Je'Von Evans Discusses Sami Zayn Open Challenge Match (Exclusive)

Originally posted on The Sportster | By Adam Barnard | Last updated Dec 30, 2025 10:30 AM ET

After winning the WWE United States Championship, Sami Zayn honored John Cena by re-opening the United States Open Challenge, allowing Superstars from all brands to compete. It's a testament to both the legacy of John Cena and his commitment to the future of WWE, as well as Zayn, now a veteran in his own right, the opportunity to showcase the newest Superstars and give them a moment to shine.

Je'Von Evans was one of those Superstars who answered the call, and the two put on the best match of Zayn's series. Speaking exclusively to TheSportster, Je'Von Evans spoke about his match with Sami Zayn on Friday Night SmackDown, and challenging for the United States Championship.

Je'Von Evans Said The Energy Was Electric During Sami Zayn Match

On the September 26th episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Je'Von Evans made his main roster debut by answering Sami Zayn's challenge to compete for the United States Championship. In a match that was as high impact as it was high energy, Evans and Zayn brought the Orlando crowd to its feet and entertained in a way that felt reminiscent of the WCW Crusierweight Division from the 1990s.

Evans said the crowd felt extra alive since the episode took place in Orlando, FL, the home of NXT.

It was wild. It happened in Orlando, and that's where NXT is based out of. Right when my music hit, you already knew the crowd was bumping, going crazy. I was walking out there and the energy was there, the bell rung. I just remember looking eye to eye with him. We just started looking I was like, 'Oh, yeah. I can get used to this.' We had a banging match. He got the upper hand on some things. I caught him with some crazy stuff. But like you said, at the end of the day, it was a crazy match. It was a banger.

Je'Von Evans Showed And Proved On SmackDown With Sami Zayn

In his first effort on the main roster, Je'Von Evans proved that success is hard earned, and that natural talent can't be faked. While he embarked on a losing effort, his match with Sami Zayn was the best effort of the entire series, seated at the top a series of matches that included opponents like John Cena, Aleister Black, and Shinsuke Nakamura.

Evans has become a staple in WWE programming, literally everywhere in recent weeks, even being seen in breathtaking performances on TNA and AAA. Evans continues to prove his worth and earn his keep, now projected to be a major main roster player in 2026, but fans won't soon forget his incredible match with Sami Zayn.

Read our full interview with Je'Von Evans here.

This article first appeared on The Sportster and was syndicated with permission.

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