Backstage News on EVIL’s NXT Debut

EVIL has officially debuted in WWE, but his arrival in NXT rather than the main roster was not a company call.

The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion appeared on the April 28 episode of NXT from the WWE Performance Center, immediately inserting himself into the NXT Championship picture. He interrupted Tony D’Angelo and handed him a Japanese symbol of war, continuing a mystery that began the previous week. EVIL then left the ring without further incident, signaling his interest in the title.

The segment also included the return of Tavion Heights and the debut of Will Kroos, both targeting D’Angelo. That moment created multiple challengers around the NXT Champion at once.

Given EVIL’s experience and age, his placement in NXT led to questions about WWE’s plans. However, according to Cory Hays of Bodyslam, the decision came from EVIL himself. He reportedly asked to begin his WWE run in NXT rather than debuting on the main roster.

His official WWE ring name has not yet been confirmed. During the broadcast, he was described simply as a “very evil wrestler.” PWInsider previously reported on April 24 that EVIL had signed with WWE after months of speculation following his departure from NJPW.

Before joining WWE, EVIL spent his entire career in New Japan Pro-Wrestling from 2011 until his contract expired in January 2026. During that time, he became a top name, leading the House of Torture faction and previously aligning with Los Ingobernables de Japón and Bullet Club.

His accomplishments include holding the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, multiple NEVER Openweight titles, and tag team success alongside SANADA.

EVIL is also known as the partner of IYO SKY, further linking him to WWE before his debut.

Backstage News on EVIL’s NXT Debut

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