Tetsuya Naito Reveals His Thoughts On EVIL Leaving NJPW

By: Lewis Carlan

After much speculation by media and fans, New Japan Pro-Wrestling confirmed the news earlier in the week that long time superstar EVIL will not be returning to the promotion when his contract expires at the end of January.

As one bit of speculative news was verified, the latest in fan and media rumours is that EVIL is heading to the WWE and could even make his debut at the Royal Rumble event on Jan. 31st.

EVIL’s former Los Ingobernables de Japon stable mate turned enemy Tetsuya Naito was speaking with Tokyo Sports recently and weighed in on EVIL’s departure from NJPW. Naito himself left the promotion back in April 2025 with BUSHI as they formed the freelancer Los Tranquilos de Japon unit.

Photo Credit: NJPW

When asked about EVIL, Naito stated that he doesn’t know which ring EVIL will end up in but they might meet again soon as long as they are both active.

From Tetsuya Naito:

“During the LIJ era, he was always thinking deeply about everything. His fighting style, his comments, even a single entrance. Although we ended up walking different paths halfway through, he was always someone I kept an eye on. I even used to wonder if we might stand in the same corner again someday… but seeing him take a step forward like this is definitely stimulating. To me, LIJ was just that significant. I don’t know which ring it will be in, but as long as we’re both active, we might meet again. It might be soon, or it might be much later, but I look forward to that time.”

Tetsuya Naito & Bushi are currently competing in various promotions including Pro Wrestling NOAH where they are the GHC Tag Team Champions.

A very interesting scenario is set in Pro Wrestling NOAH that could involve EVIL teaming with Natio & BUSHI.

On Feb. 6th at NOAH LEGACY RISE 2026, Tetsuya Naito & BUSHI have a mystery partner in their six man tag team bout against KENTA, HAYATA & Tetsuya Endo.

With EVIL set to be a free agent at the end of January could he appear inside a NOAH ring standing with Naito & BUSHI? Let the speculation begin.

NOAH superstar KENOH weighed in on the EVIL to WWE rumours. You can read about that here.

(H/T goes to meraWRESTLING for the English quote translations)