Everything is EVIL, but where is he heading next?
On January 26, New Japan Pro Wrestling announced that EVIL will be leaving the promotion when his contract expires on January 31. The news followed speculation that he could be on his way to WWE, and there is now more on that possibility.
According to Fightful Select, EVIL has been in talks about the possibility of joining WWE, and while he is expected to have options in Japan, NJPW sources believe the former House of Torture leader is looking to relocate to the United States.
“When evaluating options outside of NJPW, WWE and other Japanese companies are the likely options. EVIL has been backstage at a number of WWE events, supporting those close to him, and we’re told that there have been talks between the two sides. Those we spoke to in NJPW expect there to be options for him in Japan, but they expect him to try to relocate to the United States.”
-Fightful Select
The report also notes that All Elite Wrestling is not expected to be a destination for the ‘King of Darkness’, with AEW president Tony Khan reportedly not a fan of his work.
Regarding potential opportunities in Japan, some fans have speculated that EVIL could reunite with his former Los Ingobernables de Japon allies Tetsuya Naito and BUSHI in Pro Wrestling NOAH as Los Tranquilos de Japon, with fellow former LIJ member SANADA having taken an indefinite hiatus from NJPW as the group teases a new arrival.
Following NJPW’s announcement regarding EVIL’s exit, Ren Narita declared himself the new leader of House of Torture and is set to challenge Aaron Wolf for the NEVER Openweight Championship on February 11 at The New Beginning in Osaka.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on EVIL’s next move following his NJPW departure as soon as we hear more.
