EVIL Inks Deal With WWE After NJPW Departure

EVIL’s WWE move has been rumored for months, with questions about whether he’d start in NXT or go straight to the main roster. Now, that speculation is over — the deal is done.

After months of rumors, PWInsider confirmed that the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion has signed with WWE, putting an end to speculation about his next move following his NJPW exit earlier this year.

"World Wrestling Entertainment has signed former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL, PWInsider.com has confirmed with numerous sources in Japan. While there have been rumors about his destination for month, PWInsider.com can confirm he is signed and sealed with WWE."

That confirmation flips the conversation from “if” to “what’s next” — especially since earlier reports suggested there was already a difference in vision between EVIL and WWE about how he should debut, with EVIL reportedly wanting to start in NXT while the company leaned toward the main roster.

Now, another key detail is starting to emerge — and it could completely change how fans recognize him when he shows up, as PWInsider reported he’s not expected to keep his name in WWE.

“We are told the expectation in Japan is that he will not keep the EVIL ring name.”

That’s a major shift considering how closely the EVIL persona was tied to his rise in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he reinvented himself after turning on Los Ingobernables de Japón and joining Bullet Club.

For context, EVIL — real name Takaaki Watanabe — hit his peak in 2020 when he defeated Tetsuya Naito to become a double champion, holding both the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental titles at the same time.

He also brings experience from outside Japan, including runs in Ring of Honor and Global Force Wrestling — something that could influence how quickly WWE decides to push him once he arrives. There’s also a built-in connection already inside WWE, as EVIL is the significant other of IYO SKY — which could play a role in how he’s introduced.

Bottom line — EVIL is officially in, his identity might not stay the same, and WWE still has a decision to make about how to roll him out. With the signing locked in, the only real question left is whether he shows up in NXT to adjust — or gets thrown straight into the limelight on Raw or SmackDown.

Do you think WWE should debut EVIL with a completely new identity, or stick closer to what made him successful in NJPW? Let us know your thoughts.