As noted before, EVIL’s, real name Takaaki Watanabe, contract with NJPW expired this past January and had departed from the company. EVIL is currently expected to be joining WWE for the next destination for his wrestling career.
Voices of Wrestling reported that their sources stated that discussions between EVIL and WWE for a potential contract are still on-going.
Those spoken to reportedly stated that EVIL has expressed interest in wanting to start in WWE’s NXT brand due to feeling it would help him adapt to the WWE style better. EVIL reportedly also would prefer to maintain his already established EVIL persona in the company.
It was reported that WWE officials currently want EVIL to skip their NXT brand and start off on their main roster

WWE RAW Notes: Joe Tessitore Fills In for Michael Cole, IYO SKY Advances to Finals of Queen of the Ring, Oba Femi Advances to Finals of King of the Ring, Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker in Steel Cage Match Announced for Night of Champions 2026, Logan Paul & Angelo Dawkins Returns, Early Start Time and More for 6/22 Show
AEW Dynamite Notes: MJF & Mark Briscoe Reveals Teams for Steel Cage Match at Forbidden Door, The Dogs vs. Cope & Cage for AEW World Tag Titles and Bandido vs. Jon Moxley for AEW Continental Title Matches Set for Forbidden Door, Mercedes Mone Advances to Women’s Owen Hart Cup Finals, 6/20 Collision Show Card
Lance Storm Underwent Nasal Surgery & Provides Update on His Backstage Status for TNA Slammiversary 2026




