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Aaron Rourke Wins Evolve Championship, Marking Brand’s First Openly Gay Titleholder

The win caps his rise from WWE’s ID program, signaling likely opportunities on NXT.

Overview

  • Rourke defeated Jackson Drake for the title on the Evolve episode that premiered March 18 on Tubi, with WWE confirming the result on March 19.
  • Evolve coverage identifies Rourke as the brand’s first openly gay champion following the televised title change.
  • New Evolve GM Foreman Timothy Thatcher granted Rourke a final shot at Drake’s belt before Drake moves to NXT full-time, as framed on the show.
  • Rourke joined WWE ID in November 2024 as the program’s first out LGBTQ signee after training at Create A Pro and wrestling since 2019.
  • Reporting suggests the championship elevates Rourke’s profile on Evolve and could lead to featured appearances on NXT.