WWE Reportedly Still Planning To Use ‘Nox Raijin’ Trademark
WWE are still planning on using the ‘Nox Raijin’ trademark after EVIL’s name reveal.
Last night’s episode of WWE NXT saw former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL introduce himself as NARAKU, with Fightful Select having previously reported that WWE’s recent ‘Nox Raijin’ trademark was intended for him, although those plans now appear to have changed.
Despite EVIL not taking on the ‘Nox Raijin’ name, it appears WWE still have plans for the trademark, as Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer reports that it is set to be used for another talent.
“This was weird because I and several others were told he was going to be NOX RAIJIN. Whatever happened, that name wasn’t a swerve, someone is going to be Nox, just not EVIL.”
-Bryan Alvarez
Following the reveal of NARAKU as EVIL’s new ring name, Sean Ross Sapp took to X to report that there were internal materials for EVIL featuring the trademarked ‘Nox Raijin’ name as recently as Sunday, suggesting the change was a recent decision.
Furthermore, BodySlam are now reporting that the decision to use the NARAKU name came just one day prior to the reveal, with another source noting that promotional material had been produced for EVIL under the initial ‘Nox Raijin’ name.
“Sources indicate to Bodyslam that the decision to use the name NARAKU came together on Monday with WWE filing to trademark the name on Tuesday. Another source indicated that EVIL was initially going to be known as Nox Raijin and the company had been working on vignettes and promotional materials over the weekend with the Nox Raijin name.”
-BodySlam
Whilst it remains unclear what WWE’s plans are for the ‘Nox Raijin’ trademark, many fans are already speculating that the name could be used for former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Hiromu Takahashi, who is reportedly expected to be WWE-bound following his departure from New Japan Pro-Wrestling earlier this year.
Beyond the reveal of his new ring name, NARAKU also made it clear that he has his sights set on Tony D’Angelo and the NXT Championship, with his in-ring debut set for next week’s episode of WWE NXT.
You can find more on the latest WWE news, including future plans for NXT, here.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on WWE’ plans for the ‘Nox Raijin’ trademark as soon as we hear more.
