10 Major Signings That WWE Totally Wasted

9. Hideo Itami

Sting Survivor Series
WWE.com

While injuries have unquestionably played a bigger role in Hideo Itami's WWE failings, the former KENTA has been greatly hindered by the way the company have presented him, particularly during his initial babyface run.

Itami made his name as a stiff, brutal, cold-blooded killer in Pro Wrestling NOAH. He was as mean as they come, throwing strikes with bone-breaking force, showing little remorse as he buzzed his way through the dwindling Japanese promotion. Sadly, the style that made him famous is completely at odds with WWE's safe, sanitised product, and he has suffered greatly.

Everything was stripped away from Hideo. Daniel Bryan robbed Itami of half his moveset, and CM Punk allusions initially prevented him from using the Go To Sleep. Bereft of his old signature moves, Itami was forced to tone down on the stiffness and filter his work through sports entertainment's glossy lens, much to his detriment.

WWE were never going to let him work like he did in Japan, but they must take the blame for completely neutering his character. Even today, as a heel, Itami resembles a man cosplaying his former self, and he still looks uncomfortable with his role in the company.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.