10 Challengers For NXT Championship After TakeOver: Chicago

10. Hideo Itami

Hideo Itami lost in his first shot at the NXT Championship during the TakeOver: Chicago show. That this was his first attempt at the top belt emphasises just how much time Itami has missed. One of NXT's first marquee signings, the man formerly known as KENTA surely had a different idea of how his NXT run would go. He seemed to be on a conveyor belt taking him in and out of the hospital, suffering from working with less experienced talent.

Many would argue that with the loss to Roode, Itami finally needs to cut his losses and move on in order to salvage his WWE career. I, however, hope for one more shot at Roode and his title. That is because the build to this match was rather lacklustre, evidenced by them not even main-eventing TakeOver. NXT could do much better the second time around.

NXT have put together vignettes in the past that show the true stories behind wrestlers like Finn Bálor, Apollo Crews, and recently Roderick Strong. Itami has a storied career in professional wrestling, but NXT have done little to showcase that. Helping us understand the hardships in his move from Japan and his subsequent injuries would galvanise support behind him, leading to a more engaging rematch with the NXT Champion.