Chad Gable sees enormous potential in Je’Von Evans, identifying the young WWE star as his personal choice to become pro wrestling’s “next big guy.”
Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Gable discussed the impression Evans made on him during time spent together while doing media for this year’s WWE SummerSlam. While Evans’ athletic gifts have already drawn attention from WWE audiences, Gable emphasized that their conversations gave him a fuller understanding of what drives “The Young OG.”
For Gable, Evans’ upside is not limited to the spectacular in-ring offense that has made him a standout. The former Olympian and veteran WWE performer was particularly encouraged by Evans’ mindset, his long-term ambition and the mature way he speaks about his place in the industry.
“But hearing him talk about his goals, his ambitions, and the way he talks about wrestling was kind of what lit a fire under me,” Gable said on Busted Open Radio. “It was nice to see a kid as young as him talk in the way that he did. He speaks very maturely about his goals in wrestling and how he approaches it and where he came from as well, his background. I’m a huge fan of his and for my money, he’s my pick as the next big guy.”
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Gable’s praise goes beyond athletic ability
That endorsement carries added weight considering Gable’s own experience in WWE. Over a lengthy career, Gable has competed in a range of environments, worked with established names and younger talent alike, and consistently built his reputation around technical excellence, timing and attention to detail. His assessment of Evans was therefore centered on more than immediate crowd reactions or a collection of impressive moves.
Gable made clear that Evans’ in-ring ability already speaks for itself. That is an important distinction in the current WWE landscape, where young wrestlers can quickly establish themselves through athletic highlights but still need to show that they can carry the larger demands of a major television role. The ability to connect through promos, explain personal motivation and present a clear sense of purpose are often the qualities that help turn a gifted prospect into a complete performer.
In Evans, Gable sees signs that those elements are already developing. Their SummerSlam-related media commitments allowed Gable to hear Evans discuss his aspirations and his approach to wrestling away from a match setting. Those conversations, rather than simply Evans’ performances between the ropes, were what Gable said “lit a fire” under him.
The compliment also speaks to the importance of perspective for a performer at an early stage of a WWE career. Evans has gained notice for what he can do physically, but Gable was drawn to the way the younger wrestler talks about his future and the background that shaped him. A clear sense of direction can be just as valuable as raw talent when opportunities become larger and the spotlight becomes more intense.
Je’Von Evans’ voice remains a key part of his growth
Gable also pointed to Evans’ promo before Money in the Bank as an example of the type of opportunity that can help him make an even stronger connection with fans. While Evans’ action inside the ring has been a major part of his appeal, Gable believes that speaking segments can show another side of the performer and help audiences better understand who he is.
That is a meaningful observation because WWE success is frequently built through a combination of match quality and personality. A wrestler may earn initial attention with speed, innovation or toughness, but the ability to communicate a goal, a conflict or an identity can make the audience invest more deeply in the person behind the performance. Gable’s comments suggest he believes Evans has the capacity to take that step when the platform is there.
Evans’ Money in the Bank promo stood out to Gable as a moment that indicated how he could truly get over with fans when given the chance. The phrase does not lessen the value of Evans’ ring work. Instead, it highlights an avenue for further growth. If fans are already responding to Evans’ athleticism, the chance to hear him state his motivations and ambitions can provide a stronger foundation for sustained support.
For a rising WWE name, that balance can be critical. Major events and television programs create opportunities to reach audiences who may be seeing a performer for the first time. An in-ring moment can introduce a star, while a well-delivered message can tell viewers why that performer matters and what they are trying to achieve. Gable’s assessment is that Evans possesses the maturity and wrestling awareness needed to capitalize on those situations.
A veteran’s vote of confidence
Gable did not present his praise as a vague prediction about a talented newcomer. He directly named Evans as his pick for the next major breakout figure in wrestling. That level of confidence reflects what Gable took away from their interactions during the SummerSlam press schedule: Evans has goals, understands the work required and speaks about the profession with a seriousness that impressed an established peer.
There is also an encouraging theme in Gable’s comments for Evans’ future development. The WWE roster is filled with exceptional athletes, and standing apart requires more than being able to deliver memorable sequences during a match. A performer must establish a recognizable identity, remain prepared for increased responsibilities and be able to articulate what separates them from everyone else. Gable’s description of Evans points toward a wrestler who is thinking about those bigger-picture demands.
Gable’s own praise focused on Evans as a person as much as Evans as an athlete. He highlighted the young star’s ambitions, his approach to wrestling and his willingness to speak about where he came from. Those traits can help a wrestler create authenticity, particularly when they are able to translate personal experience and professional goals into material that resonates on screen.
The fact that Gable came away motivated by those conversations is perhaps the strongest part of his endorsement. Veteran wrestlers often recognize hunger in younger talent because they have experienced the pressures and sacrifices of the profession themselves. In this case, Gable said Evans’ outlook reminded him of the passion that can fuel a performer’s development.
What comes next for “The Young OG”
Gable’s remarks do not guarantee a specific next step or timetable for Evans. WWE careers can change quickly, and larger opportunities depend on creative direction, match placement and the moments available on television and premium live events. Still, Gable’s confidence places Evans among the young names worth watching closely.
Evans has already impressed viewers with his in-ring ability, while Gable believes his potential reaches further. The endorsement from a respected WWE veteran is rooted in the qualities Gable observed outside the ring: maturity, ambition, self-awareness and a focused approach to a demanding industry.
As Evans continues to receive chances to show both his athleticism and his voice, Gable believes the ingredients are there for something much bigger. In Gable’s view, “The Young OG” is not simply a promising wrestler with exciting offense. He is a performer with the mentality to become one of pro wrestling’s next defining stars.
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Darryl Polo
Darryl Polo is a passionate wrestling fan covering WWE, AEW, TNA and beyond. He loves great rivalries, breakout stars and the moments that keep fans talking long after the bell. How we work.