According to a report from PWInsider, Hideo Itami is set to debut on 205 Live:
The word going around at Smackdown today is that Hideo Itami will become a member of the 205 Live roster. Mike Johnson broke last week that WWE was planning on making that very move. The word in Manchester is that it will be happening very soon.
Who Is Hideo?
Hideo Itami was the first major Japanese name to sign with NXT. Unfortunately, his time there has been plagued by injury. Itami suffered a shoulder injury in May 2015 that kept him out of action for more than a year due to complications following surgery. Then, in October 2016, he suffered a neck injury that would sideline him for another six months.
Itami made his in-ring return at NXT TakeOver: Chicago, where he unsuccessfully challenged Bobby Roode for the NXT Championship. He then had two short feuds with Kassius Ohno and Aleister Black, respectively, but he hasn’t been seen since losing to Black at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III in August.
205 Live A Step Forward Or Back?
With Neville gone, 205 Live could use some serious star power. Enzo Amore gave the division a short boost, but his gift of gab doesn’t make up for his limited in-ring ability. Like his fellow Japanese stars Shinsuke Nakamura and Asuka, Itami is known for hard-hitting strikes. His presence on the 205 Live roster would certainly add some extra oomph.
However, while Itami’s addition to the cruiserweight division might provide a temporary boost, it might not be the best move for his career in the long run. Neville reportedly left WWE because he was frustrated by his confinement to the cruiserweight division and 205 Live, and I wouldn’t be surprised if someone of Itami’s ability felt the same after a while.
Then again, he’s been so badly bitten by the injury bug he might just be happy to be wrestling regularly again.
What do you think of this news? Would you be glad to see Hideo Itami on 205 Live, or do you think he deserves more? Share your thoughts and comments below!