Jevon Evans Reflects on Breakout 2025 in WWE/NXT and Looks Ahead to 2026
Jevon Evans had a breakout year in 2025 within WWE and NXT, contending multiple times for the NXT Championship and challenging Sami Zayn for the US Championship on SmackDown. He won the Men's Iron Survivor Challenge to become the NXT Championship No. 1 contender, a prestigious position that John Cena handpicked him to compete in. Evans also nearly defeated Leon Slater for the TNA X Division Championship and competed for the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship. His appearances extended to the Last Time Is Now Tournament and John Cena's final show, where Cena's mentorship of Evans began. Evans describes Cena's backing as surreal and an incredible honor.
Growing up in Greensboro, North Carolina, Evans started training at age 13 while also playing track and basketball, persisting despite critics who dismissed wrestling as fake or dangerous. At 21 years old, Evans calls 2025 an insane and blessed year and aims for 2026 to be even better with more opportunities, including another shot at the NXT Championship, potentially facing Oba Femi or Leon Slater, who are set to meet at NXT New Year's Evil. A Royal Rumble appearance is also anticipated next year. Known by his catchphrase "Bouncy," Evans remains enthusiastic about his future in professional wrestling.
