Tag: evil

AJ Styles says ‘it’s important’ for talents like Naraku to start WWE run with NXT 

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

AJ Styles addressed Naraku debuting on NXT over the main roster. Before signing with WWE, there it was reported that he was keen to start with NXT to acquaint himself with the workaround in the company. 

On the latest episode of The Phenomenally Retro Podcast, Styles cited that Shinsuke Nakamura also competed on NXT. He had an extensive career on NJPW for nearly 14 years before his WWE transition, that too on their developmental brand. 

“Shinsuke Nakamura was also in NXT. I’m just throwing that out there. Listen, I think there’s certain things that we all need to learn in NXT, that will prepare us for the main roster. Even I had to learn quick ‘Holy crap, this they don’t do this, they do this, this. It was a learning process and I had to learn quick because I was on there. I couldn’t afford to screw up or mess up or whatever it is you want to call it. I wanted to stay on the main roster and I had to impress the guy in charge.”

“So, we don’t want anybody to go up to the main roster and have to learn like that. I don’t think that’s a good idea. It’s better to go (to NXT). It’s just a smooth transition.”

Styles emphasized the imperativeness of talents familiarizing themselves with WWE’s structure of camera angles and production which is not a common concept in Japan. 

“Because you don’t do that in Japan. There’s no producers in Japan. Because it doesn’t matter where the cameras are, they just shoot. They don’t know. At least when I was there, they didn’t know that it was entertainment. It was a sport. So the camera guys were not involved in the booking meetings, whatever, the meetings in general. We need to know where all this stuff is. It’s important. At least I had TNA. Before I had New Japan, I was in TNA. I knew where the cameras were, and I knew to play to the cameras. But still, there’s certain things that we want to have in place before you go to the main roster.”

On the April 28 edition of NXT, Naraku made his debut on the promotion and confronted Tony D’Angelo. His identity was referenced as a ‘former IWGP champion’. Shortly after his WWE ring name was confirmed.  

Last weekend, Naraku and IYO SKY announced their wedding on social media. 

WWE couple officially announce marriage

Posted on by Ian Carey

EVIL (now known as Naraku) and IYO SKY are married.

The couple officially disclosed their relationship on an episode of the Japanese documentary series Jounetsu Tairiku, which aired on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

SKY later posted images of them together to social media along with the caption “Mr & Mrs.”

She included the following message in her post (translated via Google):

“To everyone who always gives us such warm support,

This is a private matter, but we would like to report that NARAKU (formerly EVIL), who belongs to WWE, and IYO SKY (formerly Io Shirai), also of WWE, are husband and wife.

We each began walking the path of professional wrestling in Japan, and although we have seen different scenery and different “skies,” from this early summer onward, we are deeply grateful and happy to be colleagues and comrades challenging ourselves on the same stage of WWE across the sea.

From now on, as husband and wife, we will support each other in our daily lives. And as WWE ‘superstars,’ while sharing both lonely “darkness” and glory, we will continue to improve one another and devote ourselves so that each of us can shine even brighter.

We will not forget our gratitude to all the fans who have supported and guided us up to now, and to everyone involved, and together we will keep pushing forward toward even greater heights.

We are still immature as a couple, but we sincerely ask for your continued guidance and support.

May 17, 2026

NARAKU
(EVIL)

IYO SKY
(Io Shirai)”

IYO SKY and Naraku in WWE

Naraku made his WWE in-ring debut on the May 12 edition of NXT, defeating Lince Dorado. He also wrestled twice on this weekend’s house shows. On Friday in Buffalo, he lost an NXT title match to Tony D’Angelo. On Saturday’s show, he teamed with Grayson Waller in a loss to D’Angelo and Shiloh Hill.

As for IYO SKY, she is coming off a win over Sol Ruca on the May 11 Raw and a win over Asuka at WWE Backlash on May 9. She dropped her previous match before that, an Intercontinental Championship match against Becky Lynch on the April 27 Raw.

SKY’s social media post announcing her marriage to Naraku is below.

Update on WWE’s Nox Raijin name after EVIL revealed as Naraku

Posted on by Ian Carey

An update is available regarding WWE trademarking the name Nox Raijin.

In the days leading up to former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion EVIL debuting in NXT, reports surfaced that he would go by the name Nox Raijin, which WWE filed to trademark on April 28, the same day EVIL debuted on NXT and confronted Tony D’Angelo.

On the May 5, 2026 edition of NXT, it was revealed that EVIL will use the name Naraku.

In his report on Tuesday’s show, our own Bryan Alvarez wrote that EVIL not going by Nox Raijin was not a swerve, and that somebody else will use the Nox Raijin name, just not EVIL.

Alvarez wrote about EVIL being revealed as Naraku instead of Nox Raijin:

“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.”

Alvarez’s full report on Tuesday’s show is available here for subscribers.

Naraku did not appear live on the May 5 episode of NXT, but a vignette aired with him explaining to Tony D’Angelo that he wants a shot at his NXT Championship.

WWE confirms EVIL’s new NXT name

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Naraku is debuting next week.

On Tuesday’s NXT, the former EVIL narrated a promo talking about how he wrestled and won many titles in his home country of Japan. He said that NXT was entering a new era of opportunity and he wanted to be a part of it. He said Tony D’Angelo sat on top of NXT, having the title that he wants. He did not present D’Angelo with a gift but a proclamation: they would do battle one day.

At the end of the video it was revealed he would be going under the name Naraku moving forward, and would debut next week.

Another name had been linked to EVIL

The former EVIL’s new name is contrary to a report earlier in the day from Fightful that the former IWGP World Champion would be going under the name Nox Raijin, which WWE trademarked on April 28. Bryan Alvarez also reported earlier in the day that he would be going under that name.

The former EVIL made his debut on last week’s NXT, confronting Tony D’Angelo and handing him a shirt that had the symbol of ‘WAR’ on it. He exited the ring, which left D’Angelo distracted long enough for Tavion Heights to come in and lay him out. Will Kroos, who was unidentified, also came out and gave D’Angelo a top rope moonsault.

EVIL makes WWE NXT debut, confronts Tony D’Angelo

Posted on by Bryan Rose

EVIL has arrived in NXT.

Tony D’Angelo was in the ring talking about how many people seemed to have an interest in the NXT title, but was fixated on the box that was given to him on last week’s show, which had the Japanese symbol for war. That was when the lights went out and a hooded figure approached the ring and handed D’Angelo what appeared to be a banner, which had the same symbol as last week. EVIL then removed his hood and the two had a brief staredown.

EVIL, who was not referred to by that name, was only identified as being a “former IWGP Champion.” 

As the former EVIL walked away, Tavion Heights attacked D’Angelo from behind, seemingly turning heel. He stated he was going to start taking what he wanted as he made his exit. But the segment still wasn’t over as another guy, who was heavyset and not identified, hit a top rope moonsault on D’Angelo, finally bringing the segment to an end.

EVIL had his final match with NJPW at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, losing the NEVER title to Aaron Wolf in what was the latter’s pro wrestling debut. Reports since then indicated that WWE, and specifically NXT, would be his next destination.

WWE reportedly signs former IWGP Heavyweight Champion

Posted on by Ian Carey

EVIL has reportedly signed with WWE.

In late January, Dave Meltzer reported that the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion was expected to be WWE-bound. On Friday, PWInsider published a report stating that EVIL is now “signed and sealed” with the company.

It was also noted in the report that the expectation from sources in Japan is that he will not keep the EVIL name in WWE.

Meltzer addressed EVIL potentially heading to WWE in the February 2, 2026, edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, writing:

“Born Takaaki Watanabe, 39, he’s a good worker even though the overuse of his stable often made New Japan mid-cards unwatchable. I know some thinking his leaving will help, but that stable with the constant ref bumps and interference will remain, just with Ren Narita in charge. He’s a good worker, good heel, not off the charts or anything. He did a great job with Aaron Wolf but it’s not like his stuff was anything special and his title reign was terrible.”

Report: NJPW veteran EVIL wants to start WWE run in NXT

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

EVIL (real name Takaaki Watanabe) could be headed to WWE soon and reportedly would like to start in NXT.

While there is no official confirmation on EVIL’s WWE signing, Voices of Wrestling reports discussions between the two sides are ongoing. The New Japan Pro-Wrestling veteran is said to have expressed interest in potentially beginning his WWE run in NXT rather than moving to the main roster directly, feeling it would help him adapt to the WWE style.

The report also notes he would prefer to maintain his already established EVIL persona in WWE.

Watanabe made his wrestling debut in 2011 in NJPW as a young lion. Following an excursion to ROH in 2014 for a year, he returned to the promotion as EVIL.

After wrestling as a member of Los Ingobernables de Japon, Watanabe joined Bullet Club in July 2020. He defeated Tetsuya Naito at Dominion on July 12, 2020 in Osaka-jo Hall to win both the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Championships.

Big Audio Nightmare: Hiromu & EVIL’s departures, previews of big NJPW & Stardom shows

Posted on by Adam Summers

The Big Audio Nightmare returns as Adam Summers and Mike Sempervive discuss everything happening in the very busy world of Japanese professional wrestling.

Topics include the departures of EVIL and Hiromu Takahashi from NJPW, the state of the promotion’s rebuild, and previews of the coming week’s big Stardom and NJPW shows.

Subscribers can click here to listen.

EVIL leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling

Posted on by Bryan Rose

EVIL is leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling.

The company announced on their website Sunday that the former IWGP World Champion would be leaving the promotion at the end of January.

“After careful consideration and discussions with NJPW management, EVIL, who has been a long standing member of the NJPW roster will leave New Japan Pro-Wrestling at the expiry of his contract at the end of January 2026. We apologise to fans for the sudden nature of this announcement. New Japan Pro-Wrestling wishes EVIL the very best in his future activities,” they wrote.

Last week, Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Live noted that there had been strong rumors that EVIL was heading to WWE. Super J-Cast reported on the same day that EVIL had given notice to the company. He last wrestled on January 20, with House of Torture losing to Aaron Wolf, Master Wato, Toru Yano, and YOH in a multi-man match.

Dave Meltzer on social media also noted that EVIL was heading to WWE:

Takaaki Watanabe started as a young lion back in 2011 and following his excursion returned in 2015 using the EVIL moniker, first aligning himself with Tetsuya Naito and Los Ingobernables de Japon. In 2020, he turned against Naito and joined Bullet Club, later forming the subgroup House of Torture. At that year’s Dominion event, he defeated Naito to win his one and only IWGP Heavyweight title thanks to interference from Dick Togo. His last high-profile match was losing the NEVER title to Olympian Aaron Wolf at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4.

In addition to the Heavyweight title, EVIL has also held the IWGP Tag Team, IWGP Intercontinental, NEVER, and NEVER Six-Man Tag Team titles.

Former IWGP champion reportedly gives notice to NJPW, expected to head to WWE

Posted on by Josh Nason

Former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Intercontinental Champion and Tag Team Champion EVIL has reportedly given his notice to NJPW and appears to be WWE bound.

Seen below, Bryan Alvarez mentioned the news during Wednesday’s Wrestling Observer Live with the Super J-Cast reporting Wednesday that he has indeed given notice, also noting his expected destination.

The 38-year-old fell in defeat to Aaron Wolf at this month’s Wrestle Kingdom 20, losing the NEVER Openweight title in the process. He’s held the IWGP Heavyweight title, the Intercontinental title, the Tag Team titles twice (both with Sanada), the Openweight title four times, the NEVER Openweight Six-Man titles six times, and won the 2020 New Japan Cup in addition to the 2017 and 2018 World Tag League, also with Sanada.

On the Voices of Wrestling Flagship Plus show, it was said that Hiromu Takahashi also may be on his way out of NJPW, creating a potential exodus that has already included Sanada and could also include Gabe Kidd and David Finlay, both of whom are drawing interest from WWE.

Fight Game: Saying goodbye to Hiroshi Tanahashi

Posted on by Garrett Gonzales

John LaRocca and Garrett Gonzales return with a brand-new Fight Game to discuss some of the most interesting topics in pro wrestling.

We gave out our thumbs up and thumbs down for the week before focusing on this past weekend’s Wrestle Kingdom 20.

We talked about Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada being near perfect, the poetry of the book-end feud, Yota Tsuji beating Konosuke Takeshita, and the debut of Aaron Wolf.

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

Report: NJPW star rumored to be ‘looking for options’ outside company

Posted on by Ian Carey

According to a new report, a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion may be considering options outside of New Japan Pro Wrestling.

On Sunday, Fightful Select reported that EVIL is believed to be exploring potential options in the near future. The report noted that AEW is not expected to be among those options, as Tony Khan is said to not be a fan of EVIL’s work.

The House of Torture leader lost the NEVER Openweight Championship at the Tokyo Dome during Wrestle Kingdom 20 on Sunday. EVIL was defeated by Olympic gold medalist judoka Aaron Wolf, who was making his in-ring debut.

The 38-year-old entered the NJPW Dojo system in 2011 and later went on excursion to Ring of Honor in 2014 and 2015 before returning under the EVIL persona in October 2015. He is a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Intercontinental Champion, two-time IWGP Tag Team Champion with SANADA, and four-time NEVER Openweight Champion.

EVIL to defend NEVER title against Aaron Wolf at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20

Posted on by Vincent Verhei

A new title match is official for Wrestle Kingdom 20.

Last month, it was announced that Olympic gold medalist Aaron Wolf would make his pro wrestling debut against EVIL at the Tokyo Dome on January 4. During NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 20 press conference on Monday, EVIL upped the ante. After Wolf’s opening comments, in which he vowed to spend the next two months preparing for his debut match, it was EVIL’s turn to speak. But first he pulled out a can of spray paint and stained the NEVER Openweight belt gold, declaring that it was his gold medal and he was the only gold medalist in professional wrestling. 

As the two began to argue about gold medals and respect, EVIL claimed that Wolf was scared going into his first match, and that he was going to put even more pressure on the debutante by putting the NEVER title on the line. 

Wolf, who won a gold medal in judo at the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo, signed with New Japan Pro Wrestling in June. He first made his presence known in NJPW at the King of Pro-Wrestling event in Ryōgoku on October 13. On that show, EVIL defeated Oleg Boltin to win the NEVER Openweight title. After the match, Boltin was attacked by EVIL’s House of Torture comrades, including Dick Togo and Yujiro Takahashi. Wolf hit the ring and laid them out to make the save. EVIL then challenged Wolf to face him at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4 in the Tokyo Dome. 

NEVER is an acronym of the terms “New Blood”, “Evolution”, “Valiantly”, “Eternal”, and “Radical.” The championship was originally meant to feature younger talent and outside wrestlers not signed to the promotion. EVIL is a four-time NEVER champion, having defended the title three times and spending over 220 days as champ. Tomohiro Ishii has won the belt a record six times, while five-time champion Shingo Takagi holds the records for most defenses (nine) and most total days as champion (530). 

Here is the current card for WrestleKingdom 20:

NJPW WrestleKingdom 20 (January 4)

  • IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Konosuke Takeshita vs. IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji in a winner takes all match
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi retirement match, opponent yet to be named. 
  • EVIL vs. Aaron Wolf for NEVER Openweight title
  • NJPW Strong Women’s Champion Saya Kamitani vs. IWGP Women’s Champion Syuri in a winner takes all match

Big Vinny V: TNA Emergence and G1 Climax finals

Posted on by Vincent Verhei

It’s a packed edition of the Big Vinny V Show, covering TNA’s latest app special and the controversial final match in Japan’s biggest tournament.

We’ll start with TNA Emergence, where NXT’s Trick Williams defended the world title against Moose; Leon Slater and Cedric Alexander stole the show in an X Division battle; and Sami Callihan wrestled his last match against Mike Santana.

Then it’s off to Tokyo for Konosuke Takeshita vs. EVIL in the G1 Climax finals. Why was that pairing so controversial, what does it say about the state of New Japan in 2025, and what’s next for Takeshita going forward? We’ll break it all down on the latest Big Vinny V Show!

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NJPW crowns G1 Climax 35 winner

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Konosuke Takeshita has won the G1 Climax.

Takeshita defeated EVIL in the finals of Sunday’s match in Ariake Arena to win the tournament for the first time. Despite interference early on, the end of the match became competitive and free from the usual House of Torture interference once Zack Sabre Jr., Rocky Romero, and NJPW young lions helped drag out the HoT members, leaving EVIL and Takeshita by themselves. Despite favoring his knee throughohut the match, Takeshita overcame the injury and pinned EVIL with the Raging Fire to win his first-ever G1.

After the match, an emotional Takeshita said he was glad he became a professional wrestler. He said anyone in the crowd or watching at home could become a pro wrestler, but they would have to know that he is the best. He finished by declaring himself The Alpha.

The win gives Takeshita the right to challenge for the IWGP World Championship, which is currently held by Zack Sabre Jr. Takeshita beat Sabre to advance to the G1 finals, while EVIL defeated Yota Tsuji.

Prior to the main event, it was pushed that House of Torture had won most of the weekend, including all of their multi-man tag team matches that took place on Sunday’s undercard.