After capturing the WWE US Championship, Sami Zayn paid tribute to John Cena by reviving the US Open Challenge, allowing wrestlers from all brands to compete. This move not only honors Cena’s legacy and dedication to WWE’s future but also gives Zayn, now a seasoned competitor, the chance to spotlight rising talent.
Jevon Evans was among the superstars who stepped up for the challenge, delivering one of the most memorable matches in Zayn’s series. Speaking exclusively to Sports Star, Evans reflected on his bout with Sami Zayn on Friday Night SmackDown, where the US Championship was on the line.
During the September 26th SmackDown broadcast, Jevon Evans made his main roster debut answering Sami Zayn’s US Championship challenge. The fast-paced, intense match energized the Orlando crowd, evoking the excitement of the 1990s WCW Cruiserweight division. Evans noted how the home crowd at Orlando, the base for NXT, added to the electric atmosphere.
Evans shared, “It was wild. It’s Orlando, the home of NXT. As soon as my music hit, the crowd got hyped. When I walked out, there was such energy. When the bell rang, I locked eyes with him and just thought, ‘This is it.’ It was a hot match. He had some advantages, but I managed to pull off something crazy. Overall, it was a banger.”
In his debut as a main roster competitor, Jevon Evans demonstrated that true success comes from hard work and genuine talent. Despite being viewed as the underdog, his performance against Sami Zayn stood out as the best match in the series, surpassing bouts with stars like John Cena, Aleister Black, and Shinsuke Nakamura.
Recently appearing across various WWE shows and impressing in promotions like TNA and AAA, Evans continues to prove his value and is poised to become a prominent figure on WWE’s main roster by 2026. His remarkable match with Sami Zayn, however, will remain a highlight for fans.
Fan Take: This revival of the US Open Challenge breathes fresh excitement into WWE, providing emerging talent like Jevon Evans a platform to shine against established stars. For fans, it signals a thrilling era of competitive matches and the rise of new wrestling icons that will shape the future of the sport.
