10 Quick Fixes To Save NXT
6. Heeldeo Itami
It's now or never for Hideo Itami, as he should shortly return to NXT TV in the near future after yet another cruelly-timed injury.
It's been well-documented how Itami's long stretch on the bench between 2014 and 2015 effectively whitewashed him from the most prominent period in the brand's history, but his October 2016 injury was almost as heartbreaking after finally regaining traction with a wicked Go2Sleep to Austin Aries at the climax of his match with No Way Jose at TakeOver: Brooklyn 2.
Upon his imminent return, Itami should incorporate a nastier style into his work, and target babyfaces such as No Way Jose and TM-61 as victims of his suppressed rage.
Infuriated at being passed over through injury, Itami could let out years of frustration on his opponents and the crowd, finally mounting a sustained push at the NXT Title that won't be derailed by injury or bad luck.
Itami could even benefit from a feud with William Regal (either verbally or in one last hard-hitting clash for the Commissioner), blaming the boss for pairing him with 'inexperienced' talents and causing the injuries to begin with.
NXT will miss a strong, angry heel in Samoa Joe's absence, and Itami could slot right in.