WWE News: WWE NXT Star Hideo Itami Set For Live Japanese WWE Network Special To Set Up Big NXT Storyline


WWE NXT star Hideo Itami recently had to have surgery due to a serious shoulder issue. While he is expected to make a full recovery, he is not set to be back to action until at least the end of the year. That does not mean he cannot do promos or set up storylines. This seems to be what WWE is attempting. Hideo Itami is set to be at the WWE Special in Japan on July 4, which makes total sense.

The idea that was rumored originally was that he was supposed to be the #1 contender for the NXT Championship and take the title from Kevin Owens in Japan. Sadly, he was hurt, causing that idea to be set aside. However, the silver lining is that Finn Balor is a big name with NXT and a Japanese favorite. So this really worked out well for WWE in the end.

However, Hideo Itami is obviously a big star in Japan, so WWE wants him to be there for the fans. Plus, it’s a nice homecoming for him. According to Cageside Seats, he is set to be part of a big storyline that will be set up at the event. Most believe it will center around who attacked him before the WWE NXT: Unstoppable special.

There are conflicting reports in spoilers regarding who attacked Hideo Itami from NXT spoilers. One person at the event noted that Kevin Owens came out saying he did not attack Itami, and he wanted an apology from Hideo, claiming he was the attacker. When Hideo does not give it, Owens comes down to attack him but is interrupted by Finn Balor. Another report claims that Kevin Owens took credit for the attack. Currently, it is tough to know who really did it until we see the WWE NXT episode coming up soon.

Most believe it was not Owens as Owens would have to stay down in NXT for a number of months to make that storyline work. He is set to drop the NXT Title so that he can focus on the main roster, so it doesn’t make sense for him to be the attacker. It is rumored that once Hideo Itami comes back, Finn Balor will take credit for the attack. However, this is uncertain. The person who attacked Hideo may very well be revealed July 4 while WWE has the live show in Japan.

It would set up really well if Finn Balor was the attacker as the turn of boos over cheers in Japan could be cool to see for Balor. Hideo Itami is beloved there and was known as one of Japan’s biggest stars in his time. So being a favorite son, fans will always take his side there even over Balor, who is also beloved. We will have to see what comes from this, but NXT’s mark on the event could be what makes the WWE Network special worth seeing.

[IMG Credit: YouTube]

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