Overview
- A new NXT promo billed the former New Japan star as Naraku and teased his first match while he vowed to chase Tony D’Angelo’s NXT title.
- WWE previously filed a trademark for the different ring name Nox Raijin, a nod to a Japanese thunder god, which signals plans that shifted before TV rollout.
- Fightful reported that internal rosters still listed him as Nox Raijin shortly before the on-air reveal, indicating the change to Naraku was a late decision.
- Yahoo, citing Bodyslam, reports some in WWE expect Hiromu Takahashi to sign and possibly use the Nox Raijin name, which remains unconfirmed.
- Takaaki Watanabe, known as EVIL in New Japan and a former IWGP heavyweight champion, debuted on NXT opposite D’Angelo in a heel role built from his past persona.