WWE News: NXT says goodbye to star with huge celebration
What's the story
NXT is the breeding ground for the WWE Superstars of tomorrow but every now and then someone will come in already possessing an extensive history and skillset in pro wrestling. With recent reports Hideo Itami is headed to 205 Live, the NXT Universe bid him farewell in a big way at the show in Largo Florida on Saturday night.
In case you didn't know
Hideo Itami was better known as Kenta when he travelled the world's indie scene and Japan, but he's been calling NXT his home for a couple years now. If it weren't for so many injuries, Hideo Itami would have probably made his main roster debut a long time ago. But it looks like his time has finally come to show the main roster what he can do.
Heart of the matter
Hideo Itami is widely respected in pro wrestling and had a large following even before signing with WWE. He's known for his stiff kicks in the ring, but on Saturday night in Largo Florida, it was all about respect.
The locker room joined Hideo Itami in the ring and lifted him up high as he proudly displayed a rally towel proclaiming he is still NXT. It was a pretty cool moment and justly deserved as Itami is looking toward bigger and better things as a member of 205 Live.
What's next
With 205 Live hitting the road for their own live shows very soon, Hideo Itami will probably be a big player in that equation. It might only be a matter of time before Hideo Itami gets his first taste of gold in WWE. He never quite got to the top of the mountain while in NXT, but the WWE Cruiserweight Championship would be a fine consolation.
Author's take
Hideo Itami is respected and well-loved by everyone in NXT. The WWE Performance Center is like a big family and when someone spends as much time as he has in WWE's developmental territory, it's only logical to assume those connections would run deep.
I can't wait to see what Hideo Itami will do on 205 Live. Let's just hope he can stay healthy and WWE will do him justice because Itami has the skills to wrestle anyone outside of the 205 Live weight class as well.