Former IWGP World Heavyweight champion EVIL is leaving New Japan Pro-Wrestling and is rumored to be heading to WWE.

New Japan made the announcement of his departure official, saying that he will leave when his contract reaches its end in a few days on January 31.

“After careful consideration and discussions with NJPW management, EVIL, who has been a long standing member of the NJPW roster will leave New Japan Pro-Wrestling at the expiry of his contract at the end of January 2026,” NJPW wrote. “We apologise to fans for the sudden nature of this announcement. New Japan Pro-Wrestling wishes EVIL the very best in his future activities.”

EVIL, who was recently the NEVER Openweight champion, lost the title to Aaron Wolf at Wrestle Kingdom 20.

The 39-year-old, real name Takaaki Watanbe, has been working for NJPW since 2015. He has held the IWGP Heavyweight title, the IWGP Intercontinental title, the IWGP Tag Team titles, the NEVER Openweight title, and the NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team title during his tenure there.