Kevin Nash’s comments about Je’Von Evans led to serious backlash — but now Booker T is stepping in with his own take on the situation.
After Nash referred to Evans as “Mr. Bojangles” and said he wished the young star had “a little bit more urban” edge, fans flooded social media, accusing the WWE Hall of Famer of racial stereotyping. The controversy picked up even more steam, given the timing during Black History Month.
On the February 17, 2026 episode of the Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T addressed the remarks directly — and while he made it clear Nash is someone he considers close, he also suggested Nash may not fully understand the historical weight behind the reference. Booker began by breaking down the deeper cultural history tied to the name “Bojangles,” explaining why it carries baggage.
“Kevin Nash is my big homie, but I don’t know if he knows the tradition of Bojangles and what Bojangles actually did. Bojangles traveled around doing minstrel shows—those shows where white people dressed up in blackface—and he went around doing his tap-dancing to earn tips and make a living. I don’t know if Kevin knows the history or the meaning behind the song.”
He went on to explain that while he personally appreciates the song “Mr. Bojangles,” he understands the emotional and historical context behind it — and why that comparison doesn’t fit Evans.
“I know ‘Mr. Bojangles’ from beginning to end. I’ve heard it—it’s one of my favorite songs because it made me feel what Bojangles had to go through. He spent a lot of time in county bars, having a drink. He was in jail for a reason. That’s not Je’Von Evans.”
Booker then went to a generational point, suggesting that Nash — at 66 years old — may simply be disconnected from the cultural influences shaping today’s young talent, naming rappers like Tekashi 6ix9ine or Lil Uzi Vert.
“I don’t know if Kevin Nash knows about Tekashi 6ix9ine or Lil Uzi Vert. I’m serious. These young guys represent a different era. That’s what someone like Evans represents. It’s a different world now—especially with music and that type of culture. Maybe Kevin doesn’t fully understand that part of where we are today.”
While Booker acknowledged that constructive criticism is part of the business, he also defended Evans’ upside and his youth.
“I do understand Kevin’s point when he references a young OG to someone like 1-2-3 Kid, Sean Waltman. But Evans has a lot of fight in him. Does he have things to work on? Of course—he’s 22 years old. The business is totally different now than it was when Sean Waltman got in the game.”
So ultimately, Booker didn’t call Nash a racist, nor did he fully defend the wording. Instead, he framed the situation as a mix of generational misunderstanding and cultural awareness — while making it clear that Evans shouldn’t be boxed into outdated comparisons.
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