Roderick Strong Confirmed For EVOLVE Shows; Challenging For EVOLVE Championship

The continued relationship between NXT and EVOLVE has once again thrown a cool wrinkle into the world of professional wrestling as Roderick Strong will now be competing for the EVOLVE Championship on December 15th in Queens New York and he’ll wrestle Darby Allin in a grudge match on the 16th.

The following is from WWE.com:

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:

The show was supposed to feature IMPACT Wrestling Superstars LAX, who had to be pulled out due to political conflict.

Roderick Strong was involved in the following exchanges on Twitter:

Thought of the day- NXT Superstars holding #EVOLVE titles? Well there are no bigger Superstars than the #UndisputedERA and I’ve won just about every @WWNLive title but the #EVOLVE title. So Maybe Dec. 15th I come to La Boom and #ShocktheSystem? #OurERA

Thought of the day- Get in line. You don't get to cut in front of everyone else just because you are an NXT superstar. I am tired of it. Earn your shot, and if you need someone to earn it against, I do not have a match announced for Dec. 15th yet. I will gladly welcome you back!

— Anthony Henry- A Workhorseman (@Antnyhenry) 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

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

— Giovanni Vinci (@VinciWWE) December 2, 2018

RELATED: More On The LAX/Evolve Situation

The updated cards for the December 15th and December 16th shows look like this:

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