Following NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20, news started to circulate that EVIL was on his way out of New Japan and could be WWE bound.
This potential move could lead to any number of New Japan Pro Wrestling stars who could replace the hole in the roster left behind by the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
Here are seven potential NJPW replacements for EVIL joining WWE.
7. Ren Narita
Over the past few years, EVIL has created one of the most prominent factions in New Japan Pro Wrestling today with The House of Torture.
One of the key members who was added to the group in recent years was Ren Narita.
Turning his back on his NJPW dojo upbringing, Narita has adopted a lot of the shenanigans and tactics that HoT has been known for.
Seeing his status as one of the Reiwa Three Musketeers with Shota Umino and current IWGP Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji, it would make sense if NJPW chose Narita to fill the void left by EVIL and became the newest leader for House of Torture.
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6. SHO
Another member of House of Torture who could take the reigns of the faction with EVIL’s exit is SHO.
Joining the group back in 2021, SHO turned his back on CHAOS and his longtime tag team partner YOH to join the group.
Becoming a dastardly villain, SHO has used everything he can to move up the ranks and even became a former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion along the way.
With EVIL leaving New Japan, SHO could have what it takes to take over House of Torture and move up the ranks to become a top heel in the promotion.
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5. SANADA
SANADA might be the NJPW star who has the most history and connection with EVIL than anyone else on the roster.
From their days as New Japan’s most dominant tag team and Los Ingobernables de Japon members to their current run in House of Torture, SANADA and EVIL have long been attached at the hip.
At the same time of EVIL leaving the promotion, SANADA is taking time off from NJPW with no signs on when or if he will be back.
Considering his status as a former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, SANADA could be the most logical option to replace EVIL in NJPW.
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4. DOUKI
One final House of Torture member who could fill the void left by EVIL in New Japan Pro Wrestling is DOUKI.
Returning to NJPW at Dominion 2025, DOUKI became the newest member of House of Torture and joined forces with SHO to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
Then, DOUKI went on to become a two-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and double titleholder in New Japan.
After sitting atop of the junior heavyweight division, it feels like the right time for DOUKI to take that next step in his career by becoming a top heel in EVIL’s place in the company.
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3. Callum Newman
Over the past year, fans have watched Callum Newman become one of the key players on the New Japan Pro Wrestling roster.
Following his first opportunity at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestling Dontaku 2025, Newman underwent a slow burn heel turn that saw him take over the United Empire.
After fully turning heel in late 2025, Newman has transformed the United Empire with recent additions of Jake Lee and Zane Jay.
To complete his ascent up the ladder, Callum Newman needs to be placed in a top star position and could be the most fitting replacement for EVIL right now.
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2. Jake Lee
At NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20, Jake Lee was revealed as the newest member of The United Empire when he joined the stable to defeat The Bullet Club War Dogs and Unaffiliated faction.
Following this win, Lee went on to attack Yota Tsuji after he defeated Konosuke Takeshita to become the IWGP Heavyweight and Global Heavyweight Champion in the semi main event.
Since then, Lee has gotten under Tsuji’s skin with various attacks on him as well as his new Unbound Company group.
Jake Lee feels like someone who could firmly solidify himself as a top heel at this point worthy of taking EVIL’s place on the New Japan roster.
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1. Aaron Wolf
In what can be seen as a passing of the torch match, the debuting Aaron Wolf defeated EVIL to win the NEVER Openweight Championship at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20.
The Olympic Gold Medalist showcased a strong connection with the New Japan fans in the short time he’s been in the company.
Wolf was also trained by EVIL in the New Japan dojo and could be seen as the heir apparent to the throne left behind by the House of Torture faction.
Being shown to have skills that could make him a main event level talent in NJPW, Wolf could establish himself as the individual who has what it takes to replace EVIL following his departure and potentially signing with WWE.
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