Published: Apr 29, 2026 by Dave Adamson | Last Updated: Apr 29, 2026 by Dave Adamson
Dave has been a website writer for WrestleTalk since October 2022, having previously written for Den of Geek, among a number of wrestling, movie and television-related sites. Dave has been around the independent wrestling scene for more than a decade, including behind-the-scenes.
WWE
Former NJPW star EVIL has made his WWE NXT debut on last night’s episode and has addressed that appearance.
Interrupting Tony D’Angelo on the April 28 episode of WWE NXT, the as-yet-unnamed star formerly known as EVIL was recognized as the “former IWGP Heavyweight Champion” on commentary, clearly setting sights on the NXT Championship.
Over on Twitter, EVIL would address his WWE NXT debut with a very simple message, reading:
“I’ve Arrived.”
EVIL wasn’t the only star to make their debut on last night’s episode of WWE NXT, although is arguably the most high profile.
It was reported that the former NJPW star had signed with WWE last week, having parted ways with New Japan Pro-Wrestling earlier this year.
A former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, EVIL has also held with IWGP Intercontinental Championship, and is a four-time NEVER Openweight Champion.
Outside of singles action, he is a six-time NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champion, and a two-time IWGP Tag Team Champion.
AEW & WWE Battle For NJPW Stars
Not for the first time, AEW and WWE battled to sign NJPW stars earlier this year, with David Finlay opting to sign with Tony Khan instead of Triple H & Nick Khan.
Finlay signing with AEW may have disrupted plans for Birthright, an NXT faction of multi-generational stars, but it keeps the former Bullet Club War Dogs member close to Gabe Kidd & Clark Connors, with The Dogs being AEW World Trios Champion.
EVIL was seemingly not likely to be AEW-bound, with a previous report noting that Tony Khan “doesn’t like” the work of the former NJPW star. Arguably, this was made apparent by EVIL not appearing on AEW television, despite the close relationship with New Japan Pro-Wrestling and crossover shows such as Forbidden Door.
Whatever form EVIL’s time in WWE takes, his debut comes in the wake of a number of releases, with main roster and NXT stars alike parting ways with the company. A prominent star in NJPW, it can only be hoped he sees similar success in his new home, with a potential move to Raw or SmackDown when the time is right.
For the time being, the fan reaction on last night’s WWE NXT suggests that the right move has been made and the idea of a feud for the NXT Championship is a worthy direction.
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