NXT star Je’Von Evans is expected to answer Sami Zayn’s open challenge for the United States Championship on the September 26 edition of SmackDown. According to PWInsider Elite, Evans is backstage at the Kia Center in Orlando for the appearance.
The opportunity arrives just one day before Evans is scheduled for a major singles match at NXT No Mercy. He will face Josh Briggs on Saturday in a feud that escalated when Briggs used The Undertaker’s theme music as a distraction, a reference to the legend who had previously advised Evans ahead of his NXT Championship match at Heatwave.
Zayn’s open challenge series enters its fourth straight week. The run began on September 5 with a No Contest against John Cena after interference from Brock Lesnar, followed by successful defenses against Rey Fenix and Carmelo Hayes.
Tonight’s SmackDown will also showcase a high-stakes Triple Threat match for the WWE Women’s Championship. Tiffany Stratton will defend against Jade Cargill and Nia Jax, with the winner advancing to face Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer at Crown Jewel: Perth on October 11.
While Evans’ appearance places him in a marquee spotlight, PWInsider Elite has not confirmed if this signals a permanent move to the main roster.