Takaaki Watanabe
Known For
Acting
Born
1987-01-26 in Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Biography
Takaaki Watanabe, better known by his ring name EVIL, is a Japanese professional wrestler best known for his long tenure in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he debuted as a Young Lion in 2011 and later became the leader of House of Torture. During his run, he captured multiple titles including 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.
Most Known For
New Japan Pro Wrestling
as EVIL
Ring of Honor Wrestling
as Takaaki Watanabe
NJPW New Japan Cup
as EVIL
NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 14: Night 2
as EVIL
NJPW New Japan Cup 2017 - Day 2
as EVIL
NJPW New Japan Cup 2025 - Day 9 (Final)
as EVIL
ROH: Field of Honor
as Self
ROH & NJPW: Global Wars - Night 1
NJPW King of Pro Wrestling 2024
as EVIL
NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16: Night 2
as EVIL
NJPW Wrestling Dontaku 2017
as EVIL
NJPW The New Beginning in Osaka 2024
as EVIL
NJPW King of Pro-Wrestling 2013
as Takaaki Watanabe
NJPW New Year Dash !! 2017
as EVIL
NJPW G1 Climax 29: Day 8
as EVIL
NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 11
as Evil
NJPW G1 Climax 29: Day 5
as EVIL
NJPW Wrestling Dontaku 2022
as EVIL
NJPW World Tag League 2025 - Day 5
as EVIL
NJPW G1 Climax 27: Day 3
as EVIL