According to a report by PWinsider.com, WWE has officially signed former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL. The 39-year-old Japanese star, real name Takaaki Watanabe, made a significant impact in New Japan Pro-Wrestling following his explosive 2020 heel turn from Los Ingobernables de Japón to Bullet Club, but opted to depart the promotion earlier this year. While ex-New Japan talents have typically gone on to join AEW in recent years, the belief is that EVIL, who will now undergo a name change, always wanted to sign with WWE due to being the real-life partner of WWE star IYO SKY.
“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. … We are told the expectation in Japan is that he will not keep the EVIL ring name.” – PWInsider.com
EVIL enjoyed a remarkable 15-year career in NJPW from 2011 to 2026. After beginning as a Young Lion and wrestling excursions in the United States, he returned in 2015 and joined Los Ingobernables de Japón. His highlights include two-time IWGP Tag Team Championship success with SANADA, a record six-time NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship reign, and a memorable 2020 breakout where he won the New Japan Cup, betrayed Tetsuya Naito, and became a dual champion. He later led Bullet Club’s House of Torture as a top heel until deciding his future was elsewhere, as Japanese talents can now make much more money working in the United States.
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