WWE NXT's 31 Wrestlers - Ranked From Worst To Best
6. Hideo Itami
Pros:
1. Completely unique style
2. Quickly-improving English skills
3. Throws kicks that make Daniel Bryan's look like puppy kisses
Cons:
1. Extremely small for a WWE star
2. Momentum damaged by shoulder injury
3. His biggest moves have been co-opted by Daniel Bryan and CM Punk
Anyone who doubts that smaller wrestlers can compete in WWE need look no further than Hideo Itami. Weighing in at well under 200 pounds and speaking little English, Itami has quickly endeared himself to the NXT audience by kicking people as hard as possible in the face.
Itami was heavily hyped upon his debut, but his first several matches were lackluster affairs, and some worried he might be another Sin Cara. However, Itami very quickly picked up the American style and meshed it with his own. He still throws stiff, strong style strikes, but he has clearly learned to better pace his matches with opponents whose psychology doesn't revolve around fighting spirit.
Unfortunately, WWE has a pretty lousy track record when it comes to promoting Japanese stars, but if anyone can break that mold, it's Itami.
Final rating: ****3/4