3 Ups & 8 Downs From WWE Raw (27 Jul - Results & Review)

6. Is This Leading Anywhere?

A couple of years ago, this criticism would not have been leveled. But the current state of WWE’s booking necessitates it.

Je’Von Evans defeated Rusev in a match that will receive some praise later. However, this was, by the announcers’ admission, the latest in a series of confrontations between the two. In fact, it was the third time they’d wrestled in a one-on-one setting in the past two-plus months (though one was in a gauntlet match).

Although Evans pulled out the win in this rubber match, it’s difficult to believe that this is leading somewhere for the Young OG. Now six months into his run on the main roster, Je’Von has been ensconced in the Intercontinental Championship scene, though he hasn’t had much success. He’s faced Rusev six times in the past three months (including two tag matches), teamed with Penta and Dragon Lee, lost to The Vision, and lost to Ethan Page.

Evans feels more like he’s on a hamster wheel than anything else right now. He’s a talented performer who could shine in a good singles program or as part of a full-time tag team, but he’s not being presented with either of those options at the moment. Rather, he’s just bouncing (no pun intended) around the Raw mid-card.

Until we see some definitive direction and consistent booking, it’s hard to rally behind Evans.