Hideo Itami (Kenta) to Make In-Ring NXT Debut Next Week (Contains Spoilers)

On Thursday, Sept. 11, Kenta made his debut on NXT during one of its live specials, “NXT Takeover: Fatal 4Way.” Live on the WWE Network, Kenta was introduced by NXT General Manager William Regal. Kenta spoke to the crowd from Full Sail University in both English and Japanese, happy to debut in NXT. He also revealed that he will now be going by the name Hideo Itami.

However, Itami’s debut would be interrupted by The Ascension, who lost their tag titles earlier in the night. Itami would fight off Viktor and Konnor to close the segment.

The night after “NXT Takeover: Fatal 4Way” the next four episodes of the promotion were taped. On the next showing of “NXT,” which can be seen on the WWE Network on Sept. 18, Hideo Itami will make his in-ring debut for NXT against Justin Gabriel. Itami will also appear on the other three episodes of “NXT” which were taped on Friday, Sept. 12.

Below are spoilers, courtesy of PWInsider, in regards to the rest of Hideo Itami’s actions:

Sept. 18:

After defeating Gabriel, The Ascension will exact revenge on Hideo Itami, laying him out with “Fall of Man.”

Sept. 25:

In the main event, Sin Cara and Kalisto retain their tag titles against The Ascension. The Ascension fall thanks in part to a distraction from Hideo Itami. An infuriated Konnor rushes the stage trying to attack Itami, but receives kicks to the face.

Oct. 2:

Hideo Itami vs. Viktor fails to start due to The Ascension brutally attacking Itami prior to the match. Trainers and referees are out to check on the injured Itami for several minutes.

Oct. 9:

The match from last week now occurs, with Itami defeating Viktor, but not in the way he would have liked. Towards the end of the match, Konnor appears and attacks Itami’s manager, former WWE Hardcore Champion Funaki. The Ascension then gang up on Itami, tying him in the ropes. Itami looks on, as The Ascension hit “Fall of Man” on Funaki, leading to Funaki being taken away on a stretcher.

Editor’s Note

The Hideo Itami feud with The Ascension looks killer. Nice to see Kenta get a marquee feud to kick off his run in NXT.