EVIL Signs With WWE

Former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL has signed with WWE and he is a part of the company, PWInsider has reported. This comes after months of rumours and speculation about EVIL's next destination.

EVIL had been one of the top talents in New Japan Pro-Wrestling but he exited the promotion upon the expiry of his contract at the end of January 2026. It emerged in the days before NJPW's official announcement that EVIL had given his notice to New Japan and he was expected to sign with WWE, although there had not been confirmation of his signing until today.

WWE's plans for EVIL are unknown beyond that, according to PWInsider, the expectation in Japan is EVIL - real name Takaaki Watanabe - will not be retaining his ring name in WWE. There is speculation that EVIL could be set to debut on WWE NXT, though, as NXT Champion Tony D'Angelo received a box with a Japanese symbol of war on it at NXT Revenge on April 22.

EVIL had been a part of New Japan for 15 years, having joined the company in 2011. EVIL is a one-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, one-time IWGP Intercontinental Champion, four-time NEVER Openweight Champion, two-time IWGP Tag Team Champion with SANADA, and six-time NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Champion. He was also a part of two legendary factions in Los Ingobernables de Japon and Bullet Club, as well as House of Torture.