The latest big signing to WWE is one that fans of NJPW will be very familiar with as they previously held the top prize in the promotion.
As reported by Mike Johnson of PWInsider, EVIL has officially signed with World Wrestling Entertainment. The report also notes that unlike some well-known signings from other companies, EVIL is not expected to keep his New Japan name moving forward.
EVIL last competed at NJPW Road To The New Beginning 2026 – Tag 2, which saw him team with his House of Torture faction in a losing effort to Aaron Wolf, Master Wato, Toru Yano & YOH. Following the former IWGP World Champion’s exit in January, it was previously reported by Dave Meltzer that EVIL was WWE-bound. A separate report from Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select added that while EVIL was set to relocate to the United States, AEW was not said to be an option.
EVIL Heading To WWE – Who Is The Former NJPW Star?
Born Takaaki Watanabe, the 39-year-old debuted for NJPW back in 2011. Capturing tag team gold with SANADA, EVIL later joined Bullet Club and went on to reign as IWGP World and Intercontinental Champion after defeating Tetsuya Naito at Dominion 2020. Holding the title for just 48 days, EVIL dropped the title back to Naito at Summer Struggle in Jingu.
In 2021, EVIL debuted The House of Torture faction in New Japan, which he was also the leader of. The overuse of the stable along with multiple interference and ref bump spots, which are rarely used in New Japan, made the faction unpopular among fans.
EVIL was also the first opponent for former judo champion Aaron Wolf, who made his in-ring debut at Wrestle Kingdom 20. Wolf defeated EVIL at New Japan’s biggest show of the year to capture the NEVER Openweight Title.
Featured image: NJPW
