There has been a lot of speculation over whether or not the newest crop of NXT signees will receive a name change upon their official debut with the company. Japanese sensation KENTA officially made his debut at NXT Takeover this Thursday night, live on the WWE Network, and announced that his name going forward will be Hideo Itami.
Hideo was introduced by NXT general manager William Regal. As we noted earlier today, Ric Flair was scheduled to make the introductions, but had to pull out of tonight’s event at the last minute due to personal conflicts. Hideo did his best to thank the WWE Universe in English, saying that he was honored and excited to be in NXT. He also cut a promo in Japanese, but was interrupted by The Ascension. The now former tag champions attacked Itami, who came back and took out both men. He ended the segment by sitting on a chair in the ring, drawing a “line” in the ring and begging The Ascension to cross it.
As a tribute to his hero, @KENTAK312 changes his name to HIDEO ITAMI! #NXTTakeover pic.twitter.com/NOWKGvL5h2
— WWE (@WWE) September 12, 2014
