Tag: EVIL

Former IWGP Champion EVIL Rebranded as Naraku, WWE NXT Debut Set

WWE is officially moving forward with its latest international signing, as the man formerly known as EVIL is set to compete on “WWE NXT” under a completely new identity.

After making a surprise appearance on last week’s episode to confront NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo, the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion has now been given a new name—Naraku. The rebrand was confirmed during this week’s show through a vignette hyping his in-ring debut for next Tuesday.

The promo didn’t waste time establishing direction either. Naraku directly addressed D’Angelo, making it clear that he’s coming after the NXT Championship. The segment closed with a simple but effective message: his debut is imminent.

Before arriving in WWE, Naraku built a dominant résumé in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he held multiple titles, including the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. His run in Japan came to an end earlier this year after dropping the NEVER Openweight Championship to Aaron Wolf at Wrestle Kingdom. He competed one final time the following night at New Year’s Dash!! before NJPW confirmed he would not be renewing his contract.

That departure sparked immediate speculation about his next move, with WWE quickly emerging as the likely destination. Still, his debut appearance last week came with a twist—he wasn’t identified by name, leaving fans guessing about how the company would present him.

Now, we have that answer.

The name “Naraku” carries a layered meaning. In Japanese, it translates to “abyss,” fitting his dark persona. It’s also a name familiar to anime fans from the “Inuyasha” series, though it remains to be seen if WWE leans into that connection. There’s also some curiosity about whether the name could be a subtle nod to wrestling veteran Joseph Park’s “Abyss” character, though that hasn’t been confirmed.

Interestingly, earlier reports suggested WWE might go with the name Nox Raijin, but those plans appear to have changed or the reports was false.

With a new identity and a title target already in sight, all eyes will be on next week’s NXT to see how Naraku’s first official outing unfolds—and whether he can immediately shake up the championship picture.

Former NJPW Champion EVIL Set For Name Change Following WWE NXT Debut

Former NJPW star EVIL officially arrived in WWE NXT last week, and a new backstage report may have revealed the identity he’ll be using going forward.

During last Tuesday’s episode of “WWE NXT,” Tony D’Angelo finally came face-to-face with the person behind the mysterious box that had been teasing his arrival. A hooded figure emerged through the smoke and lighting effects before stepping into the ring and confronting the reigning NXT Champion. The man handed D’Angelo a shirt featuring the same Japanese symbol that had appeared on the package before dramatically removing his hood.

The reveal confirmed that the longtime NJPW standout known as EVIL had made his WWE debut.

Commentary quickly acknowledged the significance of the moment, with Vic Joseph referencing EVIL’s past as a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion. However, WWE stopped short of identifying him by a new ring name during the segment, leading to speculation about what he would be called in NXT.

That speculation intensified after a trademark filing surfaced on April 28 for the name “Nox Raijin.” According to a new report from Fightful Select, WWE internally lists the former NJPW star under his real name, Takaaki Watanabe, but the company is expected to use Nox Raijin as his official on-screen name moving forward.

The reported name appears to fit the dark presentation EVIL became known for during his run in Japan. In Japanese mythology, Raijin is recognized as the god of thunder, lightning, and storms, while “Nox” is commonly associated with darkness or night. The combination lines up closely with the ominous character work EVIL used throughout his NJPW career.

Before departing NJPW earlier this year, EVIL spent roughly 14 years with the promotion and built an accomplished résumé. Along with capturing the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, he also held the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, NEVER Openweight Championship, and multiple IWGP Six-Man Tag Team Championships.

He was also the founder and leader of House of Torture, the controversial faction created after his shocking betrayal of Los Ingobernables de Japon several years ago.

With his WWE arrival now official, it appears only a matter of time before Nox Raijin begins making a major impact on the NXT roster.

Former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL Debuts On WWE NXT, Confronts Tony D’Angelo

WWE NXT gained another notable addition this week as former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL officially made his debut appearance on Tuesday night’s episode of the brand.

With several NXT stars recently moving to WWE’s main roster, the developmental show is beginning to introduce a fresh wave of talent, and EVIL may be one of the most intriguing names yet.

During the show, NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo addressed the crowd and declared himself the centerpiece of the brand. D’Angelo confidently stated that nobody in NXT was capable of knocking him off the top spot.

That confidence was quickly interrupted.

A cloud of fog and dramatic lighting filled the arena before EVIL made his entrance wearing a dark black robe. The former NJPW star slowly approached the ring and came face-to-face with D’Angelo in a tense staredown.

Rather than speaking, EVIL handed the champion a shirt featuring Japanese text before turning and leaving the ring. The mysterious presentation left both fans and commentators speculating about his intentions.

Commentator Vic Joseph acknowledged EVIL’s accomplishments in Japan during the segment, referring to him as a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion. However, WWE stopped short of officially identifying him by the EVIL ring name, leaving some uncertainty surrounding what name he will ultimately use going forward in NXT.

Reports surfaced earlier this year that EVIL had signed with WWE following the expiration of his New Japan Pro-Wrestling contract. His final NJPW appearance took place on January 20 during the Road To The New Beginning tour, where he competed in an eight-man tag team match.

The segment also teased additional challengers for D’Angelo. Shortly after EVIL’s appearance, former No Quarter Catch Crew member Tavion Heights attacked the NXT Champion from behind. English wrestler Will Kroos then added to the chaos by landing a moonsault onto D’Angelo.

With several new threats emerging at once, Tony D’Angelo’s reign could soon become far more difficult — and EVIL’s arrival may end up being the biggest game changer of them all.

Report: Former IWGP Champion EVIL Signs With WWE, Name Change Expected

WWE may be adding another internationally recognized name to its roster.

According to PWInsider, multiple sources have confirmed that former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL has officially signed with the company. The move comes after the 39-year-old star announced back in January that he would not be renewing his contract with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, signaling the end of a long run with the promotion.

EVIL, whose real name is Takaaki Watanabe, spent over a decade in NJPW after debuting in 2011. During that time, he built a decorated résumé and became a key figure in factions like Los Ingobernables de Japón and later Bullet Club. His resume includes a reign as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, along with runs as IWGP Intercontinental Champion, NEVER Openweight Champion, and multiple tag team title victories. He also found success in six-man competition, capturing the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Titles on several occasions.

For fans in the United States, EVIL isn’t entirely unfamiliar. He’s previously competed in Ring of Honor and made appearances in Jeff Jarrett’s now-defunct Global Force Wrestling, giving him some exposure outside of Japan prior to this reported WWE deal.

One notable change expected with this move is his in-ring identity. According to the report, WWE is not planning to use the “EVIL” name, meaning a rebrand is likely once he debuts on television.

There’s also a personal connection that has caught fans’ attention over the years. EVIL was previously reported to be engaged to current WWE star IYO SKY, though there’s no clear update on their relationship status as of now.

As with many international signings, the big question will be how WWE chooses to introduce him and position him within the roster. With his experience, championship pedigree, and faction background, he could bring a unique edge to whichever brand he lands on — especially if paired with the right presentation out of the gate.

For now, all eyes will be on when and where this reported signing officially comes to light on WWE programming.

Report: NJPW Standout EVIL Expected to Depart Company, Likely WWE-Bound

A major shakeup could be on the horizon for both New Japan Pro Wrestling and WWE, as longtime NJPW star EVIL is reportedly preparing to exit the promotion with expectations that he’s headed stateside.

According to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Live, EVIL has likely already informed NJPW of his decision to move on once his contract situation is finalized. Alvarez added that, internally, WWE is widely believed to be his next destination. That report lines up with earlier information from Super J-Cast, which stated that the House of Torture leader had officially given notice to New Japan.

The timing has only added to the speculation. EVIL recently lost the NEVER Openweight Championship to Aaron Wolf at Wrestle Kingdom 20, a title change that immediately raised eyebrows and fueled rumors that his run with the company was nearing its end.

If this truly marks the conclusion of EVIL’s NJPW tenure, it closes the book on a highly decorated run. Since debuting with the promotion, EVIL rose from a popular tag team wrestler into a main event fixture, capturing both the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships. He’s also been a New Japan Cup winner, a four-time NEVER Openweight Champion, and a consistent presence in the tag and six-man divisions as part of Bullet Club and later House of Torture.

While WWE has yet to confirm any signing, the idea of EVIL joining the company is already sparking conversation. His darker persona, physical style, and experience at the top level in Japan could make him an intriguing addition, whether on the main roster or elsewhere within WWE’s system.

For now, it’s a waiting game. But if EVIL’s NJPW chapter is indeed closing, the next phase of his career could put him on the biggest stage he’s ever performed on.