EVILs WWE move has been rumored for months, with questions about whether hed start in NXT or go straight to the main roster. Now, that speculation is over the deal is done. After months of rumors, PWInsider confirmed that the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion has signed with WWE, putting an end to speculation about his next move following his NJPW exit earlier this year. That confirmation flips the conversation from if to whats next especially since earlier reports suggested there was already a difference in vision between EVIL and WWE about how he should debut, with EVIL reportedly wanting to start in NXT while the company leaned toward the main roster. Now, another key detail is starting to emerge and it could completely change how fans recognize him when he shows up, as PWInsider reported hes not expected to keep his name in WWE. Thats a major shift considering how closely the EVIL persona was tied to his rise in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he reinvented himself after turning on Los Ingobernables de Japn and joining Bullet Club. For context, EVIL real name Takaaki Watanabe hit his peak in 2020 when he defeated Tetsuya Naito to become a double champion, holding both the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental titles at the same time. He also brings experience from outside Japan, including runs in Ring of Honor and Global Force Wrestling something that could influence how quickly WWE decides to push him once he arrives. Theres also a built-in connection already inside WWE, as EVIL is the significant other of IYO SKY which could play a role in how hes introduced. Bottom line EVIL is officially in, his identity might not stay the same, and WWE still has a decision to make about how to roll him out. With the signing locked in, the only real question left is whether he shows up in NXT to adjust or gets thrown straight into the limelight on Raw or SmackDown. Do you think WWE should debut EVIL with a completely new identity, or stick closer to what made him successful in NJPW? Let us know your thoughts. G Add as a preferred source on Google
