I will say the skill level of the guys that jump is WAY above what it was back then I will also say it is because they jump over and over with lighter bikes with longer suspension. That said, jumping with a pig (yes, I said it...) of a bike with little suspension will be, let's just say,,, 'intense'.
I saw Evil every time he came to Kent Pacific Raceways/SIR/Pacific Raceways. He made it every time but received some damage. One time he walked back up the landing ramp to talk safety after landing hard. Turned out he broke his pelvis/hip and the frame of the bike on the landing. Dang!