Backstage news regarding Je’Von Evans’ official call-up to the WWE main roster

During a commercial break on the January 5th, 2026 edition of WWE RAW, General Manager Adam Pearce officially signed Je’Von Evans to the brand. Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com noted that WWE “wanted it to be a YouTube exclusive.” The top YouTube comment from @Brenchel1 is, “So they signed Je’Von Evans during a commercial break. WTF…. It would’ve been nice to see this during the regular show.”

According to WrestleVotes Radio, many within WWE were reportedly “puzzled” by Evans signing his RAW contract during a commercial break, but stressed that it was not meant to reflect the company’s perception of him.

Prior to being called up to the WWE main roster, Evans won the 2025 NXT Superstar of the Year fan poll, defeating Oba Femi. Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline.com stated that “they [WWE] still see Femi as a top guy and Evans as someone who can be a star, but not a franchise star.”