WWE Signs Former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL After NJPW Departure

When the news broke that WWE had signed former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL, the ripple effects weren’t just felt in Tokyo or Stamford—they reached neighborhoods where wrestling fans gather to debate the latest roster moves over coffee. Here in Austin, Texas, where the sound of live music often mingles with the chatter of grappling enthusiasts at spots like The White Horse or Scholz Garten, the signing sparked conversations about what this means for the local scene. For a city that prides itself on blending eculturistic influences—from Tejano music to tech innovation—the arrival of a major international wrestling talent into WWE’s orbit feels like another thread in the city’s ever-evolving cultural fabric.

EVIL, whose real name is Takaaki Watanabe, made his professional wrestling debut in 2011 with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), quickly rising through the ranks to become a cornerstone of the promotion. Over his tenure, he captured the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, and became a four-time NEVER Openweight Champion. His accolades extend further: he’s a record-setting six-time NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champion, a two-time IWGP Tag Team Champion (teaming with Sanada), and a two-time World Tag League winner. In 2020, he achieved a rare feat by holding the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships alongside the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Titles simultaneously, marking him as the only wrestler in NJPW history to be a triple crown champion.

His journey took him beyond Japan, with excursions to the United States where he competed for Ring of Honor (ROH) and Jeff Jarrett’s Global Force Wrestling (GFW) between 2014 and 2015. These stints exposed American audiences to his hard-hitting style and intense persona, building a foundation of recognition that likely factored into WWE’s decision. The PWInsider report confirmed that EVIL had informed NJPW back in January 2025 that he would not be renewing his contract, setting the stage for his eventual signing with WWE. Notably, the report also indicated that WWE may not retain his “EVIL” moniker, suggesting a potential rebranding upon his debut—a common practice when international talents transition to WWE’s developmental or main roster systems.

In Austin, a city known for its passionate indie wrestling community and events like Lucha Libre shows at the Mexican American Cultural Center or independent promotions running shows at venues such as the Scoot Inn, this signing resonates deeply. Local fans who followed EVIL’s ROH appearances or caught his GFW matches during his U.S. Excursions now see a familiar face poised for a larger platform. The city’s proximity to major wrestling events—like WWE’s periodic tours through the Erwin Center or AEW’s shows at the Frank Erwin Center—means that developments in talent acquisition often translate into heightened anticipation for future live events. Austin’s role as a tech hub means fans here are particularly adept at analyzing wrestling trends through data-driven lenses, discussing everything from contract implications to potential dream matches on forums and podcasts recorded in East Austin studios.

The signing also underscores broader trends in professional wrestling’s globalization. As WWE continues to scout talent from promotions like NJPW, ROH, and Mexico’s Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, the exchange enriches the in-ring product while fostering cross-cultural appreciation. For Austin’s diverse population—where over 35% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino and vibrant Asian American communities contribute to the city’s cultural mosaic—seeing Japanese talent succeed on a global stage reinforces narratives of inclusion and representation that resonate in local schools, community centers, and cultural festivals like the Austin Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Festival.

Given my background in analyzing how global entertainment trends intersect with local community dynamics, if this development impacts you as a wrestling fan, aspiring wrestler, or cultural enthusiast in Austin, here are three types of local professionals you might consider connecting with:

• Community Arts Program Coordinators: Look for individuals or organizations affiliated with venues like the Long Center or the Carver Museum who specialize in integrating global performance arts—including wrestling-inspired theater or movement-based storytelling—into youth outreach programs. The best candidates will have demonstrable experience creating inclusive spaces that honor international traditions while adapting them to local contexts, often partnering with groups like Austin Theatre Alliance or ZACH Theatre.
• Independent Wrestling Promotion Consultants: Seek out seasoned veterans who have worked with promotions such as Texas Championship Wrestling (TCW) or Lucha Libre Austin, focusing on those who understand talent development, cross-promotional booking, and the nuances of working with internationally experienced performers. Prioritize consultants who emphasize athlete safety, contractual transparency, and sustainable event planning—qualities often highlighted in interviews with figures from the Texas Independent Wrestling Alliance.
• Sports Media and Content Strategists: Identify professionals at local radio stations like KUTX 98.9 or community-focused podcast networks who have expertise in covering global wrestling trends through a local lens. The most effective strategists will reveal a track record of blending analytical depth with accessible storytelling, using platforms ranging from community access TV (like Austin Public) to subscription-based newsletters to engage diverse audiences.

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