What NXT Stars Will Be on John Cena’s Farewell Show?

Every once in a while, pro wrestling delivers one of those rare moments where the outcome on paper completely contradicts the impact in reality. This past week at Madison Square Garden was exactly that kind of moment for Je’Von Evans. Despite losing matches on both Monday and Tuesday, he walked away looking more polished, more legitimate, and more obviously destined for superstardom than many wrestlers do after months of televised victories. It was a week built not on triumphs, but on transformation, and Je’Von Evans emerged from it as one of the most talked-about names in the industry.

Gunther’s Return, the MSG Spotlight, and a Star Being Made in Real Time

Monday’s show began with the return of a version of Gunther fans hadn’t seen in far too long. His presentation was stripped down to its roots: the old “Ring General” theme, a simple fighter’s robe that felt more utilitarian than theatrical, and a demeanor that made it clear he wasn’t there to entertain—he was there to dominate. That aesthetic choice alone set the tone for the match, and it worked beautifully because Je’Von Evans immediately met that energy with a performance that felt like a declaration of intent.

For many fans who only watch Raw or SmackDown and haven’t followed NXT closely, this was their first real introduction to Je’Von Evans. Within minutes, he had them reacting like longtime supporters. Every burst of offense made the crowd lean forward; every near fall created the kind of electricity that tells you a performer isn’t just talented—he’s connecting. Even though the outcome was never really in question, the purpose of the match was unmistakable. It wasn’t about beating Gunther. It was about showing the world that Je’Von Evans belonged on that stage. And he did.

Tuesday’s Match Added Another Loss—and Even More Momentum

The next night, Evans teamed with Leon Slater against Dark State and took a second consecutive loss. Under normal circumstances, two defeats in forty-eight hours would suggest a stalled push or a cooling period. Instead, Je’Von Evans somehow walked away with more buzz than he had going in. Fans, commentators, and even other wrestlers spent both nights talking less about the results and more about the surreal level of charisma, athleticism, and ring presence he delivered on back-to-back shows.

It’s not often that someone loses twice and gains credibility, exposure, and momentum all at once. Yet that is exactly what happened. Nothing about these matches felt like hesitation from the company. If anything, it looked like confidence—confidence that he could shine even in defeat, confidence that the audience would respond, and confidence that Je’Von Evans is already operating on a different level than most performers his age.

Why Je’Von Evans Feels Like a Once-in-a-Generation Prospect

What makes this even more remarkable is that Je’Von Evans is only twenty-one years old. Most wrestlers that young, even the promising ones, usually feel like long-term investment projects—athletes who need refinement, tuning, or seasoning before being trusted in major moments. Evans doesn’t feel like a project. He feels like a phenomenon.

His athleticism is obvious. He can perform flips, rotations, and springboard attacks with an ease that borders on surreal. But what separates him from other high-flyers is his pacing and sense of timing. Many performers with his skill set rely on nonstop offense that overwhelms not only their opponents, but the audience’s ability to truly absorb what they’re seeing. Evans, however, gives each of his major moments space to breathe. He frames his aerial moves so they stand out instead of blurring together. He knows when to accelerate, when to pause, and when to let the crowd catch up. That is an incredibly rare instinct for a wrestler his age, and it’s one of the clearest signs that he has a level of ring IQ far beyond what most twenty-one-year-olds possess.

Learning From Legends—and Actually Absorbing Their Wisdom

Another key factor in Evans’ rapid rise is the environment he’s been surrounded by. In a short period of time, he has been around some of the most respected minds in wrestling: Randy Orton, The Undertaker, Sami Zayn, CM Punk, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and likely even John Cena. Being around these people is an advantage in itself, but what truly matters is whether the person listens. Everything about Je’Von Evans suggests he listens intently. He carries himself like someone who is aware of how gifted he is, yet humble enough to know that talent alone isn’t enough to build a legendary career. He seems eager to learn, to adapt, and to refine. That willingness is what separates naturally athletic performers from long-term main eventers.

Because of this, it isn’t hard to imagine him becoming someone future generations talk about the same way today’s fans reference the OVW Class of 2002—Cena, Orton, Lesnar, Batista, Benjamin. Evans has that aura, that sense of inevitability, that feeling of “if he stays healthy, he’s going to be special for a very long time.”

The Real Question Now: How Does He Respond to a Week Like This?

As impressive as the performances were, the most interesting part of Je’Von Evans’ story might actually begin now. He didn’t win either of his matches, which means there is a narrative crossroads ahead. What layer does he show next? Does he reveal frustration? Determination? A darker edge? A more intense mindset? The best wrestling characters often emerge not from their victories, but from how they respond to adversity. Evans now has the perfect opportunity to evolve, and fans are already watching closely to see which direction he chooses.

Fantasy Booking the Next Chapter: Dream Matches on the Road to Cena’s Final Night

With Saturday Night’s Main Event approaching—and with the show being framed around exhibition-style matches leading up to John Cena’s final showdown—the possibilities for Evans are incredibly enticing. Exhibition matches mean no title stakes, no justification needed, no complicated storylines. They’re simply showcases, and Je’Von Evans is built for showcases.

Some names that immediately make sense include Cody Rhodes, who represents pure heroism against Evans’ prodigy energy; Jey Uso, whose chemistry with Evans could produce an explosive crowd-pleaser; CM Punk, who would bring a grizzled, veteran contrast to Evans’ athleticism; and Drew McIntyre, whose raw power would mesh beautifully with Evans’ high-impact offense, though that pairing deserves a long-form story, not a one-night special.

If the goal is to position Evans as someone essential to WWE’s future, then a match against Cody Rhodes would be a signature moment. If the goal is to create maximum excitement and pure entertainment, Jay Uso vs. Je’Von Evans might be the matchup that lights a fire under the entire crowd. Either of these could realistically serve as the final match before Cena’s farewell bout, which would be a massive vote of confidence in Evans’ star power.

Je’Von Evans Didn’t Win—But He Won Everything That Actually Matters

When you step back and look at the week as a whole, the results are almost ironic. Je’Von Evans didn’t win a single match, yet he walked away with increased visibility, undeniable momentum, and the kind of organic fan support you simply cannot manufacture. Some wrestlers build careers through victories. Others build them through moments. Evans just delivered two moments back-to-back, and both were powerful enough that fans, analysts, and insiders have been buzzing ever since.

If this is what his career looks like at twenty-one, the future is almost unimaginable. Je’Von Evans didn’t need wins to make this his breakout week. He only needed the spotlight.

And he made absolutely sure the spotlight stayed on him.

The world is watching now. And it feels like we’re witnessing the rise of someone who might define the next generation of wrestling.