Former NJPW standout Hiromu Takahashi has officially competed in his first WWE match following his recent arrival with the company.

Now performing under the name Kyoki, the former junior heavyweight star stepped into a WWE ring for the first time ahead of Monday night's RAW. Kyoki faced Kit Wilson in a match taped before the live broadcast, picking up the victory in his debut outing.

Kyoki's first match comes just days after WWE formally introduced him on SmackDown as Shinsuke Nakamura's new tag team partner. The pairing immediately became involved in Nakamura's ongoing issues with the MFTs, setting the stage for Kyoki to become part of the storyline moving forward.

WWE had been building towards the identity of Nakamura's mystery ally for several weeks.

Nakamura repeatedly referred to his incoming partner as a "ticking time bomb," wording that carried considerable significance for longtime NJPW viewers. Takahashi became synonymous with the "Ticking Time Bomb" nickname during his successful run in Japan, making the references a strong indication of who WWE had waiting in the wings.

The storyline developed after Nakamura was brutally attacked by Tama Tonga and his brother, leaving him searching for someone capable of helping him fight back.

Kyoki brings an impressive résumé into WWE after ending his lengthy association with NJPW earlier this year. During his time with the Japanese promotion, Takahashi established himself as one of its most decorated junior heavyweight competitors and captured multiple championships.

His NJPW departure came during the same general period as former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL, who has since joined WWE and is currently competing on NXT under the name Naraku.

With his WWE television introduction now followed by a successful first match, attention turns to what WWE has planned for Kyoki alongside Nakamura.

Main event match one: Kit Wilson vs Kyoki/Hiromu!! pic.twitter.com/6JB8q3PkNt

, Tom 🇨🇦 (@TQSherwood) August 24, 2026