wrestling / News

NJPW Star EVIL Reportedly WWE-Bound

January 22, 2026 | Posted by Yash Mittal
WWE, EVIL. Image Credit: NJPW

Four-time NEVER Openweight Champion EVIL is reportedly on his way out of New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

In the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Live (via WrestlingNews.co), Bryan Alvarez stated that EVIL might be on his way out of NJPW, with all roads leading to WWE. This was after The Super J-Cast reported that the House of Torture leader has given his notice to the Japan-based promotion.

He said:

“By the way, EVIL might be on his way out of New Japan, and it is strongly rumored that he is on his way to WWE.”

EVIL was dethroned as the NEVER Openweight Champion by Aaron Wolf at Wrestle Kingdom 20 earlier this month. Following that, there were reports that he had been considering options outside the company.

The 38-year-old has been one of the lynchpins of NJPW for the past decade or so. His list of accolades in the company is extensive. He is a one-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, a one-time IWGP Intercontinental Champion, a two-time Tag Team Champion, and a six-time NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Champion.

Additionally, EVIL has held the NEVER Openweight Championship four times. He is also a former winner of the New Japan Cup (2020) and has also won the World Tag League with Sanada twice. With EVIL seemingly set to leave the company, NJPW has moved on with its plans for the NEVER Openweight Title, with newly crowned champion Aaron Wolf set to defend it against Ren Narita at The New Beginning in Osaka on February 11.

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Naraku, NJPW, Yash Mittal