EVIL may be signed with WWE, but he hasn’t been assigned to a brand — and internally, he’s reportedly sitting in an unexpected spot on the roster.
After reports confirmed that the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion signed with WWE, a new update has surfaced revealing that the company hasn’t placed him on Raw, SmackDown, or NXT yet. Instead, he’s currently listed in a category that raises even more questions about how and when he’ll debut.
According to PWInsider, EVIL is internally listed in a temporary holding category rather than being attached to a specific show.
“Former IWGP Champion EVIL has not been officially assigned to any WWE brand and is listed internally on the company’s ‘Misc.’ roster, which is also where legends and injured talents reside internally.”
That detail suggests WWE hasn’t finalized creative plans for how to introduce him, even though the signing itself has already been confirmed by sources overseas. The same update also noted that WWE hasn’t publicly confirmed his arrival yet, keeping his status somewhat quiet despite the buzz surrounding the deal.
“WWE has not officially acknowledged he has been signed by the company.”
EVIL’s signing was first confirmed after months of rumors about his future following his departure from New Japan Pro-Wrestling. That earlier report made it clear that the deal was complete after speculation about whether he would join WWE at all.
“World Wrestling Entertainment has signed former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL, PWInsider.com has confirmed with numerous sources in Japan. While there have been rumors about his destination for month, PWInsider.com can confirm he is signed and sealed with WWE.”
There are also already expectations that he won’t be keeping the EVIL name once he appears on WWE programming, which could signal a full repackage when he finally debuts.
“We are told the expectation in Japan is that he will not keep the EVIL ring name.”
For now, EVIL’s situation leaves plenty of unanswered questions. Being listed internally without a brand assignment suggests WWE is still deciding how to roll him out, whether that means starting him in NXT or sending him straight to Raw or SmackDown once the timing is right.
Do you think WWE should debut EVIL in NXT first to rebuild his character, or bring him straight to Raw or SmackDown with a new name? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.