wrestling / News
Backstage Update on WWE NXT’s Plans for EVIL
May 5, 2026 | Posted by
Image Credit: WWE
Former IWGP Heavyweight Champion and NJPW star EVIL made his WWE NXT debut on last week’s NXT TV. Fightful Select has an update on EVIL.
As many noted, Vic Joseph did not refer to EVIL by his ring name, suggesting a name change for the wrestler was likely. Joseph did mention the word “evil” for some world play.
According to Fightful’s update, WWE’s internal roster is currently listing EVIL by his real name, Takaaki Watanabe. It’s also said that the recently filed WWE trademark for “Nox Raijin” is going to be used for EVIL.
During his TV segment, EVIL confronted reigning NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo, handing him a scroll with Kanji written on it before leaving. The segment then ended with Tavion Heights and Will Kroos attacking the champion.