NJPW has officially announced that EVIL will be leaving the company at the end of the month. This follows growing speculation that he was set to depart the Japanese promotion.
The statement on NJPW’s website stated:
“Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
After careful consideration and discussions with NJPW management, EVIL, who has been a long standing member of the NJPW roster will leave New Japan Pro-Wrestling at the expiry of his contract at the end of January 2026.
We apologise to fans for the sudden nature of this announcement. New Japan Pro-Wrestling wishes EVIL the very best in his future activities.”
Rumors of an exit have swirled around EVIL since the beginning of the year. The Wrestling Observer’s Bryan Alvarez reported possible interest from WWE. EVIL’s loss at Wrestle Kingdom 20. At the event, EVIL dropped the NEVER Openweight Championship to the former Olympic gold medallist judoka, Aaron Wolf, pouring more fuel on the fire.
The timing of that title loss and EVIL’s subsequent departure has spelled out a possible Royal Rumble debut for the Japanese star, should he jump ship to WWE.
EVIL to WWE: A Strong and Sensible Signing
EVIL has made quite a name for himself during his second stint in NJPW. His return to the company in 2015, following a trip to the US, saw him transform from Takaaki Watanabe to the “King of Darkness,” EVIL. Under his new guise, EVIL enjoyed stints in Los Ingobernables de Japon, Bullet Club, and as the head of his own sub-faction, House of Torture.
Following his betrayal of Los Ingobernables leader Tetsuya Naito, EVIL reached top-tier status in NJPW at the turn of the decade. A New Japan Cup victory in 2020 led to EVIL defeating Naito to become the first wrestler to hold the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships simultaneously.
His CV and presence in NJPW have made him a valuable asset. WWE’s Japanese recruitment strategy makes him an ideal fit for the current landscape. Japanese stars IYO SKY, Asuka, Kairi Sane, and, more recently, Giulia have achieved major success in the WWE Women’s division. The company may be looking to repeat that feat on the men’s roster.
Currently, two male wrestlers from Japan represent the country in WWE: Akira Tozawa and Shinsuke Nakamura. Tozawa continues to be used as comic relief with little chance of disturbing the current hierarchy. As for Nakamura, while he is still impressive in the ring, he is closer to the end of his career than the beginning. The 45-year-old is in his tenth year at WWE. Nakamura has discussed retirement and possibly leaving WWE in recent months. EVIL could be seen as a worthy successor to Nakamura.
EVIL to Debut at the WWE Royal Rumble?
With EVIL’s departure confirmed just a week before the WWE Royal Rumble, can fans expect a surprise debut for the now former leader of House of Torture? Fewer stars have openly declared for the Royal Rumble match than usual this year, with WWE possibly adopting a more secretive strategy ahead of the popular PLE.
AEW’s departing star Powerhouse Hobbs and the eternally WWE-linked Chris Jericho are also rumored to be participating in the Royal Rumble. So, there are plenty of opportunities for shocks and surprises in 2026’s edition. EVIL may not be a household international name, but a convincing showing at the Royal Rumble might be a great way to introduce him to WWE fans and set his first feud in motion.
EVIL to leave NJPWhttps://t.co/YHuLdUkyi7 pic.twitter.com/YHHvVhO5VF
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) January 26, 2026
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