Beloved NXT Star Now Working As A "Free Agent" (WWE News)

A bidding war is about to commence between Raw and SmackDown for rising WWE star Je'Von Evans.

Je'Von Evans The Miz
WWE.com

Rising WWE star Je'Von Evans will be the focal point of an onscreen bidding war between GMs on Raw and SmackDown in coming weeks. The Wrestling Observer reports that Evans will be cast as a "free agent" eligible to sign with either brand. Interestingly, Je'Von has been teasing a feud with now former NXT Champion Ricky Saints on the developmental brand.

On Monday's Raw (which was taped last week), Je'Von met with red brand GM Adam Pearce before going on to defeat Rayo Americano (an offshoot character played by Pete Dunne) in a short but fun bout on the flagship. Prior to doing so, Evans told Pearce that he wanted to discuss his future sometime soon.

It's expected that Je'Von will soon move up from the NXT show to Raw or SmackDown full time. WWE bosses will try to portray him as a sought after free agent during the final stretch of 2025 heading into the new year. In theory, that'll stand Evans in good stead and make him seem more important to fans tuning in.

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At just 21 years old, Je'Von has all the potential in the world and could become a big breakout success story on the main roster if handled properly. He's only going to get better and better in-ring, so the real challenge may come on the microphone - that's obviously a hugely important part of WWE's product.

Evans Has Been Turning Heads Lately

WWE Raw Gunther Je'Von Evans
WWE

Evans has already impressed the right people behind the scenes.

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His matches vs. Gunther in the John Cena 'Last Time Is Now' tournament (on the 17 November Raw) and against The Miz on the 12 December SmackDown will stand him in good stead now he seems destined for main roster glory. Further, WWE officials also liked what they were seeing from Je'Von when he teamed with TNA's Leon Slater vs. AJ Styles and Dragon Lee at the recent Saturday Night's Main Event on 13 Dec.

That show was framed about Cena's retirement, but John was reportedly keen to let newer names shine on the night. Evans, like Slater, Sol Ruca and Oba Femi, definitely took his chance. Some critics believed the match felt like an odd fit for the occasion, but it was important for the likes of Evans to stand on the same platform as a retiring megastar like JC.

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Je'Von's most recent match came on 20 December. He worked a Triple Threat for the AAA Cruiserweight Title in Mexico. There, reigning champ Laredo Kid beat Evans and Jack Cartwheel to retain his belt. Bigger things are coming the 'Young OG's' way soon.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.