WWE Files Trademark for New NXT Evolve Show, Replacing Level Up

STAMFORD, Conn. — WWE is set to replace its developmental show “Level Up” with a new program titled “NXT Evolve,” according to a trademark filing and industry reports. The change comes as part of WWE’s ongoing efforts to revamp its developmental system under the guidance of former Ring of Honor and Evolve booker Gabe Sapolsky.

The trademark, filed on January 30, 2025, describes the new show as offering entertainment services, including the production of professional wrestling events, reality-based programs, and multimedia content. The filing also mentions providing sports and entertainment news via global computer networks.

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter revealed that “NXT Evolve” will focus on developmental talent not regularly featured on NXT television. “It’s a Gabe Sapolsky project and essentially would be people in developmental but not on NXT television regularly, like Level Up,” Meltzer said. “I think that instead of just matches, to do angles and promos and book it more like a television show. It will be shows taped only for television/streaming.”

The “Evolve” name holds significance as WWE acquired the independent promotion Evolve Wrestling in 2020. Sapolsky, who now works for WWE, was instrumental in Evolve’s success and is expected to bring a similar creative approach to the new show.

No official debut date has been announced, but sources suggest the show could launch within the next few months. The move comes as WWE continues to expand its content offerings, including new shows on A&E such as “WWE LFG,” which premieres on February 16, 2025.

“WWE LFG” will feature 16 aspiring wrestlers competing for a spot on NXT, with coaching from WWE legends like The Undertaker, Booker T, Mickie James, and Bubba Ray Dudley. The show will also include appearances by WWE Hall of Famers Paul “Triple H” Levesque and Shawn Michaels.

In addition to “WWE LFG,” A&E will air “WWE Rivals” and “WWE Greatest Moments,” further expanding WWE’s presence on the network. Meanwhile, WWE’s flagship shows, Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, continue to dominate weekly programming.

The introduction of “NXT Evolve” marks another step in WWE’s strategy to cultivate new talent and provide fans with fresh content. As the wrestling giant continues to innovate, all eyes will be on how this new show shapes the future of WWE’s developmental system.