Kevin Nash has addressed the fallout from his controversial Je'Von Evans comments on the latest episode of his Kliq This podcast, offering lavish praise for the young WWE star while standing behind the spirit of his original criticism.
How This Started
Nash drew widespread backlash several weeks ago after describing Evans on Kliq This as being too "Mr. Bojangles" and wishing he was "a little bit more urban."
The "Mr. Bojangles" reference — a racially charged term rooted in minstrel-era stereotypes — prompted Nash to issue a Twitter apology, though he later deleted the post.
Kevin Nash wants to settle this
On his follow-up episode, Nash was effusive in his praise for the 21-year-old Raw standout.
I really want to bury this because — let me say this first," Nash said. "This Je'Von, if he was a f***ing wide receiver, he is basically a rookie Randy Moss. Like, this kid could be a generational f***ing talent.
However, Nash also used WWE's decision to bring Atlanta-based rapper Offset to ringside for Evans' win over Kofi Kingston on the February 23 episode of Raw — which took place in Offset's hometown of Atlanta — as validation of his earlier point.
I guess the thing that pisses me off is like, all I want for the guy is for him to be used in a way, like — how off was I if when they really want to showcase him, they put him with Offset?" Nash said. "I mean, they could have put him with f***ing Reba McEntire. She's got a name.
Je'Von Evans' Reaction
Evans has yet to formally address Nash's comments beyond an indirect Instagram response on February 18, where he set his post to SpaceGhostBLK's nWo Wolfpac theme — a clear nod to Nash's most famous WCW faction.
Evans' caption read, "Just Wanna Apologize Real Quick….Im Sorry For Being The Best In Da Game Right Now!!"
Despite the controversy, Evans continued his momentum heading into Elimination Chamber, where Randy Orton ultimately won the men's match to earn a WWE Championship shot against Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 42.
