WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash Critiques Rising Star Je'Von Evans

Nash offers mixed feedback on Evans' in-ring style, urging him to add more 'edge' to his high-flying moves.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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In a recent episode of his Kliq This podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash provided a critique of rising WWE star Je'Von Evans. While praising Evans' athleticism and viral moments, Nash suggested the 21-year-old should lean more into his striking ability and adopt a grittier, 'urban' edge to his presentation. Nash used a colorful metaphor to describe Evans' current style as being too 'Mr. Bojangles' and urged him to ground his high-flying moves in realism.

Why it matters

Nash's comments have sparked a debate among WWE fans on social media, with some agreeing with his assessment and others defending Evans' current style. As one of WWE's top young prospects, how Evans evolves his in-ring persona could have significant implications for his future trajectory in the company.

The details

On his Kliq This podcast, Nash praised Evans' athleticism and viral moments, such as his top rope Diamond Cutter on Raw. However, Nash felt Evans' current style was too 'theatrical' and 'Mr. Bojangles'-esque, urging him to adopt a grittier, 'urban' edge. Nash pointed to his friend Sean 'X-Pac' Waltman as an example of someone who was able to deliver convincing strikes despite his smaller stature, and advised Evans to focus on throwing 'good punches' to ground his high-flying moves in realism.

  • Evans recently competed in his first Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia after being called up from NXT to the Raw roster at the start of January.

The players

Kevin Nash

A WWE Hall of Famer and former WWE Champion who hosts the Kliq This podcast, where he provided the critique of Je'Von Evans.

Je'Von Evans

A 21-year-old rising star in WWE, considered one of the company's top young prospects after being called up from NXT to the Raw roster.

Sean 'X-Pac' Waltman

A friend of Kevin Nash's and former WWE performer who Nash cited as an example of someone who was able to deliver convincing strikes despite his smaller stature.

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What they’re saying

“He's an incredible athlete. He's a little bit too f***ing Mr. Bojangles for me. I wish he was a little bit more urban.”

— Kevin Nash, WWE Hall of Famer (Kliq This Podcast)

“But if he's not going to have an edge, then — he knows how to throw, he can strike, he throws a good punch. F***ing take your time and throw a good punch. Maybe put two or three together.”

— Kevin Nash, WWE Hall of Famer (Kliq This Podcast)

What’s next

Evans will look to incorporate more of the 'edge' and striking ability that Nash recommended as he continues to develop on the main WWE roster.

The takeaway

Nash's critique of Je'Von Evans has sparked a debate among fans about the balance between athleticism and realism in modern WWE. As one of the company's top young stars, how Evans evolves his in-ring persona could have significant implications for his future success.