NJPW is set to lose one of its top heels at the end of the month. On January 26, the promotion officially announced that EVIL will depart upon the expiration of his contract on January 31. The “King of Darkness,” who has been a central figure in NJPW booking since turning on Tetsuya Naito in 2020, appears poised for a move to the United States.
According to a new report from Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion has held talks with WWE regarding a potential run. While EVIL is expected to have suitors in Japan, sources indicate that he is looking to relocate to the US. “When evaluating options outside of NJPW, WWE and other Japanese companies are the likely options,” the report stated.
“EVIL has been backstage at a number of WWE events, supporting those close to him, and we’re told that there have been talks between the two sides. Those we spoke to in NJPW expect there to be options for him in Japan, but they expect him to try to relocate to the United States.”
Interestingly, one promotion does not appear to be in the running for his services. The report notes that AEW is not expected to be a destination for EVIL, as AEW President Tony Khan is reportedly “not a fan” of his work. This lack of interest from AEW clears the runway for WWE to potentially sign the 39-year-old, provided both sides can agree on terms.
In Japan, speculation continues to swirl regarding a potential reunion with his former Los Ingobernables de Japon stablemates. Rumors suggest EVIL could join Tetsuya Naito and BUSHI in Pro Wrestling NOAH under the banner of “Los Tranquilos de Japon,” especially with SANADA currently on indefinite hiatus. However, if the reports of his desire to move to the U.S. are accurate, a full-time run in NOAH seems unlikely.
Back in NJPW, the void left by EVIL’s exit has already been filled. Ren Narita has officially declared himself the new leader of House of Torture. The “Son of Strong Style” wasted no time in asserting his dominance, setting his sights on the gold. Narita is scheduled to challenge the new NEVER Openweight Champion, Aaron Wolf, on February 11 at The New Beginning in Osaka. Wolf, the Olympic Judoka who shocked the world by defeating EVIL for the title in his debut at Wrestle Kingdom 20, will face his first test against the revamped faction leader.
