The NXT Takeover: Fatal 4-Way event was a big success for WWE. Fans that watched the show seemed to have loved it and it proved again to be a big reason why fans should purchase WWE Network for only $9.99 US per month. One of the moments that received the most attention was the debut of Kenta. It was noteworthy not only because it was his first time on WWE TV, but also because he announced he would be using a new name: Hideo Itami. Itami was introduced by NXT Commissioner William Regal. Originally it was going to be Ric Flair, but earlier on Thursday it was announced that Flair wouldn't be at the event due to a personal matter. Itami received a huge ovation from the NXT crowd. He spoke in Japanese and in English. His English isn't great, but it's good enough. He said that as a tribute to one of his heroes, he will be known as Hideo Itami. He also said he wanted to be NXT Champion. His segment also involved The Ascension, who entered the ring to ask Regal for a Tag Team Title rematch after they lost the titles earlier in the show. Itami decided to stand up for the NXT GM. Fans chanted "Kenta" for him even though he just told them he had a new name. Itami destroyed them with a series of forearms and hard kicks. When they went onto the apron, Itami nailed a double dropkick to knock them to the floor. Itami brought a chair to the ring, sat in it and did a "come get some" type of hand motion. The name change was expected for him. WWE likes doing that with everybody for the purposes of trademarks. While they do have a number of guys on the roster with real names (John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, etc.) those guys were in the company over a decade ago when things were different. Their policy of late has been to give their performers stage names. Some fans are going to complain because they always complain, but it's not that bad. It's a new chapter in his career. Itami's in-ring debut is taking place at the NXT tapings on Friday, so it will air next Thursday or possibly the following week.
John wrote at WhatCulture from December 2013 to December 2015. It was fun, but it's over for now. Follow him on Twitter @johnreport. You can also send an email to mrjohncanton@gmail.com with any questions or comments as well.
