Can WWE’s Hideo Itami Live Up To the Hype?

By seanmeyers @sdmeyers1 on October 12, 2014

World Wrestling Entertainment made huge headlines in July when the company inked Japanese superstar KENTA to a WWE contract. The signing received almost universal approval, as it signaled the continuing trend of the WWE acquiring the best talent from across the globe.

Despite being small in stature, KENTA has been regarded as the top attraction in Japanese wrestling, and it was widely expected that he’d make a significant impact in the WWE, as well. He made his first appearance on WWE programming at NXT Takeover last month, and announced that he would be using a new name: Hideo Itami.

Itami’s subsequent appearances on NXT, the WWE’s developmental promotion, have been disappointing. First, Itami defeated Justin Gabriel in a contest that provided a glimpse of some of Itami’s talents, but overall, was underwhelming. Two weeks ago, Itami was attacked by former NXT Tag Team Champions The Ascension. He suffered a beatdown and appeared to have difficulty in “selling” a head injury.

On the most recent episode, he and Viktor, one half of The Ascension, locked up in a singles contest that proved to be very disappointing. The match completely lacked flow and continuity, causing the typically engaged NXT crowd to go nearly silent for periods of the contest.

Moreover, Itami appeared to be once again showing signs of a head injury at times, but struggled to convey that to the audience. Instead, he simply looked clumsy as he staggered around the ring and stumbled climbing the ropes. The bout concluded anticlimactically with Itami scoring the victory after hitting a one-legged dropkick.

Itami’s first month on NXT programming shows that he still has a long way to go before he is ready for the spotlight in the WWE. First and foremost, he must adapt to the North American, and particularly, the WWE-style of wrestling. Many have drawn parallels in this regard to Sin Cara, who was the top star in Mexico, but struggled mightily in his transition to the WWE.

Moreover, Itami must hone a unique moveset for WWE. Over the past several years, many of the top WWE stars have adopted some of Itami’s trademark moves. To this point, Randy Orton, Cesaro and Daniel Bryan all currently utilize some of Itami’s maneuvers. Most notably, CM Punk adopted his Go To Sleep finisher from Itami. Itami will have to abandon most, if not all, of these moves from his arsenal in the WWE.

Another hurdle he will face in North America is the language barrier. Itami already speaks some English, but he needs to improve his verbal abilities, not only to conduct better interviews, but to also communicate better with his opponents during matches. He is currently taking classes to address this while he continues training in NXT.

Ultimately, Itami will get his shot to shine on the main roster in WWE. It was widely reported when he signed, however, that Itami would be on the fast-track to the WWE, and that his stay in NXT would be minimal. After seeing his initial performances, though, it seems that Itami would benefit from more seasoning.

At 33, Itami is probably anxious to make it to the main roster. Likewise, with several top talents on the shelf or only competing on a part-time basis, the WWE could use a fresh face with international credibility. However, when Itami does debut on WWE, he needs to be at his best from the start.

If both Itami and the WWE are patient, Itami will get an extended opportunity to acclimate himself to the WWE style and the American culture. If he can eventually adjust, Itami has the talent and pedigree to be a top WWE star.

Sean Meyers is a professional wrestling writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and “Like” him on Facebook