Hideo Itami’s real name is Kenta Kobayashi. He is a Japanese professional wrestler signed to WWE. He works in its developmental territory NXT with the ring name Hideo Itami. Kenta is famous for his ring name and for working with Pro Wrestling Noah. Here he is a one-time GHC Tag Team Champion, three-time GHC Junior Heavyweight, and former Global Honored Crown (GHC) Heavyweight Champion. He also won the 2013 Global Tag League and the 2012 Global League tournaments. Kobayashi was a former amateur kickboxer, so his wrestling style has vigorous strikes and kicks.

Kobayashi won several championships throughout his career in professional wrestling. He held the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship on three occasions. Kenta also became part of the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions twice. The first was with Naomichi Marufuji for two years. He got the next one with his protégé, Taiji Ishimori.Hideo Itami is one of Japan's hardest-hitting and most decorated superstars. The rich history of Japanese sports-entertainment became one of NXT's most dangerous threats.

In 2014, the signing of Hideo Itami created headlines all over the world. Itami exemplifies a fighting spirit. He can take in whatever his opponent dishes out and takes down Superstars that are larger than him. Hideo uses his famous and soporific knee strike to make his opponents Go-To-Sleep.

Ill-timed injuries may have derailed this international sensation when he seems to pick up steam. Nonetheless, Itami is dead set on proving to the world that he should be with the elite Superstars.

Itami had a fantastic opportunity at WrestleMania 31 Axxess. He defeated Finn Balor and Adrian Neville so he can get a spot in the Battle Royal of Andre, the Giant. Hideo used hard-hitting strikes for the elimination of Bo Dallas. When he came face-to-face with Big Show, he ran into a brick wall. Itami could not prevent the massive hand of Big Show from knocking him out of Battle Royal.

No matter which continents he’s fighting on, no matter the moniker, Hideo Itami remains one of the most talented and respected competitors on the globe. He’s ready to prove it to the NXT Universe.