NARAKU

Known for his tenure in New Japan Pro-Wrestling under the ring name EVIL, he defeated Tetsuya Naito at Dominion to become a double IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion, the only wrestler in NJPW history to hold the IWGP Heavyweight, Intercontinental, and NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championships simultaneously. A two-time IWGP Tag Team Champion with Sanada and a six-time NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champion, he emerged as the House of Torture’s leader and one of New Japan’s premier heels before departing NJPW in January 2026 and signing with WWE in April under the new name Naraku.

Now contending for the NXT Championship, Naraku made his debut on the April 28, 2026 episode of NXT confronting Tony D’Angelo and made his in-ring debut on May 12, defeating Lince Dorado. He lost the NEVER Openweight Championship to Aaron Wolf at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026, ending his fourth reign at 83 days, and has since rapidly ascended NXT’s ranks. Following a victory over Mason Rook, he earned a number one contenders match against Tony D’Angelo, securing his shot at the NXT Championship at Great American Bash on June 28 in Orlando.