EVIL has made his WWE debut — but his new ring name remains undecided. The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion appeared on the April 28 episode of NXT, confronting NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo and handing him the Japanese symbol of war in his first appearance with the company. He was simply referred to as a very evil wrestler during the segment, with no new name revealed.
Speculation had circulated that his WWE name might be Nox Raijin after WWE filed to trademark the term on April 28 — Raijin being the god of lightning, thunder, and storms in Japanese mythology as well as in Shinto and Buddhist traditions, which would connect thematically to EVIL’s established character. However, WrestleVotes’ TC has since reported that WWE have yet to settle on a new name for EVIL, meaning Nox Raijin remains speculation rather than confirmation.
Following his backstage exit, Tavion Heights made his return and Will Kroos made his debut, with all three talents seemingly being positioned for involvement in the NXT Championship picture. It was reported that EVIL began his WWE career in NXT at his own personal request.
EVIL spent his entire career in NJPW from 2011 until his contract expired at the end of January 2026, establishing himself as one of the promotion’s top stars following his 2020 betrayal of Los Ingobernables de Japon to align with Bullet Club. His WWE career accolades include one IWGP Heavyweight Championship, one IWGP Intercontinental Championship, four NEVER Openweight Championship reigns, two IWGP Tag Team Championship reigns with SANADA, and six NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Championship reigns.
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