EVIL Reportedly In Talks With WWE, Wants To Start In NXT

EVIL is reportedly still looking WWE-bound, with a new report noting that he is potentially seeking to start in NXT. As previously reported, the longtime NJPW star gave his notice to the Japanese promotion in January. It was reported at the time that he was likely headed to WWE at the time.

According to The Flagship Wrestling Podcast (per F4W Online), talks between EVIL and WWE are ongoing as of now. It was noted that he has expressed interest in potentially starting in NXT, as opposed to debuting on the main roster. The report notes that he believes starting in NXT would help him adapt to WWE’s style and that he would prefer to bring his established character into WWE.

EVIL has spent essentially his full wrestling career in NJPW, aside from an excursion to ROH in 2014. He spent the last several years as the founder and leader of HOUSE OF TORTURE in the promotion and is a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, IWGP Intercontinental Champion, NEVER Openweight Champion, IWGP Tag Team Champion, and NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champion. His final match in NJPW came at NJPW Road To The New Beginning in January 20th where he teamed with his HOUSE OF TORTURE stablemates in a loss to Aaron Wolf, Master Wato, Toru Yano & YOH.

Obviously, there is no word as of yet regarding when EVIL may make a WWE debut.