New Japan Pro-Wrestling has confirmed a major roster departure, announcing that top star EVIL will leave the promotion at the end of the month. This follows a report earlier this month from Fightful Select, which stated that EVIL could be looking for opportunities outside of the Japanese circuit.
On January 25, NJPW released a formal statement addressing the situation: “Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling. 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.”
The statement continued, “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 first joined the company in 2011 and returned in 2015, becoming a central figure in factions like Los Ingobernables de Japon and House of Torture.