Acting
Takaaki Watanabe
JA, EN cinema · 434 credits
Born
26 January 1987 (age 39)
Birthplace
Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Also known as EVIL · Naraku
Takaaki Watanabe is a Japanese professional wrestler signed to WWE, where he performs on the NXT brand under the ring name Naraku. He is best known for his tenure in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) under the ring name EVIL, where he debuted as a Young Lion in 2011 and later became the leader of House of Torture. During his NJPW run, he captured the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships, won the New Japan Cup in 2020, and claimed back-to-back World Tag League victories in 2017 and 2018 with SANADA before leaving the promotion in January 2026. Watanabe debuted in WWE on the April 28, 2026 episode of NXT by confronting NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo before officially adopting the name Naraku. He later made his in-ring debut on May 12, defeating Lince Dorado.
Known for
Filmography
NXT Halloween Havoc 2026
as Naraku
NJPW Dominion 6.9 In Osaka-Jo Hall ~ Best of the Super Junior 31 Final ~ 2024
as EVIL
NJPW Best Bout Collection Vol 1.
as EVIL (archive footage)
NJPW Best of the Super Junior XXVII & World Tag League 2020 - Day 17 (Final)
as EVIL
ROH & NJPW: War of the Worlds - Night 1
as Takaaki Watanabe
ROH: Aftershock Tour - Philadephia
2015
ROH: Aftershock Tour - Philadephia
as Watanabe
ROH & NJPW: War of the Worlds - Night 2
as Takaaki Watanabe
Smash Wrestling Smashapalooza 2014
as Takaaki Watanabe
Smash Rival Schools 2014
as Takaaki Watanabe
Smash Wrestling GOLD
as Watanabe
ROH & NJPW: Global Wars
as Takaaki Watanabe
ROH & NJPW: War of the Worlds
as Takaaki Watanabe
ROH: Best In The World
as Takaaki Watanabe
NJPW King of Pro-Wrestling 2013
as Takaaki Watanabe
NJPW 40th Anniversary Show
as Takaaki Watanabe