Former NJPW Star Hiromu Takahashi Reportedly WWE-Bound, Could Use Nox Raijin Name

WWE’s recent push to recruit international talent may not be slowing down anytime soon, as another former New Japan Pro-Wrestling standout is reportedly expected to join the company.

According to a report from BodySlam, former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Hiromu Takahashi is believed to be WWE-bound. Sources connected to the WWE Performance Center reportedly indicated that Takahashi could arrive in the company in the near future.

The report also noted that WWE may have a new ring name lined up for the longtime NJPW star: Nox Raijin.

Interestingly, that same name had previously been rumored for another recent WWE signing from Japan — former NJPW faction leader EVIL. However, WWE has since confirmed that EVIL will instead compete under the name Naraku, with the former Bullet Club member scheduled to appear on next week’s episode of NXT.

According to the report, WWE had originally planned to use the Nox Raijin name for EVIL before changing direction earlier this week and settling on Naraku instead.

Takahashi officially parted ways with NJPW earlier this year, ending a run that lasted more than 15 years with the promotion. During his time in New Japan, he became one of the company’s most recognizable junior heavyweight stars, capturing the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship five times and building a reputation for his energetic personality and high-risk in-ring style.

Following news of his departure, both WWE and AEW were mentioned as possible landing spots for Takahashi. AEW fans are already familiar with him thanks to several appearances over the years, including a match against Kyle Fletcher for the TNT Championship at the Forbidden Door pay-per-view.

Outside of NJPW and AEW, Takahashi has also competed in promotions such as CMLL and Pro Wrestling NOAH in recent years, further expanding his international profile.

If the report proves accurate, Takahashi would become another major Japanese addition to WWE’s growing global talent roster and could bring even more depth to the company’s evolving NXT landscape.