Backstage Update on EVIL’s WWE Signing
As noted before, former NJPW talent EVIL, real name Takaaki Watanabe, recently signed an official contract with WWE. EVIL is currently expected to be given a new ring name for his career in WWE.
Fightful Select reported that their sources confirmed that EVIL recently signed a contract with WWE and provided additional details.
Those spoken to reportedly stated that EVIL had signed with WWE “quite a while back” and plans have been in motion for him to join the company for a while.
WWE Reportedly Considered Alternate Result for Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk Match at WrestleMania 42
As noted before, this past Sunday’s WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 2 event in Las Vegas, Nevada featured Roman Reigns defeating CM Punk to become the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE officials had considered plans for different finish for the match that would have resulted in CM Punk defeating Reigns to retain the title.
Meltzer reported that this plan would have led to a rematch at next month’s Backlash 2026 event where Reigns would defeat Punk to win the title.
Meltzer reported that the idea of Reigns winning the title at Backlash instead of WrestleMania 42 would have been as a way to protect Punk’s star position in WWE.
CM Punk Reportedly Faced No Disciplinary Action After WrestleMania 42 Fan Incident
As noted before, CM Punk, Damian Priest, and several other WWE talents were involved in several incidents with fans during this past WrestleMania 42 weekend at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Punk’s incident revolved around a fan interrupting and filming his wife AJ Lee and Bayley as the two were hugging and saying goodbye to each other in the hotel lobby after being told to leave and not take photos. This incident resulted in Punk smacking the phone away from the person’s hand before security stepped in to end the situation.
Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that Punk faced no disciplinary actions from WWE following his incident with the fan.
WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 2 Results – April 19, 2026 – CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns
Backstage Update on WWE’s NXT Call-ups Plans for SmackDown Brand & Joe Hendry’s Main Roster Status
WWE Touts Success of WrestleMania 42 as “One Of The Highest Grossing Events In WWE History”
![WWE Releases Uncle Howdy (Bo Dallas), Joe Gacy, Alba Fyre, Zoey Stark, & Nikki Cross [Update x4: Andre Chase & Rowan Also Released, Dexter Lumis Believed To Have Departed, Dante Chen Announces Departure]](https://www.tpww.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Uncle-Howdy-540x304.png "WWE Releases Uncle Howdy (Bo Dallas), Joe Gacy, Alba Fyre, Zoey Stark, & Nikki Cross [Update x4: Andre Chase & Rowan Also Released, Dexter Lumis Believed To Have Departed, Dante Chen Announces Departure]")
