10 Awesome WWE Moments That Went Absolutely Nowhere

7. Hideo Itami Gets Laid Out (TakeOver: Unstoppable)

A shadow of the brutal, unforgiving striker he was as Pro Wrestling Noah's Kenta, Hideo Itami's WWE run has been plagued by rotten luck. First, CM Punk stealing the Go-To-Sleep and Daniel Bryan's adoption of his trademark stiff kicks pilfered his moveset. He was then made to play an ill-suited babyface role, but his misfortune's most destructive force didn't emerge until May 2015, when he injured his shoulder.

This was a blow, as despite the road bumps, Itami was over as hell in Full Sail University and stood as one of Triple H's first developmental dream signings. WWE responded by turning it into an angle at TakeOver: Unstoppable. Itami was laid out in the parking lot ahead of a scheduled number one contender's Triple Threat, with Kevin Owens casually strolling by, dropping a "that's a shame."

The company played up the mystery for a couple of weeks, but conveniently forgot about the angle afterwards. Hideo's comeback was halted by several setbacks, and he didn't return for over a year, with no mention of the mystery attacker angle. A shame and a waste.

Owens has since hinted at responsibility, but it was never resolved on camera.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.