WWE has made a significant alteration to its plans for a recently introduced NXT character, who initially carried the name “Nox Raijin.” Despite a trademark application being filed on April 28, the company’s internal materials as of May 5 indicated a swift name change to “Naraku.” This change was revealed during the May 5 episode of WWE NXT and reflects a shift toward a darker persona.
Overview of the Name Change
The character, previously known as Nox Raijin, is portrayed by former NJPW star EVIL. The name “Naraku,” which means “hell” or “abyss” in Japanese, aligns well with the character’s established dark image. This last-minute adjustment underscores WWE’s commitment to portraying a compelling character rooted in mythology.
Character Development
The vignette introducing Naraku emphasized his fierce warrior spirit and past achievements in wrestling, stating, “A warrior’s spirit is never satisfied.” He also described NXT as a “land of opportunity,” hinting at his ambitions within the promotion.
Debut and Upcoming Matches
- First Appearance: Naraku debuted on April 28 by confronting Tony D’Angelo.
- In-Ring Debut: Scheduled for May 12, 2026, enhancing his role in NXT.
While the name change from Nox Raijin to Naraku has taken place, reports confirm that he is still listed internally under his real name, Takaaki Watanabe. This suggests that WWE is finalizing his transition into the NXT brand.
As Naraku prepares for his in-ring debut, anticipation builds for how his character will further develop within WWE’s evolving narrative landscapes.
