapolsky, reviewing this significant event, took to Instagram to share his reflections. He expressed,
“I have been reminded several times today that it is the 5th anniversary of the EVOLVE live event on the WWE Network, the only independent wrestling event to ever broadcast live on WWE Network.
Looking back, I am filled with a mix of feelings. It was a joyous day and the event that I hold at the peak of my indie booking career, even amidst my time with ROH and DGUSA.
However, I can’t ignore some of the negative incidents that occurred simultaneously. It was expected to be the beginning of something great, but then we were hit with a pandemic. We suffered the loss of Heath Schneider (pictured with me and Sal at ringside). I ended up losing my job right when things should have taken off. Yet another venture cost me a considerate sum and took a toll on my mental peace. I had to pick myself up from a low point, something I have often done.
Still, there are numerous positive memories and shining moments in my career. We managed to pull off a live PLE with minimal production support from WWE, which speaks volumes of @mr.blkmjk’s contribution. We succeeded in bringing Paul Heyman back to the ECW Arena, an accomplishment I hold dear. Our team pulled together and presented an event that received rave reviews from Paul Levesque and others at WWE. It was a particularly special experience to be surrounded by talent from various stages of my career and to share this opportunity with my son. And there’s much more to it.
It’s intriguing to see the progression of everyone involved in the show since then. Some stories are good, some not so much. My hope is that everyone keeps these special memories alive.
We had all hoped to reach a peak, but fell flat due to events that had less than a 1% chance of transpiring. It would have been easy to give up when I was completely exhausted emotionally and mentally. However, I am now proud of sticking through it and am hopeful about the potential future.
As of now, The EVOLVE 10th Anniversary Show is a part of my past. But as we approach the 10-year anniversary of the 10th Anniversary show in another five years, it will be intriguing to look back at the journey we have undertaken. I believe it could be even more fascinating and rewarding than ever.
Lastly, I would like to express a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to everyone who was part of this special day.”