EVIL’s Final Chapter: Legends and Injured Wrestlers in New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Fateful End

Japanese professional wrestler Takaaki Watanabe, known globally by his ring name EVIL, has officially concluded his tenure with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and is set to join WWE, marking a significant shift in the professional wrestling landscape. The transition, confirmed by NJPW in late January 2026, ends a 15-year association with the Japanese promotion, where EVIL established himself as one of the most decorated and controversial figures in the company’s recent history.

Official Departure Announcement

NJPW publicly acknowledged EVIL’s departure on its official website, issuing a statement that read: “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.” The statement did not explicitly confirm his destination, but reports from wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer and podcast The Super J Cast had previously indicated that EVIL was WWE-bound.

A Storied NJPW Career

EVIL, born Takaaki Watanabe on January 26, 1987, in Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan, debuted in NJPW in 2011 as a Young Lion. His early career included an excursion to the United States, where he competed in Ring of Honor (ROH) from 2014 to 2015 under the name Takaaki Watanabe. Upon his return to NJPW in November 2015, he adopted the EVIL persona and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a cornerstone of the faction Los Ingobernables de Japón (L.I.J).

During his NJPW tenure, EVIL captured numerous championships, including the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, IWGP Intercontinental Championship, IWGP Tag Team Championship (twice with Sanada), NEVER Openweight Championship, and NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Championship (a record six times). He also won the New Japan Cup in 2020 and the World Tag League in 2017 and 2018 alongside Sanada. His 2020 victory in the New Japan Cup was particularly notable, as it culminated in a heel turn against L.I.J leader Tetsuya Naito, leading to a high-profile match at Dominion where EVIL defeated Naito to become the double IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion. This made him the only wrestler in NJPW history to hold the IWGP Heavyweight, IWGP Intercontinental, and NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Championships simultaneously.

In his final NJPW match, EVIL dropped the NEVER Openweight Championship to Aaron Henare at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026. His departure leaves a void in the House of Torture stable, which he led as one of NJPW’s top villainous factions.

WWE’s Latest International Acquisition

While WWE has not yet officially announced EVIL’s signing, industry reports and insider accounts strongly suggest he is headed to the company. WWE has increasingly prioritized international talent in recent years, with EVIL’s arrival following the signings of other high-profile NJPW stars such as Shinsuke Nakamura, Kenta, and most recently, Will Ospreay. EVIL’s experience as a multi-time champion and his ability to play both a dominant heel and a compelling underdog could make him a valuable addition to WWE’s roster.

Speculation about EVIL’s WWE role has already begun, with some analysts suggesting he could be positioned as a top contender on Raw or SmackDown, or even integrated into a faction similar to his House of Torture stable. His in-ring style, which blends technical wrestling with a ruthless, brawling approach, aligns with WWE’s current emphasis on athletic, high-impact performances. His fluency in English—honed during his time in ROH—could ease his transition into WWE’s global programming.

What’s Next for EVIL?

EVIL’s WWE debut is expected to occur in the coming months, though no specific timeline has been confirmed. Given WWE’s history of introducing new signings at major pay-per-view events or on televised specials, his first appearance could coincide with SummerSlam in August 2026 or WrestleMania 43 in April 2027. Until then, wrestling fans will be watching closely to see how WWE chooses to utilize one of NJPW’s most polarizing and accomplished stars.

For NJPW, EVIL’s departure marks the end of an era but also presents an opportunity to elevate new talent within the House of Torture stable or introduce fresh storylines. The company has not announced a replacement for EVIL’s leadership role, but speculation has already begun about potential successors, including stablemates Yujiro Takahashi, and Sho.

Legacy in NJPW

EVIL’s legacy in NJPW is complex and multifaceted. While he was celebrated for his in-ring prowess and championship pedigree, his 2020 betrayal of Tetsuya Naito remains one of the most shocking moments in modern NJPW history. His ability to generate heat as a villain and his versatility as a performer earned him a dedicated fanbase, even as he frustrated others with his ruthless tactics. His departure leaves behind a body of work that includes some of the most memorable matches and storylines of the past decade.

As EVIL prepares to embark on the next chapter of his career, his move to WWE represents not just a personal milestone but also a continuation of the ongoing exchange of talent between the two wrestling giants. For fans, it offers the promise of seeing a familiar face in a new environment, with the potential to create fresh rivalries and storylines on a global stage.