Add as a preferred source on Google Naraku, formerly known as EVIL in NJPW, made his official in-ring debut in WWE on this Tuesday’s episode of NXT, defeating Lince Dorado in a singles match.
The Japanese wrestler, introduced by WWE as a new force on the developmental brand, had previously appeared confronting Tony D’Angelo, the current NXT Champion, making it clear that the brand’s top title is what he’s after.
In the ring, Naraku controlled most of the match and picked up the win with an STO, now called Enter The Abyss. The move was previously known as Everything is Evil, back during his time in Japan.
After the match, Naraku stared into the camera and closed out his first in-ring appearance in WWE by declaring himself “pure evil.”
It’s worth remembering that Naraku arrived in WWE with a strong résumé. Still under the EVIL name, he held the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, and the NEVER Openweight Championship, and also won the World Tag League alongside SANADA.
The expectation now is that WWE will ramp up his rivalry with Tony D’Angelo, especially after Naraku himself mentioned the NXT Championship during his first promo with the company.