A Former NJPW Champion Has Reportedly Signed With WWE

Former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL has reportedly signed with WWE, according to PWInsider, which reported that the deal is now “signed and sealed.” Sources in Japan also indicated to PWInsider that EVIL — real name Takaaki Watanabe — is not expected to keep his current ring name once he arrives in WWE. Dave Meltzer had first reported in late January that the 39-year-old was expected to be WWE-bound.

Meltzer had previously offered his assessment of what EVIL brings to the table in the February 2 Wrestling Observer Newsletter. “Born Takaaki Watanabe, 39, he’s a good worker even though the overuse of his stable often made New Japan mid-cards unwatchable. He’s a good worker, good heel, not off the charts or anything. He did a great job with Aaron Wolf but it’s not like his stuff was anything special and his title reign was terrible.” EVIL won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship during his time in NJPW and was a prominent member of the House of Torture faction before his departure from New Japan. His arrival in WWE under a new identity will be one of the more interesting roster additions of the post-WrestleMania period.