10 Observations From Attending EVOLVE 67 Live

Anyone who follows independent wrestling knows that over the past year, EVOLVE Wrestling and WWE have developed a relationship. While the details of the arrangement are only known to the relevant parties, there's been a clear overlap between the two promotions.

First, it was Matt Riddle - WWE had interest in the former UFC star, but wanted him to get more seasoning, so they asked EVOLVE to sign him. Johnny Gargano was the next example of the symbiosis, as the face of EVOLVE popped up on NXT and has competed for the brand on a regular basis. Meanwhile, WWE stars like American Alpha and Sami Zayn made appearances at EVOLVE shows, driving up attendance.

Today, WWE has nearly unbridled access to EVOLVE's talent. Many of the group's stars - from Drew Gulak to TJP to Tony Nese - have taken part in the Cruiserweight Classic, and reportedly, EVOLVE contracts feature an out saying that stars can leave the company to sign with WWE.

EVOLVE also continues to benefit, as for the second time this summer, the company has run a "double header" with WWE. Hours before TakeOver: Back to Brooklyn, EVOLVE ran an event in the borough, allowing fans in a wrestling mood plenty of time to see both shows - and with a card that boasted some of the best talent on the indies, there was no reason not to make it a full day of wrestling.

Here are 10 observations from attending EVOLVE 67 live:

"All Ego" Ethan Page is one of the most promising talents in EVOLVE. The young Canadian star was the most hated heel in the company last year when he engaged in a blood feud with Johnny Gargano, but after losing the blowoff "I Quit" match, he's turned over a new leaf. Since then, he's tried to walk the line and get Gargano to forgive him.

"Johnny Wrestling" hasn't been so quick to forget, but Page is such a good babyface that the fans have accepted him. The less-aggressive version of "All Ego" has come to Gargano's defense on many an occasion, but he hasn't really engaged in many of his own feuds. As such, over the past few months, he's found himself taking on talent in tryout matches.

Those matches usually don't go too well for the newcomers. At EVOLVE 58, Page made mincemeat out of Darby Allin, though the unorthodox Allin's bravado in the face of punishment has won him a spot in the company. At EVOLVE 64, he destroyed Wheeler Yuta.

On Saturday, Kobe Durst got his chance, and he didn't do any better. Once again, Page scored a decisive win with the Package Piledriver, proving that the competition in EVOLVE is stiffer than it is elsewhere on the indy scene.