On the April 28 episode of NXT, former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL made a stunning surprise debut, stepping into the ring to confront NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo. NXT commentator Vic Joseph cleverly sidestepped using EVIL’s established ring name, relying on careful wordplay instead. And now, according to Fightful Select, the wrestler who is currently listed on WWE’s internal roster under his real name, Takaaki Watanabe, will be wrestling as “Nox Raijin” following a trademark application filed last week.
“Fightful Select learned that EVIL is on WWE’s internal roster under his real name, Takaaki Watanabe. There was a trademark filed on April 28th for ‘Nox Raijin,’ and that is for EVIL in WWE.” – Fightful Select
In professional wrestling, trademarks serve as essential tools for protecting ring names, personas, and merchandise rights. WWE routinely secures these filings to own gimmick names outright, ensuring full control over branding and revenue streams while minimizing legal complications when talent moves between promotions. For incoming stars like EVIL, rebranding under a new trademarked name, such as “Nox Raijin,” allows the company to build long-term value without disputes. This strategic approach transforms wrestlers into protected intellectual property assets, thereby minimizing their value to rival promotions.
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