EVIL Reportedly Signs With WWE

EVIL is heading to WWE.

On January 26, New Japan Pro-Wrestling announced that EVIL would be leaving the promotion at the end of the month following the expiration of his contract. Following his departure, rumours began circulating that the ‘King of Darkness’ could be headed to WWE, and that now appears to be the case.

According to PWInsider, EVIL has now officially signed with WWE, bringing an end to months of speculation regarding his future.

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

-PWInsider

The report additionally notes that the expectation in Japan is that he will not keep the EVIL name, although no further information was provided regarding a potential new ring name.

Formerly a member of Los Ingobernables de Japón, EVIL rose to prominence in New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 2020, when he captured both the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and IWGP Intercontinental Championship after winning the New Japan Cup.

From there, he went on to form the villainous House of Torture alongside Dick Togo, with the group initially beginning as a branch of Bullet Club before becoming its own faction in May 2025.

EVIL, real name Takaaki Watanabe, joins his significant other IYO SKY in WWE, with the move marking his return to the United States following his excursion with Ring of Honor and Global Force Wrestling between 2014 and 2015.

You can find more on the latest WWE news, including all things EVIL, here.

As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on EVIL signing with WWE as soon as we hear more.