Old page wikitext, before the edit ($1) (old_wikitext) | '{{Redirect|KENTA||Kenta (disambiguation)}}
{{Distinguish|Kenta Kobashi}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Hideo Itami
|image = File:WrestleMania 32 Axxess 2016-03-31 19-58-24 ILCE-6000 3927 DxO (26966819785).jpg
|image_size = 220px
|caption = Itami in March 2015
|names = Halimao<ref name="OWW"/><br>'''Hideo Itami'''<ref name=NXTTakeoverSlam/><br>Kenta<ref name="OWW"/><br>Kenta Kobayashi<ref name="OWW"/>
|height = {{convert|1.74|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<!-- In Japan they measure height in meters so that should be first. --><ref name=Noah/><ref name=WWE>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/hideoitami|title=Hideo Itami|accessdate=2014-12-13|work=[[WWE]]}}</ref>
|weight = {{convert|82.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<!-- In Japan they measure weight in kilograms so that should be first. --><ref name=WWE/>
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1981|3|12|mf=y}}<ref name="OWW"/><ref name=Noah/>
|birth_name = {{nihongo|Kenta Kobayashi|小林 健太|Kobayashi Kenta}}
|birth_place = [[Sōka]], [[Saitama Prefecture|Saitama]], Japan<ref name=Noah/><ref name="USA"/>
|resides =
|children =
|billed = [[Tokyo, Japan]]<ref name=WWE/>
|trainer = [[Kenta Kobashi]]<br>[[Yoshihiro Takayama]]
|debut = May 24, 2000<ref name="OWW"/><ref name=Noah/>
}}
{{nihongo|'''Kenta Kobayashi'''|小林 健太|Kobayashi Kenta|born March 12, 1981}},<ref name=Noah>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/profile007.php|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223000854/http://www.noah.co.jp/profile007.php|title=Kenta|archivedate=2014-02-23|accessdate=2014-08-07|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> is a Japanese [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], better known by the [[ring name]] '''Hideo Itami'''. He is currently signed to [[WWE]], where he performs on the cruiserweight-exclusive [[205 Live (WWE brand)|205 Live]] [[WWE brand extension|brand]]. A former amateur [[Kickboxing|kickboxer]], Kobayashi's wrestling style is based upon strong kicks and strikes.
Kobayashi is also known for his time in [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] under the [[ring name]] '''Kenta''' (stylized in all capital letters), but he started his career in [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW), before moving to Pro Wrestling Noah; through Noah's involvement in the [[Global Professional Wrestling Alliance]] (GPWA), a global organization of cooperative promotions that allow their competitors to travel abroad to other companies, he has wrestled extensively in [[United States|American]] promotion [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zerooneusa.com/news33.php|title=Global Professional Wrestling Alliance!|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Zero1]]|date=2006-09-12|accessdate=2009-06-08|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904043207/http://www.zerooneusa.com/news33.php|archivedate=2009-09-04|df=}}</ref> He initially wrestled under his real name, but due to potential confusion with his mentor [[Kenta Kobashi]] (in both English and Japanese), he dropped his surname and began only using his given name, which he spelled with [[Roman letters]] in [[All caps|all capitals]].<ref name="OWW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/k/kenta.html|title=Kenta|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2009-07-20|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090724064038/http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/k/kenta.html|archivedate=2009-07-24|df=}}</ref>
Kobayashi has won several [[professional wrestling championship]]s in his career: he is a one-time [[GHC Heavyweight Championship|Global Honored Crown (GHC) Heavyweight Champion]], three-time [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship|GHC Junior Heavyweight Champion]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/ghcjr.php|title=Global Honored Crown Junior Heavyweight Championship|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|accessdate=2009-07-20|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831120931/http://www.noah.co.jp/ghcjr.php|archivedate=2009-08-31|df=}}</ref> three-time [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion]], and one-time [[GHC Tag Team Championship|GHC Tag Team Champion]]; once was the inaugural reign with longtime partner and rival, [[Naomichi Marufuji]], which saw the two hold the title for almost two years, as well as a reign with protégé [[Taiji Ishimori]].<ref name="thirdnav">{{cite web|url=http://noah.puroresufan.com/results/navigationaccomplish03.php|title=Noah Accomplish Our Third Navigation tour results|accessdate=2007-08-31|publisher=Green Destiny|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080218000314/http://www.noah.puroresufan.com/results/navigationaccomplish03.php|archivedate=2008-02-18|df=}}</ref> He was also the winner of the [[Global League#2012|2012 Global League]] and the [[Global Tag League#2013|2013 Global Tag League]] tournaments.
== Early life ==
Kobayashi was born on March 12, 1981, in Sōka, Saitama, Japan. He trained under Kenta Kobashi and Yoshihiro Takayama.
== Professional wrestling career ==
=== All Japan Pro Wrestling (2000) ===
Prior to wrestling professionally, Kobayashi had a variety of athletic backgrounds, practicing [[baseball]] and [[kickboxing]]; the latter came to be a strong foundation in his wrestling style often referred to as [[shoot style]].<ref name="USA">{{cite web|url=http://www.noah-usa.cc/KENTAprofiledetail.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130105085005/http://www.noah-usa.cc/KENTAprofiledetail.html|title=Kenta|work=Pro Wrestling Noah USA|archivedate=January 5, 2013|accessdate=2009-07-20}}</ref> Kobayashi made his professional wrestling debut on May 24, 2000 against future ally and rival, [[Naomichi Marufuji]], in [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW) to compete in their [[Cruiserweight (professional wrestling)|junior heavyweight division]]. He did not remain in the company long as [[Mitsuharu Misawa]], acting president of AJPW, decided to secede from the company following a dispute with other forces, thus leading to Misawa forming his own company, [[Pro Wrestling Noah]].<ref name="History">{{cite web|url=http://www.noah-usa.cc/chroniclehistory.html|title=Chronicle/History|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|date=2000-08-05|accessdate=2009-07-20|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024133847/http://noah-usa.cc/chroniclehistory.html|archivedate=2013-10-24|df=}}</ref>
=== Pro Wrestling Noah===
==== Early appearances and Burning (2000–2003) ====
{{see also|Burning (professional wrestling)}}
One of Misawa's focuses in his new promotion was the junior heavyweight division, which never was treated with high regard in AJPW despite the successes in other promotions. Being sidelined with injuries for the majority of Noah's first year of operation, Kobayashi made his return in July 2001, simply named Kenta.<ref name="History"/>
Kenta's first involvement in a [[Professional wrestling championship|championship]] situation came when Naomichi Marufuji was forced to vacate the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] after suffering a knee injury;<ref name="encountering02">{{cite web |url=http://noah.puroresufan.com/results/navigationencounter02.php |title=Noah Encountering Navigation 2002 tour results |accessdate=2007-10-27 |publisher=Green Destiny |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071121165242/http://noah.puroresufan.com/results/navigationencounter02.php |archivedate=2007-11-21 |df= }}</ref> Kenta entered into the tournament held to determine a new champion. He advanced to the finals by defeating [[Kotaro Suzuki]] and [[Tsuyoshi Kikuchi]] before losing to [[Yoshinobu Kanemaru]] on the ''Navigation with Breeze Tour''.<ref name="breeze">{{cite web |url=http://noah.puroresufan.com/results/navigationbreeze02.php |title=Noah Navigation with Breeze tour results |accessdate=2007-10-27 |publisher=Green Destiny |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929105551/http://noah.puroresufan.com/results/navigationbreeze02.php |archivedate=2007-09-29 |df= }}</ref> Following his relative success in the tournament, Kenta had an increase in his popularity, and he joined his mentor, [[Kenta Kobashi]], in the [[Stable (professional wrestling)|faction]] [[Burning (professional wrestling)|Burning]].<ref name="OWW"/>
====Junior Heavyweight Championship success (2003–2011)====
March 1, 2003 saw Kenta team with Naomichi Marufuji for the first time against [[Makoto Hashi]] and Yoshinobu Kanemaru in a winning effort. They began teaming regularly as the two entered into a tournament to christen the first [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]] during the company's ''Accomplish Our Third Navigation tour''; they went to win the tournament by defeating junior heavyweight veterans [[Jyushin Thunder Liger]] and Takehiro Murahama in the finals on July 16.<ref name="thirdnav"/> While defending the tag team title, Kenta continued his venture in hopes of winning the GHC Junior Heavyweight title once again on November 30, 2003, in an unsuccessful bid against [[Takashi Sugiura]].<ref name="Sugiura">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/t/takashi-sugiura.html|title=Takashi Sugiura|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2009-07-21}}</ref>
[[File:KENTA, Samoa Joe, and Katsuhiko Nakajima.jpg|thumb|left|Kenta (far left) with [[Samoa Joe]] and [[Katsuhiko Nakajima]]]]
As part of a reward for the way Kenta performed, he earned himself a trial series of seven matches going into the next year, seeing Kenta able to challenge more established stars in an attempt to elevate his status. Kenta began his trial series on the ''First Navigation'' tour, beating [[Juventud Guerrera]]. This was followed by defeats to [[Yoshinari Ogawa]] and [[Jun Akiyama]]. The final match of the series was a loss against Marufuji in October.<ref name="History"/> While the series was taking place, Kenta and Marufuji continued defending their title against a number of challengers: [[El Samurai]] and [[Ryusuke Taguchi]], Yoshinari Ogawa and Kotaro Suzuki, Suzuki and [[Ricky Marvin]], Marvin and [[Takahiro Suwa|Suwa]] and, on Noah's first [[Tokyo Dome]] show, against [[Kendo Kashin]] and Takashi Sugiura. Their reign as champions came to an end after almost two years by Kanemaru and Sugiura after the latter pinned Kenta.<ref name="Sugiura"/>
Kenta's first major [[Feud (professional wrestling)|rivalry]] in singles competition began in March 2005 following a dispute with SUWA, which led to a series of confrontations between the two, including a violent match that ended in his opponent getting [[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|disqualified]] for assaulting the referee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/noah/2005.html|title=Noah 2005 Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2009-07-21}}</ref> This led to Kenta getting one more chance to challenge for the Junior Heavyweight title against Yoshinobu Kanemaru on July 18, which saw him win the title.<ref name="OWW"/> He made his first defense two months later against Suwa, then against Kotaro Suzuki as his alter ego, Mushiking Terry. Simultaneously, Kenta began teaming with [[Katsuyori Shibata]] as The Takeover, challenging for the [[GHC Tag Team Championship]], the heavyweight version of the company's tag team title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/shibata.html|title=Katsuyori Shibata|last=Wilson|first=Kevin|publisher=Puroresu Central|accessdate=2009-07-21}}</ref>
On March 5, 2006, Kenta faced a major challenge in Kenta Kobashi, which saw him lose following a ''[[Professional wrestling throws#Side Death Valley driver|Burning Hammer]]''.<ref name="Kevin">{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/KENTA.html|title=Kenta|last=Wilson|first=Kevin|publisher=Puroresu Central|accessdate=2009-07-21}}</ref> This was followed by a loss of the Junior Heavyweight title on June 4 to Takashi Sugiura.<ref name="OWW"/> This saw Kenta shift his attention to the [[GHC Heavyweight Championship]], challenging Naomichi Marufuji, losing in a match which won numerous awards and accolades from the wrestling media.<ref name="Kevin"/>
Kenta spent the majority of his 2007 time in Noah wrestling a variety of [[tag team]] and [[Tag team#Six-man tag team|six-man tag team]] matches with protégé [[Taiji Ishimori]] and [[Akitoshi Saito]] as partners. He saw most of his success with Ishimori as the two had critically acclaimed matches against a wide variety of competitors, including [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) competitors on loan to the company due to the talent exchange agreement, the [[Global Professional Wrestling Alliance]] (GPWA), between ROH and Noah: the [[Briscoe Brothers]], [[Davey Richards]], and [[Bryan Danielson]].<ref name="OWW"/> As Kenta and Ishimori progressed as a unit, they entered the first NTV Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Tournament; in the finals they beat Marufuji and [[Kota Ibushi]] to win the tournament. They later challenged the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, [[Dragon Gate]] wrestlers [[BxB Hulk]] and [[Shingo Takagi]], in a winning effort before losing them to Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Kotaro Suzuki,<ref name="JrTag">{{cite web|url=http://noah-usa.cc/GHC%20Jr%20Heavyweight%20Tag%20Team%20Champ%20sub%20title%20page.html|title=GHC Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Champion|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|accessdate=2009-07-23}}</ref> only to defeat the team to win the second NTV Junior Heavyweight Tag Team League Tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/noah/noahtrny.html|title=Pro Wrestling Noah Misc. Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|accessdate=2009-07-23}}</ref>
Following his loss of the tag title, Kenta returned to competing in singles competition by defeating Bryan Danielson for his second GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship, which led to a match with Marufuji, who had won the [[World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)|World Junior Heavyweight Championship]], to attempt to [[Title unification#Professional wrestling|unify the titles]]; the match ended in a sixty-minute [[Professional#Draw|draw]], keeping the titles in the hands of their respective holder, while gaining favorable reviews for their efforts by the media with some claiming it to be a ''Match of the Year''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/Awards2008.html|title=2008 Puroresu Awards|last=Wilson|first=Kevin|publisher=Puroresu Central|accessdate=2009-07-23}}</ref> Kenta lost the title in February 2009 to rival in their interpromotional rivalry with another member of the GPWA in the [[Kensuke Office]], [[Katsuhiko Nakajima]], only to win it back in the next month.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/NOAHTitle-GHCJrHeavy.html|title=GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship|last=Wilson|first=Kevin|accessdate=2009-07-23}}</ref> In October, Kobayashi was forced to vacate the title after suffering a knee injury, which would keep him sidelined for over seven months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/MMA/news/120521/KENTA-Injury-Update.htm|title=Kenta Injury Update|publisher=411Mania|last=Csonka|first=Larry|date=2009-10-29|accessdate=2009-11-10}}</ref>
Kobayashi made his return from injury on June 6, 2010, losing to Naomichi Marufuji in a GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship number one contender's match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah-usa.cc/results2010.html|title=2010 results|publisher=Noah-USA|accessdate=2010-06-07}}</ref> On October 30, 2010, Kenta and [[Atsushi Aoki]] defeated [[Roderick Strong]] and [[Eddie Edwards (wrestler)|Eddie Edwards]] in the finals of a tournament to win the [[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League#2010|2010 Nippon TV Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League]].<ref name=NipponCup2010>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah-usa.cc/newspage%202010%20second.html|title=Results from 10/30 Korakuen Hall Show!|work=Noah-USA|accessdate=2010-10-31}}</ref> As a result, Kenta and Aoki received a shot at the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, but were defeated by the champions, [[New Japan Pro Wrestling]] representatives [[Koji Kanemoto]] and [[Tiger Mask IV|Tiger Mask]], on November 23, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2320|title=(Results) New Japan, 11/23/10 & Kanemoto and Tiger retain GHC Jr. Tag Title|work=Strong Style Spirit|date=2010-11-23|accessdate=2010-11-23}}</ref> On January 29, 2011, Kenta turned heel and join the Disobey stable with members [[Muhammad Yone]], Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Genba Hirayanagi. Kenta would change his look and attitude. Then on March 5, he turned on Yone, removing him from the group. One week later, he renamed the stable No Mercy. On May 25 Kenta and Yoshinobu Kanemaru defeated Atsushi Aoki and Kotaro Suzuki of the ANMU stable to win the vacant GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship. After months of trying to persuade his mentor [[Yoshihiro Takayama]] to join No Mercy, on June 26 Takayama turned on his partner Takuma Sano during a tag match against Kenta and Kanemaru and became the fourth member of the group. Kenta and Kanemaru would then make it to the finals of the Junior Tag League on July 30. They lost to Atsushi Aoki and Kotaro Suzuki. Then on August 18, 2011 Kenta and Yoshihiro Takayama won the Noah 2 Day Tag Team Tournament. On August 24, Kenta and Kanemaru successfully defended their tag title against Aoki and Suzuki, who got the shot due to their victory in the Junior Tag League. On September 23, Kenta confronted GHC Heavyweight Champion Go Shiozaki after he defeated Takayama to retain the title. Kenta got a number one contender's match with Takashi Sugiura, which he won on October 10. Kenta and Kanemaru lost the GHC Junior Heavyweight tag title to Aoki and Suzuki on October 16.
==== Transition to the heavyweight division (2011–2013) ====
At Noah's Halloween show on October 31, 2011, Kenta challenged the NJPW team [[Bad Intentions (professional wrestling)|Bad Intentions]] (Giant Bernard and Karl Anderson) for the GHC Heavyweight Tag Team Championship with Yoshihiro Takayama. The match was set for 2012, but never happened due to injury. In November, Kenta entered Noah's Global Tag League and developed a new submission move he called "Game Over" to help him dispatch heavyweights. Kenta would make it to the finals on November 20, but would lose to [[Takeshi Morishima]]. On November 27, he lost to Go Shiozaki in his GHC Heavyweight title shot. In December 2011, Kenta tore his ACL again, forcing him to undergo another surgery to repair it. It was announced that he would be out of action for six to seven months. [[Tokyo Sports]] named Kenta the 2011 Technical Wrestler of the Year. Despite his injury, Kenta would stay in Noah and manage No Mercy during his injury. On February 14, 2012, Kenta recruited [[Shuhei Taniguchi]] as the fifth member of No Mercy and change his name to Maybach, becoming his mouthpiece and talking for him.
Kenta made his in-ring return on July 22, 2012, losing to Naomichi Marufuji. On October 8, Kenta and Maybach Taniguchi defeated [[Nick Aldis|Magnus]] and [[Samoa Joe]] to win the [[GHC Tag Team Championship]] for the first time.<ref name=Noah100812>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/tour_detail.php?tour_id=1044|title=ザ・リーヴ presents 「Great Voyage 2012 in Yokohama vol.2」|accessdate=2012-10-08|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> However, they lost the title to Akitoshi Saito and Go Shiozaki just eighteen days later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1051|script-title=ja:新潟市体育館|accessdate=2012-10-26|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> On November 23, Kenta won the [[Global League#2012|2012 Global League]].<ref name=GlobalLeague2012>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=4641|script-title=ja:「グローバル・リーグ戦2012 最終戦」11月23日(祝・金)後楽園ホール大会 試合後コメント|accessdate=2012-11-23|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref>
==== Heavyweight Champion (2013–2014) ====
On January 27, 2013, Kenta defeated Takeshi Morishima for the GHC Heavyweight Championship at Great Voyage 2013.<ref name=GreatVoyage2013>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1101|script-title=ja:2013年1月27日(日)|accessdate=2013-01-28|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> On February 9, Maybach Taniguchi turned on Kenta and stole his Heavyweight Championship belt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/sports/fight/headlines/article/20130210-00000000-spnavi|title=マイバッハがKentaに造反しChaosと合体=２.９ノア後楽園大会|date=2013-02-10|accessdate=2013-02-09|work=Sports Navi|publisher=[[Yahoo!]]|language=Japanese|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://archive.is/20130413160710/http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/sports/fight/headlines/article/20130210-00000000-spnavi|archivedate=2013-04-13|df=}}</ref> The following week, Kenta took part in a [[South American]] tour with the Alianza Latinoamericana de Lucha Libre (AULL) promotion, during which he won the Torneo Latino Americano de Lucha Libre, defeating [[Super Crazy]] in the finals.<ref name=TorneoLatinoAmericano2013>{{cite web|url=http://alianzalatinoamericana.com/2013/02/18/kenta-1er-campeon-del-torneo-latino-americano-2013/|title=Kenta 1er Campeon del Torneo Latino Americano 2013|date=2013-02-18|accessdate=2013-02-19|work=Alianza Latinoamericana de Lucha Libre|language=Spanish|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130807080825/http://alianzalatinoamericana.com/2013/02/18/kenta-1er-campeon-del-torneo-latino-americano-2013/|archivedate=2013-08-07|df=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=4839|title=「Torneo Latino Americano de Lucha Libre」2月13日(水)一回戦試合結果|date=2013-02-16|accessdate=2013-02-19|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> On March 10, Kenta defeated Maybach Taniguchi for his first successful defense of the GHC Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/tour_detail.php?tour_id=1110|script-title=ja:2013年3月10日(日)|accessdate=2013-03-10|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> On April 28, Kenta and Yoshihiro Takayama defeated Katsuhiko Nakajima and [[Kensuke Sasaki]] in the finals to win the [[Global Tag League#2013|2013 Global Tag League]].<ref name=2013GlobalTag>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/tour_detail.php?tour_id=1138|script-title=ja:2013年4月28日(日)|accessdate=2013-04-28|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> On May 11, Kenta took part in Kenta Kobashi's retirement match at [[Final Burning in Budokan]], where he, Go Shiozaki, Maybach Taniguchi, and Yoshinobu Kanemaru were defeated by Kobashi, Jun Akiyama, [[Keiji Mutoh]], and Kensuke Sasaki.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.noah.co.jp/tour_detail.php?tour_id=1126 | script-title=ja:2013年5月11日(土) | accessdate=2013-05-11 | work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> The following day, Kenta made his second successful defense of the GHC Heavyweight Championship against Takashi Sugiura.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1139|script-title=ja:2013年5月12日(日)|accessdate=2013-05-12|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> On June 2, Kenta defeated New Japan Pro Wrestling representative and reigning GHC Tag Team Champion [[Toru Yano]] for his third successful title defense.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/f-bt-tp0-20130603-1137017.html|title=Kentaが３度目の王座防衛／ノア|date=2013-06-03|accessdate=2013-06-02|work=[[Nikkan Sports]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> Six days later, Kenta was pinned by Yano in a GHC Tag Team Championship match, where he and Yoshihiro Takayama unsuccessfully challenged Yano and [[Takayuki Iizuka|Takashi Iizuka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1152|script-title=ja:2013年6月8日(土)|accessdate=2013-06-08|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> On July 7, Kenta made his fourth successful defense of the GHC Heavyweight Championship against Naomichi Marufuji.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1162|script-title=ja:2013年7月7日(日)|accessdate=2013-07-07|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> Kenta's fifth successful title defense took place on August 4, when he defeated Muhammad Yone.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1176|script-title=ja:2013年8月4日(日)|accessdate=2013-08-04|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> Next Kenta defended his title against the reigning GHC Tag Team Champions, first defeating [[Shane Haste]] on September 7 and then [[Mikey Nicholls]] on September 16.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1185|script-title=ja:2013年9月7日(土)|accessdate=2013-09-16|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1175|script-title=ja:2013年9月16日(月)|accessdate=2013-09-16|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> On October 5, Kenta defeated [[Diamond Ring (professional wrestling)|Diamond Ring]] representative Katsuhiko Nakajima for his eighth successful title defense.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1192|script-title=ja:2013年10月5日(土)|accessdate=2013-10-05|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> With the win, Kenta became the first wrestler to successfully defend the GHC Heavyweight Championship eight times during a calendar year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20131006-00000012-dal-fight|title=Kenta８度目防衛 新・絶対王者だ|date=2013-10-06|accessdate=2013-10-06|publisher=[[Yahoo!]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> On December 7, Kenta defeated New Japan representative and winner of the [[Global League#2013|2013 Global League]], [[Yuji Nagata]], for his ninth successful title defense.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1215|title=Great Voyage 2013 in Tokyo vol.2～田上明引退記念大会～|accessdate=2013-12-07|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> Kenta's near one-year long reign ended on January 5, 2014, when he lost the title to Takeshi Morishima in his tenth defense.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1231|title=New Year Navig.2014 ～新春ノア初め～|accessdate=2014-01-05|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref>
On February 3, 2014, Kenta and Maybach Taniguchi's long rivalry culminated in a No Disqualification match, where Kenta was victorious.<ref name=Noah020314>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1247|title=Monday Noah|accessdate=2014-02-03|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> After Yuji Nagata had defeated Morishima to become the GHC Heavyweight Champion, Kenta received the first shot at the new champion, but was defeated in the title match on February 22.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1250|title=The Second Navig. 2014|accessdate=2014-02-22|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> On April 30, Noah held a press conference during which Kenta announced his resignation from the promotion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=6077|title=Kenta選手退団に関するご報告|date=2014-04-30|accessdate=2014-04-30|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/f-bt-tp0-20140430-1293493.html|title=ノアのエースKenta退団「挑戦したい」|date=2014-04-30|accessdate=2014-04-30|work=[[Nikkan Sports]]|language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/85324/top-japanese-star-to-wwe.html?p=1|title=Top Japanese star to WWE?|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=2014-04-30|accessdate=2014-04-30|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> Kenta wrestled his farewell match on May 17, where he and Naomichi Marufuji defeated Katsuhiko Nakajima and Takashi Sugiura.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1282|title=Navig. with Breeze 2014|accessdate=2014-05-17|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref>
==== Return (2018) ====
Kenta made a one-off return to Noah as Hideo Itami on September 1, 2018, losing to Naomichi Marufuji at Marufuji's 20th Anniversary show.<ref>https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=207471</ref>
=== Ring of Honor (2005–2007) ===
[[File:KENTA2.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Kenta at an ROH event, September 2008]]
Aside from competing in Pro Wrestling Noah, Kenta has been able to compete abroad in the [[United States]] with other participating members of the GPWA. His first appearance in the country was with Ring of Honor at Final Battle 2005, as a [[Face (professional wrestling)|fan favorite]], defending the GHC Junior Heavyweight title against [[Low Ki]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Ring of Honor Official results|date=2006-12-17|quote=Kenta defeated Low Ki to retain the GHC Jr. Heavyweight Championship|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]}}</ref> He returned to the company the following year for Best in the World in [[New York City]] on March 25 where he and Naomichi Marufuji defeated the team of Samoa Joe and [[ROH World Championship|ROH World champion]] Bryan Danielson after Kenta connected with his finishing strike, the [[Professional wrestling attacks#Go 2 Sleep|Go 2 Sleep]], on Danielson.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Ring of Honor Official results|date=2007-03-25|quote=Kenta & Naomichi Marufuji defeated Bryan Danielson & Samoa Joe}}</ref> Kenta returned for ''In Your Face'' featuring him in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|three-way match]] against Joe and Danielson, which ended in similar fashion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Ring of Honor Official results| date=2007-03-17|quote=Kenta won a non title three way match over Samoa Joe & Bryan Danielson after he pinned Danielson|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]}}</ref>
Kenta's first loss in the company came in the form of a tag team match, which saw his partner, Davey Richards, get [[Pin (professional wrestling)|pinned]] in a match against the Briscoe Brothers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Ring of Honor Official results|date=2007-08-04|quote=Jay & Mark Briscoe beat Kenta & Davey Richards|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]}}</ref> This led to a series of matches with the two against each other, as well as reluctant partners.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Ring of Honor Official results|date=2007-08-05|quote=Kenta beat Davey Richards|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Ring of Honor Official results|date=2007-11-03|quote=Austin Aries & Roderick Strong defeated Kenta and Davey Richards when Aries pinned Richards|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]}}</ref> At ''Glory by Honor V: Night 2'' Kenta received another match against Danielson for the ROH World title, which saw him [[Submission wrestling|submit]] to Danielson's signature hold, the [[Professional wrestling holds#Bridging grounded double chickenwing|Cattle Mutilation]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/content/2006-ring-honor-results|title=2006 Ring of Honor Official results|date=2007-09-16|quote=Bryan Danielson defeated Kenta to retain the ROH World Title|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]}}</ref>
=== Return to ROH (2008–2009) ===
Kenta made his return to Ring of Honor on May 11 of the next year against [[Delirious (wrestler)|Delirious]] in a winning effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Ring of Honor Official results|date=2008-05-11|quote=Kenta defeated Delirious|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]}}</ref> Ring of Honor made its [[pay per view]] debut with the show, [[Respect is Earned (2007)|Respect is Earned]], teaming with [[Nigel McGuinness]] against Danielson and Takeshi Morishima in a losing effort, after which Kenta spent several months with the company competing against rival, Davey Richards and his contingency, the [[No Remorse Corps]]. Kenta made his next appearance on the ''Glory By Honor VI'' tour; the first night had him team with the GHC Heavyweight Champion Mitsuharu Misawa against Takeshi Morishima and Naomichi Marufuji, with the match ending in a thirty-minute time limit draw.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/information/dvds/roh/glory-by-honor-6-n1/|title=Glory By Honor VI (Night 1)|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2009-07-23}}</ref> The following night, Kenta wrestled Misawa for the GHC Heavyweight Championship in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/information/dvds/roh/glory-by-honor-6-n2/|title=Glory By Honor (Night 2)|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2009-07-23}}</ref>
Kenta made his return in 2009 against ROH World Champion, Nigel McGuinness in a losing effort at the company's seventh anniversary show. He returned a few weeks later to challenge Davey Richards once more, as well as make his second pay per view appearance for [[Take No Prisoners (2009)|Take No Prisoners]] teaming with [[Tyler Black]] against Katsuhiko Nakajima and [[Austin Aries]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/article.aspx?id=2641/|title=Multi-Time GHC Champion Makes His ROH Return|date=2009-02-25|quote=Roughly 16 months since the last time he competed inside an ROH ring, 2-Time GHC Jr. & 2-Time GHC Jr. Tag Champion Kenta returned from retirement to ROH competition for four upcoming events: Elizabeth, PA on March 20th, NYC on March 21, and Houston, TX on April 3rd & 4th.}}</ref> Kobayashi was scheduled to return to ROH in November 2009, but was forced to cancel the appearances after suffering a knee injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/Article.aspx?id=2896|title=Kenta Out For November|date=2009-10-30|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|accessdate=2009-11-10|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113060600/http://rohwrestling.com/news/Article.aspx?id=2896|archivedate=January 13, 2010}}</ref>
=== WWE ===
==== NXT (2014–2017) ====
[[File:Hideo Itami March 2015.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Itami at [[WrestleMania Axxess]], March 2015]]
On January 27, 2014, Kenta, with Noah's blessing, entered [[WWE]]'s [[WWE Performance Center|Performance Center]] in [[Orlando, Florida]] for a tryout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/83143/international-star-at-the-wwe-performance-center.html?p=1|title=International star at the WWE Performance Center|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=2014-01-28|accessdate=2014-01-28|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.daily.co.jp/ring/2014/01/30/0006672086.shtml|title=KentaのWWE挑戦、ノア社長容認|date=2014-01-30|accessdate=2014-01-31|work=Daily Sports Online|language=Japanese}}</ref> In a press release, Kenta claimed that he was not after a WWE contract, but only wanted to fulfill a dream and take part in a WWE workout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=83258|title=Kenta discusses why he was at the WWE Performance Center|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=2014-01-31|accessdate=2014-01-31|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> On June 27, [[Tokyo Sports]] reported that Kenta had signed with WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/283548/|title=Kenta WWE入団内定！|date=2014-06-28|accessdate=2014-06-28|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/86567/big-wwe-signing-to-be-announced-next-month.html?p=1|title=Big WWE signing to be announced next month|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=2014-06-28|accessdate=2014-06-28|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> His signing was officially announced during an in-ring segment on July 12 in Osaka. Kobayashi relocated to Orlando to resume training at the Performance Center, while also working for WWE's developmental territory [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/kenta-signed-japan-nxt-26474181|title=WWE signs Japanese star Kenta to NXT|date=2014-07-12|accessdate=2014-07-12|work=[[WWE]]}}</ref>
Kobayashi debuted on September 11 at [[List of WWE NXT special episodes#NXT TakeOver: Fatal 4-Way|NXT TakeOver: Fatal 4-Way]], introduced by [[William Regal]], where he announced his new ring name, "Hideo Itami", meaning "Hero of Pain",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/hideo-itami-interview-26714874|title=From gratitude to the griddle: Hideo Itami on NXT, IHOP and adjusting to life in America|last=Saxton|first=Byron|authorlink=Byron Saxton|date=2014-10-09|accessdate=2014-11-03|work=[[WWE]]}}</ref> and fended off [[The Ascension (professional wrestling)|The Ascension]] when they interrupted the segment to confront Regal.<ref name=NXTTakeoverSlam>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/09/11/21935396.html|title=Neville shocks, defies odds at NXT Takeover: Fatal 4 Way|last=Howell|first=Nolan|date=2014-09-11|accessdate=2014-09-12|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Itami made his in-ring debut at the following day's tapings of ''NXT'', defeating [[Justin Gabriel]], after which he was attacked by The Ascension.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/88230/the-former-kenta-makes-his-official-inring-debut-and-more-wwe-nxt-tv-spoilers-from-full-sail-live.html?p=1|title=The former Kenta makes his official in-ring debut and more: WWE NXT TV spoilers from Full Sail Live|last=Twiss|first=Andrew|date=2014-09-13|accessdate=2014-09-13|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref><ref name=NT081814Slam>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/09/18/21951116.html|title=NXT: O'Neil and Kidd upset Zayn and Neville|last=Howell|first=Nolan|date=2014-09-18|accessdate=2014-09-19|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> During the following weeks, Itami kept engaging The Ascension in brawls, but continually lost due to the numbers disadvantage;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_81430.shtml|title=James's WWE NXT report 10/23: Neville defends NXT Title against Titus O'Neil, Tyler Breeze, Ascension, more; Overall Reax|last=James|first=Justin|date=2014-10-24|accessdate=2014-11-03|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/10/30/22041651.html|title=NXT: Zayn topples Titus in rematch|last=Howell|first=Nolan|date=2014-10-30|accessdate=2014-11-03|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> the storyline was that as a newcomer in NXT, Itami did not have any friends in the locker room to help him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_81039.shtml|title=James's WWE NXT results 10/2 - Week 120: Neville defends NXT Title, Charlotte defends Women's Title, Itami; Overall Reax|last=James|first=Justin|date=2014-10-02|accessdate=2014-11-03|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> This continued until November, when [[Finn Bálor]] debuted as Itami's new partner.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=89389|title=WWE NXT report: Finn-ally, Itami gets some revenge; NXT title match set for next week; Breeze vs. Zayn; and more|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|date=2014-11-06|accessdate=2014-11-06|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> After weeks of feuding with The Ascension, Itami and Bálor defeated them at [[NXT TakeOver: R Evolution]] on December 11. Itami then participated in an [[NXT Championship]] number one contender's tournament, defeating [[Tyler Breeze]] in the first round, starting a feud between the two..<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_82237.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE NXT Takeover results 12/11: Complete virtual-time coverage of Neville vs. Zayn for the NXT Title, Itami & Balor, Charlotte, Kevin Steen/Owens's debut, Corey Graves retires|date=2014-12-11|accessdate=2014-12-11|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> He suffered his first defeat in NXT on January 15, 2015, when he was defeated by Bálor in the semi-finals, thus eliminating him from the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_82772.shtml|title=NXT news: Next live special announced, full spoiler Results from Thursday's NXT TV tapings|last=Parry|first=Josh|date=2015-01-15|accessdate=2015-01-16|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[NXT TakeOver: Rival]], Itami defeated Breeze in a rematch. They continued to exchange victories over each other until Itami lost a two-out-of-three falls match to Breeze on the April 1 episode of ''NXT'' to end the feud. <ref>{{cite web|title=WWE NXT Takeover report 2/11: Zayn vs. Owens NXT Title match, Women's Title semi-main event, Neville-Balor; Reax|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_83281.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|last=James|first=Justin|date=2015-02-11|accessdate=2015-02-17}}</ref> On March 27, Itami won the [[WrestleMania Axxess]] NXT tournament by defeating [[Pac (wrestler)|Adrian Neville]] and then Finn Bálor to get a spot in the [[André the Giant]] Memorial Battle Royal on the pre-show of [[WrestleMania 31]],<ref>{{cite web|last1=Melok|first1=Bobby|title=NXT Superstar Hideo Itami wins WrestleMania Axxess tournament for a spot in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/31/hideo-itami-wins-nxt-tournament-andre-giant-memorial-battle-royal-wrestlemania-27234399|work=[[WWE]]|accessdate=2015-03-27}}</ref> where he was eliminated by eventual winner [[Big Show]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Clapp|first1=John|title=2nd Annual André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/31/andre-the-giant-memorial-battle-royal-27139785|work=[[WWE]]|accessdate=2015-02-24}}</ref>
On May 20 at [[NXT TakeOver: Unstoppable]], Itami was scheduled to face Finn Bálor and Tyler Breeze in a triple threat match to determine the number one contender for the NXT Championship; however, Itami was ruled out due to injury after an attack he suffered before the event started.<ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=James's WWE NXT "TakeOver: Unstoppable" report 5/20: Owens vs. Zayn for the NXT Title ends in wild fashion with a major debut, plus spectacular NXT Women's Title match, more; Overall Reax|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_85123.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=2015-05-20|accessdate=2016-03-29}}</ref> This was made as Itami had suffered a legitimate shoulder injury, which required surgery and was expected to sideline him for six months.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=NXT news: Update on Hideo Itami shoulder surgery|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_85235.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=2015-05-26|accessdate=2016-03-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|title=Thurs. update: Itami injury, Uhaa Nation notes, AAA World Cup info, Web site dinner and live Q&A show, Lawsuts, Flair, New Japan marathon Steiner, New UFC fight|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/thurs-update-itami-injury-uhaa-nation-notes-aaa-world-cup-info-web-site-dinner-and|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|date=2015-05-08|accessdate=2016-03-29}}</ref> In January 2016, it was reported that Itami had suffered complications with his shoulder and was "nowhere close to being able to return".<ref>{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=February 1, 2016|title=February 1, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2016 Royal Rumble, Road to Wrestlemania, more|journal=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=[[Campbell, California]]|issn=1083-9593|page=47}}</ref>
After over a year of inactivity, Itami returned to the ring on June 30, 2016, at an NXT live event, teaming with [[The Mighty Don't Kneel|TM-61]] to defeat [[Samoa Joe]], [[Wesley Blake|Blake]] and [[Sabby Piscitelli|Tino Sabbatelli]] in a six-man tag team match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/30/630-wwe-nxt-results/|title=6/30 WWE NXT Florida Results – Hideo Itami (Kenta) returns from injury in main event, Austin Aries, Almas, American Alpha vs. Authors|date=2016-06-30|accessdate=2016-07-01|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On August 3, Itami made his televised return, defeating [[Cruiserweight Classic]] competitor [[Sean Maluta]]. At [[NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II]], Itami confronted [[Austin Aries]], following the latter's match with [[No Way Jose (wrestler)|No Way Jose]], exchanging blows before attacking Aries with a ''GTS''. On October 12 at an NXT live event, Itami suffered a neck injury after a [[Botch (professional wrestling)|botched]] [[powerslam]] from Riddick Moss and would not be able to team with [[Kota Ibushi]] in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic in which he was scheduled to compete in. In a video announcement published on October 18, Itami vowed to return to in-ring competition at NXT's first show in Japan on December 3.<ref>{{cite web|title=HIDEO ITAMI OFFICIALLY OUT OF THE 2016 DUSTY CLASSIC|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/hideo-itami-officially-out-2016-dusty-classic-222646|publisher=''Figure Four Wrestling Online''|accessdate=21 October 2016}}</ref> However, at the event, Itami did not compete but was instead in an in-ring segment alongside William Regal where they talked to the crowd.<ref>{{cite web|title=NXT OSAKA, JAPAN, LIVE RESULTS: NAKAMURA WINS THE TITLE IN HIS HOME COUNTRY|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/nxt-osaka-japan-live-results-nakamura-wins-title-his-home-country-225886|publisher=''Figure Four Wrestling Online''|accessdate=20 December 2016}}</ref>
Itami made his televised return on April 19, 2017, where he confronted NXT Champion [[Bobby Roode]], before slapping him and executing a ''GTS''.<ref>{{cite web|title=NXT results, April 19, 2017: Dillinger ends NXT chapter on high note in Cage Match finale|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2017-04-19|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=20 April 2017}}</ref> This led to a match at [[NXT TakeOver: Chicago]], in which Itami was unsuccessful in winning the title from Roode. On the June 7 episode of NXT, furious after his loss to Roode, Itami faced [[Oney Lorcan]], which ended in a no-contest after Itami performed three ''GTS''s on Lorcan until [[Kassius Ohno]] attempted to save Lorcan, teasing a heel turn and a feud between the pair. On the July 5 episode of NXT, Itami teamed with Ohno in a tag team match against [[Sanity (professional wrestling)|Sanity]] ([[Killian Dain]] and [[Alexander Wolfe (wrestler)|Alexander Wolfe]]), but lost after Itami refused to tag in Ohno.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE NXT Results – 7/5/17 (Roode vs. Strong for the NXT Title)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-nxt-results/85352-wwe-nxt-results-7517-roode-vs-strong-nxt-title/|publisher=''WrestleView''|accessdate=20 July 2017}}</ref> On the July 26 episode of NXT, Itami faced Ohno in the main event, which ended after Itami intentionally disqualified himself with a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Low blow|low blow]] to Ohno before viciously attacking and laying him out after two ''GTS''s, followed by a third onto the steel steps, cementing his heel turn.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE NXT Results – 7/26/17 (Kassius Ohno vs. Hideo Itami headlines)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-nxt-results/86977-wwe-nxt-results-july-26-2017/|website=WrestleView|accessdate=28 July 2017}}</ref> On the August 2 edition of ''NXT'', Itami cut an in-ring promo, demanding respect from the fans. He was interrupted by [[Aleister Black]], who was scheduled to face [[Kyle O'Reilly]] in the night's main event. After a stare down between the two, Black hit Itami with ''Black Mass''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2017-08-02#full-detail-40028599|title=NXT results, Aug. 2, 2017: Aleister Black remains undefeated after epic clash against debuting Kyle O’Reilly|publisher=}}</ref> Itami attempted to assault Black following the event, but the two were separated by fellow talent.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlnZolMCwD4|title=Footage shows Hideo Itami trying to jump Aleister Black in the parking lot: Exclusive, Aug. 2, 2017|first=|last=WWE|date=2 August 2017|publisher=|via=YouTube}}</ref> At [[NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III]], Itami was defeated by Black.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/875433-nxt-takeover-brooklyn-results-hideo-itami-vs-aleister-black|title=NXT Takeover Brooklyn Results: Hideo Itami vs. Aleister Black - Wrestlezone|date=19 August 2017|publisher=}}</ref> In his last NXT match, Itami defeated [[Fabian Aichner]] at a [[House show|live event]] on December 16.
==== 205 Live (2017–present) ====
[[File:Hideo Itami Axxess 2018 crop.jpg|thumb|upright|Itami in April 2018]]
On November 21, 2017, it was announced that Itami would be moving to the main roster as part of the cruiserweight division on ''[[WWE 205 Live|205 Live]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/hideo-itami-coming-wwe-205-live-soon-246766|title=Hideo Itami coming to WWE 205 Live soon|last=Currier|first=Joseph|date=2017-11-21|accessdate=2017-11-22|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> On the December 18 episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'', Itami would make his main roster debut, aiding [[Finn Bálor]] to fend off and face [[Curtis Axel]] and [[Bo Dallas]] in a tag team match, which Itami and Bálor would win. On the December 25 episode of ''Raw'', Itami would defeat [[Brian Kendrick|The Brian Kendrick]], in which Kendrick would suffer an injury following a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Go 2 Sleep|Go to Sleep]] by Itami. This would lead to Itami entering a short feud with Kendrick's tag team partner, [[Jack Gallagher (wrestler)|Gentleman Jack Gallagher]], where Gallagher would challenge Itami to a match on the December 26 episode of ''205 Live'', which Itami would win. On the January 2, 2018, episode of ''205 Live'', Itami would be challenged to a rematch by Gallagher, however, Gallagher attacked Itami with an umbrella and a pipe before the match. On the January 23 episode of ''205 Live'', Itami would defeat Gallagher, ending their feud.
On the February 6th episode of ''205 Live'', Itami would be defeated by [[Roderick Strong]] in the first round of the [[WWE Cruiserweight Championship]] [[WWE tournaments#WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament (2018)|tournament]]. After that, Itami began teaming up with fellow Japanese wrestler [[Akira Tozawa]] and they started a feud with [[Máscara Dorada|Gran Metalik]] and [[Lince Dorado]], which ended when they lost a tornado tag team match on the April 17 episode of ''205 Live'' after to Tozawa accidentally kicking Itami. After a tag team loss to The Brian Kendrick and Gentleman Jack Gallagher, Itami shoved Tozawa, signaling their break up. The following week on ''205 Live'', Itami defeated Tozawa to end the feud. On the June 5 episode of ''205 Live'', he attacked both [[Buddy Murphy]] and [[Mustafa Ali (wrestler)|Mustafa Ali]] during their match, causing a disqualification and resulting in Itami being suspended from the following week's episode. Soon after, he began a feud with Ali, Murphy, and [[Cedric Alexander]] for the Cruiserweight Championship. On the June 19 episode of ''205 Live'', Itami defeated Ali and Murphy in a triple threat match, thus earning a championship match. On the July 10 episode of ''205 Live'', Itami unsuccessfully challenged Alexander for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. On the July 24 episode of ''205 Live'', Itami failed to win a number one contender's fatal four-way match also involving Ali, [[T.J. Perkins|TJP]], and the eventual winner [[Drew Gulak]]. On the August 7 episode of ''205 Live'', Itami defeated Ali in a singles match, after which Ali collapsed. On the September 25 episode of ''205 Live'', Ali and Itami wrestled to a double count out. This led to a Falls Count Anywhere match on the October 24 episode of ''205 Live'', which Itami lost.
== Championships and accomplishments ==
* '''Alianza Latinoamericana de Lucha Libre'''
** Torneo Latino Americano de Lucha Libre (2013)<ref name=TorneoLatinoAmericano2013/>
*'''''[[Nikkan Sports]]'''''
**Match of The Year Award (2006) <small>vs. Naomichi Marufuji on October 29</small><ref name=NIKKAN2006>{{cite web|
url=https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2006|script-title=Nikkan Sports Awards - 2006|website= wrestlingscout|date=February 23, 2016}}</ref>
**Match of The Year Award (2008) <small>vs. Naomichi Marufuji on October 25</small><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2008|script-title=Nikkan Sports Awards - 2008|website= wrestlingscout|date=February 27, 2016}}</ref>
**Technique Award (2006, 2007)<ref name=NIKKAN2006/><ref>{{cite web|
url=https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2007|script-title=Nikkan Sports Awards - 2007|website= wrestlingscout|date=February 26, 2016}}</ref>
* '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
** Ranked No. 22 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]]'' in 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2013.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2013|accessdate=2013-08-22|work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
* '''[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]'''
** [[GHC Heavyweight Championship]] ([[GHC Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=Noah/><ref name=GreatVoyage2013/>
** [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|3 times]])<ref name=Noah/>
** [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|3 times]]) – with [[Naomichi Marufuji]] (1),<ref name="PS132">{{cite news|title=Power Slam|work=What’s going down...|publisher=SW Publishing LTD|id=132|page=7}}</ref> [[Taiji Ishimori]] (1) and [[Yoshinobu Kanemaru]] (1)<ref name=Noah/>
** [[GHC Tag Team Championship]] ([[GHC Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Shuhei Taniguchi|Maybach Taniguchi]]<ref name=Noah/><ref name=Noah100812/>
** 2 Days Tag Tournament (2011) – with [[Yoshihiro Takayama]]
** [[Differ Cup]] (2005) – with Naomichi Marufuji
** [[Global League]] ([[Global League#2012|2012]])<ref name=GlobalLeague2012 />
** [[Global Tag League]] ([[Global Tag League#2013|2013]]) – with [[Yoshihiro Takayama]]<ref name=2013GlobalTag/>
** Matsumoto Day Clinic Cup Contention Heavyweight Battle Royal (2013)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://keepingthespiritalive.tumblr.com/tagged/noah|title=Results|accessdate=2013-12-19|publisher=Keeping the Spirit Alive}}</ref>
** One Day Six Man Tag Team Tournament (2002) – with [[Kenta Kobashi]] and [[Kentaro Shiga]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.purolove.com/noah/profiles/kenta.php|title=PUROLOVE.com|website=www.purolove.com}}</ref>
** [[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League|Nippon TV Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League]] ([[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League#2007|2007]], [[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League#2008|2008]], [[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League#2010|2010]]) – with Taiji Ishimori (2007, 2008) and [[Atsushi Aoki]] (2010)<ref name=Noah/><ref name=NipponCup2010/>
** Global Tag League Fighting Spirit Award (2014) – with Yoshihiro Takayama<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=6071|script-title=ja:「グローバル・タッグリーグ戦2014」各賞発表|date=2014-04-28|accessdate=2014-04-28|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref>
* '''''[[Tokyo Sports]]'''''
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Best Tag Team Award|Best Tag Team Award]] (2003) <small>with Naomichi Marufuji</small><ref name=TokyoSportsAwards00s/>
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Best Bout Award|Match of the Year Award]] (2006) <small>vs. Naomichi Marufuji, October 29, 2006</small><ref name=TokyoSportsAwards00s>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/wrestling/wrestling_past4/|script-title=ja:東京スポーツ プロレス大賞|accessdate=2014-01-20|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=Japanese}}</ref>
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Outstanding Performance Award|Outstanding Performance Award]] (2013)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://battle-news.com/news/2013/12/002053.php|title=オカダが2年連続でプロレス大賞MVPを受賞！史上4人目の快挙だが、本人は「当たり前の結果」|date=2013-12-10|accessdate=2013-12-09|work=Battle News|language=Japanese}}</ref>
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Technique Award|Technique Award]] (2011)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/wrestling/wrestling_past5/|script-title=ja:東京スポーツ プロレス大賞|accessdate=2014-01-20|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=Japanese}}</ref>
* '''''[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Wrestling Maneuver|Best Wrestling Maneuver]] (2006, 2007) <small>''[[Professional wrestling attacks#Go 2 Sleep|Go 2 Sleep]]''</small><ref name="WON11">{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=January 30, 2012|year=|title=Jan 30 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Gigantic year-end awards issue, best and worst in all categories plus UFC on FX 1, death of Savannah Jack, ratings, tons and tons of news|journal=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=[[Campbell, California]]|issn=1083-9593}}</ref>
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Tag Team of the Year|Tag Team of the Year]] (2003, 2004) <small>with Naomichi Marufuji</small><ref name="WON11"/>
* '''[[WWE]]'''
** [[WWE tournaments#Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal Qualifying Tournament|Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal Qualifying Tournament (2015)]]
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==
{{commons category}}
{{Portal|Professional wrestling}}
* {{Twitter}}
* {{WWE superstar|hideoitami|Hideo Itami}}
* {{IMDb name|6778177|Kenta Kobayashi}}
{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{Burning (professional wrestling)}}
{{GHC Heavyweight Championship}}
{{GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{GHC Tag Team Championship}}
{{WWE personnel}}
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Itami, Hideo}}
[[Category:1981 births]]
[[Category:Japanese emigrants to the United States]]
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Japanese male kickboxers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Sōka]]
[[Category:Expatriate professional wrestlers]]' |
