At WWE SmackDown’s recent event in Orlando, 21-year-old Je’Von Evans stunned fans with a competitive showing against Sami Zayn during the United States Title Open Challenge, marking his debut singles match on the blue brand. Evans, a rising star celebrated as the “Young OG,” narrowly missed capturing the US Championship in a closely contested bout. Alongside this breakthrough on WWE SmackDown, Evans has also been declared the challenger for the TNA X-Division Championship at the upcoming Bound for Glory event.
Sami Zayn, hosting the US Title Open Challenge for the fourth consecutive week, invited competitors to face him for the championship. In previous weeks, Zayn has faced John Cena, Rey Fenix, and Carmelo Hayes. This time, with the show in Orlando, NXT’s Je’Von Evans stepped up to accept the challenge, delivering a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Close Battle Between Je’Von Evans and Sami Zayn Takes Center Stage
Despite Zayn’s vast experience compared to the young Evans, the match was fiercely competitive. Evans executed signature moves, including his OG Cutter from the top rope, which nearly secured a victory with a controversial two-count. The crowd reacted strongly, chanting “Ref, you suck,” expressing frustration that Evans was not awarded the pinfall.
Nonetheless, Zayn recovered to land a Helluva Kick followed by a Blue Thunder Bomb, clinching the win via pinfall. After the match, Zayn showed respect by raising Evans’ hand as the audience applauded the newcomer’s impressive performance.
Adding tension to the rivalry, Josh Briggs, who will face Evans at the upcoming NXT No Mercy event on September 27th, was ringside during the SmackDown match and unexpectedly struck Evans after the bout, an incident not broadcast on television.
Following the event, Evans took to social media to reflect on his experience and to address Briggs directly. He said,
“Bro, what a…what a crazy experience, you know what I mean? It was an honor answering the US challenge. You feel me, my first opportunity at the United States Championship, and the Young OG almost won. But Sami Zayn came off on top, so I appreciate him. But then Josh Briggs had the nerve to come and interfere in my business. So Briggs at No Mercy, I’m not just gonna win, I’mma beat your ass…and that’s facts!”
— Je’Von Evans, WWE Superstar
Je’Von Evans Set for TNA X-Division Title Challenge at Bound for Glory
Je’Von Evans’ breakthrough continued when he made a digital appearance at the TNA Turning Point pay-per-view in Edmonton on September 20th. TNA’s Director of Authority announced that Evans will challenge the reigning TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater at Bound for Glory on October 12th.
This opportunity highlights Evans’ rapid ascent in professional wrestling as both a WWE and TNA contender. Slater, who also turned 21 on the announcement day, will face Evans in what is anticipated to be a dynamic contest between two young, athletic competitors aiming to establish dominance in the X-Division.
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"I'mma beat your a** and that's facts."
After an EPIC performance against @SamiZayn last night on #SmackDown, the @WWEJeVonEvans takeover continues TONIGHT at #NXTNoMercy! 😤 pic.twitter.com/u4FZRCqyHO
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) September 27, 2025
.@WWENXT's @WWEJeVonEvans vs. @LEONSLATER_ for the X Division Championship at #TNABoundForGlory!!?#TNAVictoryRoad
Use code VICTORY25 for one free month: https://t.co/d4BBN0U4CA pic.twitter.com/RHroTH5MwY
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 27, 2025
