The wrestling world is buzzing with news that another former NJPW star could be joining forces with the newly debuted Naraku (formerly EVIL) in WWE NXT. Hiromu Takahashi, the beloved Japanese superstar and former stablemate of Naraku in the legendary Los Ingobernables de Japón (LIJ), is reportedly on the verge of making the leap to the WWE Performance Center.
According to sources cited by Bodyslam, there is growing speculation within WWE that Takahashi is expected to sign with the company. Even more intriguing, some insiders believe he may debut under the name "Nox Raijin"—a trademark that was originally filed for EVIL before a last-minute change saw him arrive as Naraku. Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp confirmed that WWE internal materials still listed EVIL as Nox Raijin as recently as Sunday, suggesting the switch to Naraku was a late decision made just before Tuesday night’s NXT reveal.
WWE filed the trademark for Nox Raijin with the USPTO on April 28, the same day as EVIL’s NXT debut. This timing raises the possibility that the name was always intended for a different performer—possibly Takahashi himself.
Takahashi’s resume is nothing short of legendary. Over 16 years with NJPW, he became a five-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and a record four-time Best of Super Juniors tournament winner (2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022). He also competed under the name Kamaitachi during an excursion to CMLL, where he won the CMLL World Lightweight Championship, and made appearances in ROH, AEW, and Pro Wrestling NOAH before departing NJPW earlier this year.
The potential reunion of Takahashi and Naraku on NXT would add a fascinating layer to the current storyline. The two were longtime members of LIJ before EVIL’s shocking betrayal in 2020, when he turned on the faction to join Bullet Club. A reunion—or a rivalry—between these two former stablemates could provide rich storytelling as Naraku continues his program with NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo.
Whether Takahashi arrives under the Nox Raijin name or a completely new identity, his expected signing signals that NXT is building a formidable roster of NJPW-affiliated talent. For fans of high-flying, hard-hitting action, the future of NXT just got a whole lot more exciting.