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EXCLUSIVE: WWE SIGNS FORMER IWGP HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION

World Wrestling Entertainment has signed former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL, PWInsider.com has confirmed with numerous sources in Japan.    While there have been rumors about his destination for month, PWInsider.com can confirm he is signed and sealed with WWE.

EVIL, real name Takaaki Watanabe, rose to the top of New Japan Pro Wrestling in 2020. Originally a member of the popular Los Ingobernables de Japón faction, EVIL shocked fans by betraying the group and aligning himself with Bullet Club, adopting a more villainous, interference-heavy style. Shortly after this turn, he defeated Tetsuya Naito to become a double champion, holding both the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Championships simultaneously. His reign marked a significant shift in NJPW storytelling during that period, emphasizing darker character work and controversial finishes.  The last several years, he was the centerpiece of the House of Torture.

EVIL, 39, first debuted in 2011, had an extended run in the United States for Ring of Honor as well as appearances for Global Force Wrestling.  He is the signifigant other of WWE's IYO SKY.  He departed New Japan this past January.

We are told the expectation in Japan is that he will not keep the EVIL ring name.

 

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