Gabe Sapolsky Says The Pandemic Killed EVOLVE; EVOLVE Would’ve Folded In 2016 If Not For Triple H
Gabe Sapolsky takes to Twitter to stand by his relationship with Triple H in the wake of his WWE release.
There was a time in the not-so-distant past where WWE was completely isolated from all other professional wrestling promotions. If any WWE Superstar even mentioned another company, it was considered to be a shocking moment.
Then, following the growth of NXT and migration to the WWE Network, WWE began employing more independent wrestlers, letting them use the name that they had built on the independent circuit and even started letting wrestlers take outside bookings for companies like EVOLVE.
EVOLVE is the creation of Gabe Sapolsky, best known for his time as the booker of Ring of Honor prior to the formation of EVOLVE. The protege of Paul Heyman, Gabe helped grow the careers of names like CM Punk, Samoa Joe, Bryan Danielson, and others.
In recent years, Gabe has worked with NXT directly with Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and others. Gabe was released by WWE as part of a recent restructuring of NXT and now, he is telling his side of the story regarding his relationship with Triple H, and what he wanted to accomplish for the independent wrestling world.
On Twitter, Gabe credited Triple H with saving EVOLVE, saying that without him and NXT, the promotion would have folded in 2016. Dave would also say that you understand why he is considered a traitor by some but feels that he did what he did to help advance the opportunity for independent wrestlers to succeed elsewhere.
This also doesn’t include all the people who were hired or given tryouts before the pandemic. I’m very proud of the connection we built from the indies to WWE. I understand why the diehard indie fans will think I’m a traitor for that, but I also know… https://t.co/YSsJzuqQVL
— Gabe Sapolsky (@BookItGabe) January 7, 2022
This is coming from a guy who lived paycheck to paycheck in ROH, was fired close to 40 and was broke, had a mortgage and baby. This is why I fought for indie talent to get to WWE one day. I didn’t want to see it happen to anyone I liked and believed in.
— Gabe Sapolsky (@BookItGabe) January 7, 2022
Gabe also stated he truly feels that he has the respect of his peers.
HHH asked everyone who I ever worked with that was in WWE if he should bring me into his inner circle and they all said yes. Maybe around 20 people. You should also see what my DMs, texts and messages looks like in the last 24 hours. That’s true respect from your peers. https://t.co/eee14jRjmT
— Gabe Sapolsky (@BookItGabe) January 7, 2022
Furthermore, Gabe said that he was never anything but complementary of anyone he’s ever worked with signing with AEW instead as he only wanted their careers to grow as well.
Hey and if they ended up in AEW instead, I congratulated on their success and expressed how happy I was for their success if we spoke or texted. Just ask them. Take that to your burner account slander and stick it up your you know what. https://t.co/uulcbbfApb
— Gabe Sapolsky (@BookItGabe) January 7, 2022
Responding to former WWE NXT star Anthony Henry (Asher Hale) thanking him and saying that he has respect for Gabe even though it may be an unpopular opinion, Gabe recorded his honest feelings about those who have questioned his reputation through the years.
I mean “as” scumbags, not “by” scumbags. Every one of them has an accusation, has burned bridges, been caught being two faced, lying or worse. I won’t get into names. Figure it out for yourself. I won’t debate this. The last thing I’ll say is always look at the source. https://t.co/N9qGUobEnB
— Gabe Sapolsky (@BookItGabe) January 7, 2022
Samoa Joe and William Regal were also among the names that were cut recently. William Regal has yet to comment on his WWE departure. You can learn more about Samoa Joe being released at this link.
