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Taking a knife-edge blow to the chest is one of the most damaging moves in professional wrestling.
Ric Flair made the move well known at the peak of his career. Today’s WWE stars like Gunther, Oba Femi and Ilja Dragunov have carried the torch.
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Oba Femi looks on during NXT at the WWE Performance Center on December 9, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Andrea Kellaway/WWE)
Je’Von Evans has been in the ring with Gunther, Femi and Dragunov at different points in his career and taking a hit from any of the competitors is no easy feat.
“It’s probably one of the worst feelings you’ll ever experience,” Evans said of hitting NXT Champion Oba Femi.
But Evans made it clear that it is not the worst he has received.
“Honestly, it’s not the worst,” he said. “I think the worst one I’ve ever received was probably Gunther or Ilya Dragunov.
“Ilya’s punches sting and hit right in the same place. The same goes for Gunter. I think that’s why they are such great fighters and great friends because they cut hard and in the same place.”
WWE’S JE’VON EVANS TALKS ABOUT PURSUING PASSION FOR PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING, IGNORING THE CRITICISM AND THE HONOR OF JOHN CENA
Je’Von Evans in action against Gunther during “Monday Night RAW” at Madison Square Garden on November 17, 2025 in New York City. (Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty Images)
Anyone who watches WWE’s weekly programming or monthly live premium events knows that the punches of superstars like Gunther or Dragunov resonate throughout the arena in which they perform and through the speakers that fans hear through the television.
While the criticism is that professional wrestling is “fake” or not taken seriously because the results of the matches are predetermined, the skills are definitely real and leave a mark.
“Honestly, it hurts, but once you realize you have to move on, it fades. You know what I mean? But it also comes with training,” Evans said. “You have to get your body used to the impact, falling in the ring, getting hit. Your body has to get used to that kind of feeling.
“Once you’ve done it for a few years, the cuts start to hurt less and when you fall, it stops hurting less. It still hurts. You just don’t feel it as much.”
Je’Von Evans in the ring during “Monday Night RAW” at Madison Square Garden on November 17, 2025 in New York City. (Rich Wade/WWE via Getty Images)
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For now, Evans will have to take the damage from his NXT teammates. It may all be worth it as he is set for another shot at the NXT Championship after winning the men’s Iron Survivor Challenge.
