Backstage Update on Former NJPW Star Hiromu Takahashi’s WWE Status & His Potential In-Ring Name

Hiromu Takahashi’s future has been a topic of discussion among fans ever since reports started emerging that he is exiting New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

Takahashi exited NJPW this past February.

Recently, former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL showed up on WWE NXT. This led some to wonder if Takahashi would follow the same route. Bodyslam+ has an update on this.

According to the latest report, those in the Performance Center expect Hiromu to end up in WWE. Last night, EVIL addressed fans via a vignette and revealed his new in-ring name, Naraku.

Interestingly, ahead of last night’s NXT, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful reported that the 39-year-old’s WWE name was initially set to be ‘Nox Raijin’ before plans changed. The company filed an application to trademark ‘Nox Raijin’ late last month.

According to Bodyslam+, sources indicate that Hiromu Takahashi will likely adopt this name once he lands up in WWE.

Hiromu Takahashi wrestled his last match for NJPW at The New Beginning in Osaka on February 11, 2026. He tagged with Taiji Ishimori to defeat Francesco Akira and Jakob Austin Young of the United Empire. Takahashi is a five-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and a one-time IWGP Tag Team Champion.