Je'Von Evans has weighed in on Pat McAfee's recent comments criticizing today's WWE roster, offering a pointed response to the former commentator's heel turn rhetoric.
McAfee made a surprise return at the April 3 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, aligning with Randy Orton as a heel in the build to their WrestleMania 42 title match against Cody Rhodes.
During the segment, McAfee criticized the current product, dismissing today's talent as soft performers doing acrobatics while positioning Orton's generation as the legitimate tough guys of the business.
Evans was asked about McAfee's remarks during his appearance on the No Contest Wrestling podcast, and didn't hold back.
I feel like there's just certain things that people that are not familiar or don't come from the wrestling business don't understand. And they tend to express that in a certain way. I feel like wrestling isn't like a regular sport. We take this very serious because our bodies and lives are on the line. There's legacy behind all this. People feed their families because of this.
Evans continued, acknowledging that opinions are inevitable, but drew a clear line.
So I feel like there are things that some people do say or have an opinion on, and they tend to express that in a certain way, or just publicly. But bro, why can't we just have fun? Why can't we just have fun, make money? It's a selfish business out here. You've gotta do what you've gotta do. But also, you can't be talking crazy and expect nobody else to talk crazy back. You cannot not expect receipts. Especially from the OGs that's been doing it for a long time, that's been through a lot to get to where they're at. And now you're dissing them.
Evans also acknowledged the wider back-and-forth that McAfee's return has sparked, referencing CM Punk's public jab at McAfee on Raw.
Hey, Punk was talking. Said what he had to say, but it's the road to WrestleMania, so we good either way.
McAfee's insertion into the Rhodes vs. Orton storyline has drawn a mixed reaction from both fans and talent, with reports indicating some within WWE were frustrated by the decision. WrestleMania 42 takes place April 18-19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
