Backstage News On WWE’s Original Plans For EVIL’s New Naraku Ring Name

Submitted by Tom Araya on

As previously reported, former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL announced in a vignette during last Tuesday night’s episode of NXT that his new WWE ring name is Naraku. WWE recently filed a trademark application for the name Naraku. Additionally, it was reported that EVIL’s initial planned ring name was going to be Nox Raijin, for which WWE submitted a trademark application on April 28th.

According to BodySlam+, a source indicated that WWE had been preparing several vignettes and promotional materials over the weekend featuring the Nox Raijin name. However, the decision to use the name Naraku was finalized on Monday. Normally, WWE files their trademark applications several days in advance, but that was not the case here. It has also been reported that WWE plans to use the name Naraku for Hiromu Takahashi.

Naraku is set to make his in-ring debut on next week’s episode of NXT, although his opponent has not yet been announced. He took to Twitter (X) to share his thoughts on his new ring name, stating, “From here on, I will be known as NARAKU.

Got it? Remember it well. #NARAKU #WWENXT”