When Hideo Itmai earned the right to be NXT's representative in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, it appeared as though he was on his way to his own WrestleMania moment, a moment that would bring the hottest brand in professional wrestling to the forefront. Instead, like Ryback earlier in this list, he was yet another victim of the nonsensical desire to again push Big Show. Itami unleashed a flurry of his kicks and strikes, all the while the fans chants his name. He did not allow the impressive image of the World's Largest Athlete to intimidate him. He unloaded on the giant with open-hand strikes but found himself on the outside of the ring in short order. While commentators will play up Itami getting to perform on the 'Mania stage, he was an afterthought in the same way that Zack Ryder was and no positive spin will change that.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
