Massive WWE debut; Former world champion breaks silence

WWE hosted the biggest event of the year in Las Vegas, and the company is now focused on introducing new stars on all three brands. Recently, EVIL made his debut for the company and broke his silence on X.

There have been times when superstars hone their craft on the independent circuit or train for years in Japan before signing with the Stamford-based promotion. From AJ Styles to Talla Tonga, notable names have had runs in the Land of the Rising Sun before joining WWE. On the recent edition of WWE NXT, EVIL made his debut for the company.

The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion interrupted Tony D’Angelo with a warning and left the ring. Later, the champion was attacked by Tavion Heights and Will Kroos. Later, the 39-year-old star broke silence on social media when he retweeted his debut with a message.

“I’ve Arrived. #WWENXT,” EVIL’s tweet on X.

During the show, the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion wasn’t addressed mysteriously, but without a proper in-ring name. The company has a trademark filed, which could be for the 39-year-old star, but only time will tell.

Why is EVIL on WWE NXT?

In the past, superstars have joined the developmental brand and had a run under Triple H’s creative leadership before they moved to the main roster. Shinsuke Nakamura, Samoa Joe, Finn Balor, and more have had prior experience in wrestling, but started from the black and yellow brand.

There have been exceptions to this rule when AJ Styles debuted for the company at the Royal Rumble in 2016. Over the past few years, top names from Japan have joined the company under the new regime and made it to the main roster without a run on the developmental brand.

Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, JC Mateo, and Talla Tonga joined Friday Night SmackDown. According to Bodyslam, the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, EVIL, wanted to start from the developmental brand instead of starting on the main roster.

The 39-year-old star wants to get accustomed to the wrestling scene in the United States, which is why he’s starting with NXT. As for his name, a new report suggests the management is still trying to figure it out. It’ll be interesting to see what’s next for EVIL in the Stamford-based promotion.