Hold onto your seats, wrestling fans, because the wrestling world is about to be shaken up! A major shift is on the horizon as former NJPW champion EVIL is reportedly set to join WWE, marking the end of an era for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). But here's where it gets controversial—is this move a game-changer for WWE, or will EVIL struggle to find his footing in a new promotion? Let’s dive into the details.
During a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Live, Bryan Alvarez dropped a bombshell: EVIL, the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, has reportedly given his notice to NJPW and is rumored to be WWE-bound. This news was further corroborated by Super J-Cast, which confirmed that the leader of the House of Torture is indeed on his way out. At 38 years old, EVIL’s recent loss to Aaron Wolf at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4—where he dropped the NEVER Openweight Championship—may have been his final major match in NJPW. Wolf, a 2020 Olympic Judo gold medalist, made a stunning professional wrestling debut by submitting EVIL with a triangle choke, signaling a passing of the torch.
EVIL’s departure would close the book on a remarkable run in NJPW, where he established himself as one of the promotion’s most dominant heels. His list of achievements is nothing short of impressive: he’s a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, IWGP Intercontinental Champion, and a two-time IWGP Tag Team Champion alongside Sanada. Additionally, he holds the record for most NEVER Openweight Championship reigns (four) and is a six-time NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Champion. EVIL also won the prestigious 2020 New Japan Cup and the World Tag League in both 2017 and 2018 with Sanada. His legacy in NJPW is undeniable, but how will his style translate to WWE’s global stage?
And this is the part most people miss—EVIL isn’t the only NJPW star potentially on the move. Reports from Voices of Wrestling Flagship Plus suggest that Hiromu Takahashi may also be leaving NJPW. Meanwhile, WWE is reportedly eyeing Bullet Club War Dogs members Gabe Kidd and David Finlay, signaling a broader talent shift between promotions. Could this be the start of a larger exodus from NJPW to WWE?
NJPW, however, isn’t slowing down. With EVIL’s departure seemingly imminent, the promotion has already shifted focus to the NEVER Openweight Championship scene. At The New Beginning in Osaka, new champion Aaron Wolf will defend his title against Ren Narita in what promises to be a thrilling matchup. This will be Wolf’s first major test since dethroning EVIL at the Tokyo Dome, and fans are eager to see if he can solidify his reign.
But here’s the million-dollar question: Is WWE the right move for EVIL, or will he become just another name in a crowded roster? His unique character and in-ring style made him a standout in NJPW, but WWE’s creative direction has been hit or miss with similar talents. Will he thrive, or will he get lost in the shuffle? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
For those who want to stay updated on this developing story, be sure to credit Wrestling Observer Live with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. And don’t forget to subscribe to Wrestling Observer Live on YouTube for more insider insights. Andrew Ravens, the reporter behind this story, has been covering the wrestling world since 2013, delivering in-depth coverage of WWE, AEW, and beyond. Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Andrew’s work includes play-by-play event coverage, detailed transcriptions, and live reporting from major shows like Monday Night Raw, SmackDown, and AEW Dynamite. For news tips or correspondence, you can reach him at ravenstarmedia21@gmail.com. The wrestling landscape is changing—are you ready for what’s next?
