Jump to content

Kenta Kobayashi

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Kenta (wrestler))
"KENTA" redirects here. For other uses, see Kenta.
Not to be confused with Kenta Kobashi.
Kenta Kobayashi
Kobayashi in 2023
Birth nameKenta Kobayashi (小林 健太, Kobayashi Kenta)
Born (1981-03-12) March 12, 1981 (age 43)[1]
Sōka, Saitama, Japan[1][2]
Children2
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Halimao
Hideo Itami[3]
KENTA[4]
Kenta Kobayashi
Billed height1.74 m (5 ft 9 in)[4]
Billed weight85 kg (187 lb)[4]
Billed fromTokyo, Japan[3]
Trained byAll Japan Dojo[5]
Kenta Kobashi[6]
Yoshihiro Takayama[6]
DebutMay 24, 2000[1]

Kenta Kobayashi (小林 健太, Kobayashi Kenta, born March 12, 1981),[1] known mononymously as Kenta (stylised in all caps), is a Japanese professional wrestler. He works for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he is a member of the Bullet Club stable. A former amateur kickboxer, Kobayashi's wrestling style is based upon strong kicks and strikes. Kobayashi pioneered both the Go 2 Sleep and Busaiku Knee kick finishing manoeuvres, later popularized by CM Punk and Bryan Danielson, respectively.

Kobayashi started his career in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), before moving to Pro Wrestling Noah; through Noah's involvement in the Global Professional Wrestling Alliance (GPWA), a global organization of cooperative promotions that allow their competitors to travel abroad to other companies, he has wrestled extensively in American promotion Ring of Honor (ROH).[7] In Noah, he was a one-time GHC Heavyweight Champion, three-time GHC Junior Heavyweight Champion,[8] three-time GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, and one-time GHC Tag Team Champion. He was also the winner of the 2012 Global League and the 2013 Global Tag League tournaments.

He is also well known for his tenure in American promotion WWE where he worked under the name Hideo Itami (ヒデオ・イタミ) in the company's developmental territory NXT and later in their cruiserweight exclusive brand 205 Live. In 2019, he departed from WWE, and in May, appeared for NJPW, announcing his participation in that year's G1 Climax and aligned with former tag partner Katsuyori Shibata. He turned on Shibata and joined the Bullet Club, and has since held the Strong Openweight Championship twice and the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, NEVER Openweight Championship and the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship once each.

Early life

[edit]

Kobayashi was born on March 12, 1981, in Sōka, Japan.[4] He trained under Kenta Kobashi and Yoshihiro Takayama.[6]

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

All Japan Pro Wrestling (2000)

[edit]

Prior to wrestling professionally, Kobayashi had a variety of athletic backgrounds, practicing baseball and kickboxing; the latter came to be a strong foundation in his wrestling style often referred to as shoot style.[2] Kobayashi made his professional wrestling debut on May 24, 2000, against future ally and rival, Naomichi Marufuji, in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) to compete in their junior heavyweight division. He did not remain in the company long as Mitsuharu Misawa, acting president of AJPW, decided to leave the company following a dispute, leading to Misawa forming his own company, Pro Wrestling Noah.[9]

Pro Wrestling Noah

[edit]

Early appearances and Burning (2000–2003)

[edit]
See also: Burning (professional wrestling)

One of Misawa's focuses in his new promotion was the junior heavyweight division, which never was treated with high regard in AJPW despite the successes in other promotions. Being sidelined with injuries for the majority of Noah's first year of operation, Kobayashi made his return in July 2001, simply named Kenta.[9]

Kenta's first involvement in a championship situation came when Naomichi Marufuji was forced to vacate the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship after suffering a knee injury;[10] Kenta entered into the tournament held to determine a new champion. He advanced to the finals by defeating Kotaro Suzuki and Tsuyoshi Kikuchi before losing to Yoshinobu Kanemaru on the Navigation with Breeze Tour in June 2002.[11] Following his relative success in the tournament, Kenta had an increase in his popularity, and he joined his mentor, Kenta Kobashi, in the faction Burning.[12]

Junior Heavyweight Championship success (2003–2011)

[edit]

March 1, 2003, saw Kenta team with Naomichi Marufuji for the first time against Makoto Hashi and Yoshinobu Kanemaru in a winning effort. They began teaming regularly as the two entered into a tournament to christen the first GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions during the company's Accomplish Our Third Navigation tour; they went to win the tournament by defeating junior heavyweight veterans Jyushin Thunder Liger and Takehiro Murahama in the finals on July 16.[13] While defending the tag team title, Kenta continued his venture in hopes of winning the GHC Junior Heavyweight title once again on November 30, 2003, in an unsuccessful bid against Takashi Sugiura.[14]

Kenta (far left) with Samoa Joe and Katsuhiko Nakajima

As part of a reward for the way Kenta performed, he earned himself a trial series of seven matches going into the next year, seeing Kenta able to challenge more established stars in an attempt to elevate his status. Kenta began his trial series on the First Navigation tour, beating Juventud Guerrera. This was followed by defeats to Yoshinari Ogawa and Jun Akiyama. The final match of the series was a loss against Marufuji in October.[9] While the series was taking place, Kenta and Marufuji continued defending their title against a number of challengers: El Samurai and Ryusuke Taguchi, Yoshinari Ogawa and Kotaro Suzuki, Suzuki and Ricky Marvin, Marvin and Suwa and, on Noah's first Tokyo Dome show, against Kendo Kashin and Takashi Sugiura. Their reign as champions came to an end in June 2005 after almost two years by Kanemaru and Sugiura after the latter pinned Kenta.[15]

Kenta's first major rivalry in singles competition began in March 2005 following a dispute with SUWA, which led to a series of confrontations between the two, including a violent match that ended in his opponent getting disqualified for assaulting the referee. This led to Kenta getting one more chance to challenge for the Junior Heavyweight title against Yoshinobu Kanemaru at Destiny on July 18, which saw him win the title.[16] He made his first defense two months later against Suwa, then against Kotaro Suzuki as his alter ego, Mushiking Terry. Simultaneously, Kenta began teaming with Katsuyori Shibata as The Takeover, challenging for the GHC Tag Team Championship, the heavyweight version of the company's tag team title.[17]

On March 5, 2006, Kenta faced a major challenge in Kenta Kobashi, which saw him lose following a Burning Hammer.[18] This was followed by a loss of the Junior Heavyweight title on June 4 to Takashi Sugiura. This saw Kenta shift his attention to the GHC Heavyweight Championship, challenging Naomichi Marufuji, losing in a match which won numerous awards and accolades from the wrestling media.[18]

Kenta spent the majority of his 2007 time in Noah wrestling a variety of tag team and six-man tag team matches with protégé Taiji Ishimori and Akitoshi Saito as partners. He saw most of his success with Ishimori as the two had critically acclaimed matches against a wide variety of competitors, including Ring of Honor (ROH) competitors on loan to the company due to the talent exchange agreement, the Global Professional Wrestling Alliance (GPWA), between ROH and Noah: the Briscoe Brothers, Davey Richards, and Bryan Danielson.[19] As Kenta and Ishimori progressed as a unit, they entered the first NTV Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Tournament; in the finals they beat Marufuji and Kota Ibushi to win the tournament. They later challenged the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, Dragon Gate wrestlers BxB Hulk and Shingo Takagi, in a winning effort before losing them to Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Kotaro Suzuki,[20] only to defeat the team to win the second NTV Junior Heavyweight Tag Team League Tournament.[21]

Following his loss of the tag title, Kenta returned to competing in singles competition by defeating Bryan Danielson for his second GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship,[22] which led to a match with Marufuji, who had won the World Junior Heavyweight Championship, to attempt to unify the titles; the match ended in a sixty-minute draw, keeping the titles in the hands of their respective holder, while gaining favorable reviews for their efforts by the media with some claiming it to be a Match of the Year.[23] Kenta lost the title in February 2009 to rival in their interpromotional rivalry with another member of the GPWA in the Kensuke Office, Katsuhiko Nakajima, only to win it back in the next month.[24] In October, Kobayashi was forced to vacate the title after suffering a knee injury, which would keep him sidelined for over seven months.[25]

Kobayashi made his return from injury on June 6, 2010, losing to Naomichi Marufuji in a GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship number one contender's match.[26] On October 30, 2010, Kenta and Atsushi Aoki defeated Roderick Strong and Eddie Edwards in the finals of a tournament to win the 2010 Nippon TV Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League.[27] As a result, Kenta and Aoki received a shot at the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, but were defeated by the champions, New Japan Pro-Wrestling representatives Koji Kanemoto and Tiger Mask, on November 23, 2010.[28] On January 29, 2011, Kenta turned heel and join the Disobey stable with members Muhammad Yone, Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Genba Hirayanagi. Kenta would change his look and attitude. Then on March 5, he turned on Yone, removing him from the group. One week later, he renamed the stable No Mercy. On May 25 Kenta and Yoshinobu Kanemaru defeated Atsushi Aoki and Kotaro Suzuki of the ANMU stable to win the vacant GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship. After months of trying to persuade his mentor Yoshihiro Takayama to join No Mercy, on June 26 Takayama turned on his partner Takuma Sano during a tag match against Kenta and Kanemaru and became the fourth member of the group. Kenta and Kanemaru would then make it to the finals of the Junior Tag League on July 30. They lost to Atsushi Aoki and Kotaro Suzuki. Then on August 18, 2011, Kenta and Yoshihiro Takayama won the Noah 2 Day Tag Team Tournament. On August 24, Kenta and Kanemaru successfully defended their tag title against Aoki and Suzuki, who got the shot due to their victory in the Junior Tag League. On September 23, Kenta confronted GHC Heavyweight Champion Go Shiozaki after he defeated Takayama to retain the title. Kenta got a number one contender's match with Takashi Sugiura, which he won on October 10. Kenta and Kanemaru lost the GHC Junior Heavyweight tag title to Aoki and Suzuki on October 16.

Transition to the heavyweight division (2011–2013)

[edit]

At Noah's Halloween show on October 31, 2011, Kenta challenged the NJPW team Bad Intentions (Giant Bernard and Karl Anderson) for the GHC Heavyweight Tag Team Championship with Yoshihiro Takayama. The match was set for 2012, but never happened due to injury. In November, Kenta entered Noah's Global Tag League and developed a new submission move he called "Game Over" to help him dispatch heavyweights. Kenta would make it to the finals on November 20, but would lose to Takeshi Morishima. On November 27, he lost to Go Shiozaki in his GHC Heavyweight title shot. In December 2011, Kenta tore his ACL again, forcing him to undergo another surgery to repair it. It was announced that he would be out of action for six to seven months. Tokyo Sports named Kenta the 2011 Technical Wrestler of the Year. Despite his injury, Kenta would stay in Noah and manage No Mercy during his injury. On February 14, 2012, Kenta recruited Shuhei Taniguchi as the fifth member of No Mercy and change his name to Maybach, becoming his mouthpiece and talking for him.

Kenta made his in-ring return on July 22, 2012, losing to Naomichi Marufuji. On October 8, Kenta and Maybach Taniguchi defeated Magnus and Samoa Joe to win the GHC Tag Team Championship for the first time.[29] However, they lost the title to Akitoshi Saito and Go Shiozaki just eighteen days later.[30] On November 23, Kenta won the 2012 Global League.[31]

Heavyweight Champion (2013–2014)

[edit]

On January 27, 2013, Kenta defeated Takeshi Morishima for the GHC Heavyweight Championship at Great Voyage 2013.[32] On February 9, Maybach Taniguchi turned on Kenta and stole his Heavyweight Championship belt.[33] The following week, Kenta took part in a South American tour with the Alianza Latinoamericana de Lucha Libre (AULL) promotion, during which he won the Torneo Latino Americano de Lucha Libre, defeating Super Crazy in the finals.[34][35] On March 10, Kenta defeated Maybach Taniguchi for his first successful defense of the GHC Heavyweight Championship.[36] On April 28, Kenta and Yoshihiro Takayama defeated Katsuhiko Nakajima and Kensuke Sasaki in the finals to win the 2013 Global Tag League.[37] On May 11, Kenta took part in Kenta Kobashi's retirement match at Final Burning in Budokan, where he, Go Shiozaki, Maybach Taniguchi, and Yoshinobu Kanemaru were defeated by Kobashi, Jun Akiyama, Keiji Muto, and Kensuke Sasaki.[38] The following day, Kenta made his second successful defense of the GHC Heavyweight Championship against Takashi Sugiura.[39] On June 2, Kenta defeated New Japan Pro-Wrestling representative and reigning GHC Tag Team Champion Toru Yano for his third successful title defense.[40] Six days later, Kenta was pinned by Yano in a GHC Tag Team Championship match, where he and Yoshihiro Takayama unsuccessfully challenged Yano and Takashi Iizuka.[41] On July 7, Kenta made his fourth successful defense of the GHC Heavyweight Championship against Naomichi Marufuji.[42] Kenta's fifth successful title defense took place on August 4, when he defeated Muhammad Yone.[43] Next Kenta defended his title against the reigning GHC Tag Team Champions, first defeating Shane Haste on September 7 and then Mikey Nicholls on September 16.[44][45] On October 5, Kenta defeated Diamond Ring representative Katsuhiko Nakajima for his eighth successful title defense.[46] With the win, Kenta became the first wrestler to successfully defend the GHC Heavyweight Championship eight times during a calendar year.[47] On December 7, Kenta defeated New Japan representative and winner of the 2013 Global League, Yuji Nagata, for his ninth successful title defense.[48] Kenta's near one-year long reign ended on January 5, 2014, when he lost the title to Takeshi Morishima in his tenth defense.[49]

On February 3, 2014, Kenta and Maybach Taniguchi's long rivalry culminated in a No Disqualification match, where Kenta was victorious.[50] After Yuji Nagata had defeated Morishima to become the GHC Heavyweight Champion, Kenta received the first shot at the new champion, but was defeated in the title match on February 22.[51] On April 30, Noah held a press conference during which Kenta announced his resignation from the promotion.[52][53][54] Kenta wrestled his farewell match on May 17, where he and Naomichi Marufuji defeated Katsuhiko Nakajima and Takashi Sugiura.[55]

Sporadic returns (2018, 2023)

[edit]

While still under WWE contract, Kenta made a one-off return to Noah under his WWE ring name of Hideo Itami on September 1, 2018, losing to Naomichi Marufuji at Marufuji's 20th Anniversary show.[56]

On January 2, 2023, Kenta would make another one-night return to team up with Marufuji and challenge Takashi Sugiura and Satoshi Kojima for the GHC Tag Team Championship at New Year 2023, in an unsuccessful effort.

Ring of Honor (2005–2009)

[edit]
Kenta at an ROH event, September 2008

Aside from competing in Pro Wrestling Noah, Kenta was able to compete abroad in the United States with other participating members of the GPWA. His first appearance in the country was with Ring of Honor at Final Battle 2005, as a fan favorite, defending the GHC Junior Heavyweight title against Low Ki.[57] He returned to the company the following year for Best in the World in New York City on March 25 where he and Naomichi Marufuji defeated the team of Samoa Joe and ROH World champion Bryan Danielson after Kenta connected with his finishing strike, the Go 2 Sleep, on Danielson.[58] Kenta returned for In Your Face featuring him in a three-way match against Joe and Danielson, which ended in similar fashion.[59]

Kenta's first loss in the company came in the form of a tag team match, which saw his partner, Davey Richards, get pinned in a match against the Briscoe Brothers.[60] This led to a series of matches with the two against each other, as well as reluctant partners.[61][62] At Glory by Honor V: Night 2, Kenta received another match against Danielson for the ROH World title, which saw him submit to Danielson's signature hold, the Cattle Mutilation.[63]

Kenta made his return to Ring of Honor on May 11 of the next year against Delirious in a winning effort.[64] Ring of Honor made its pay per view debut with the show, Respect is Earned, teaming with Nigel McGuinness against Danielson and Takeshi Morishima in a losing effort, after which Kenta spent several months with the company competing against rival, Davey Richards and his contingency, the No Remorse Corps. Kenta made his next appearance on the Glory By Honor VI tour; the first night had him team with the GHC Heavyweight Champion Mitsuharu Misawa against Takeshi Morishima and Naomichi Marufuji, with the match ending in a thirty-minute time limit draw.[65] The following night, Kenta wrestled Misawa for the GHC Heavyweight Championship in a losing effort.[65]

Kenta made his return in 2009 against ROH World Champion, Nigel McGuinness in a losing effort at the company's seventh anniversary show. He returned a few weeks later to challenge Davey Richards once more, as well as make his second pay per view appearance for Take No Prisoners teaming with Tyler Black against Katsuhiko Nakajima and Austin Aries.[66] Kobayashi was scheduled to return to ROH in November 2009, but was forced to cancel the appearances after suffering a knee injury.[67]

WWE

[edit]

NXT (2014–2017)

[edit]
Itami at WrestleMania Axxess, March 2015

On January 27, 2014, Kenta, with Noah's blessing, entered WWE's Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, for a tryout.[68][69] In a press release, Kenta claimed that he was not after a WWE contract, but only wanted to fulfill a dream and take part in a WWE workout.[70] On June 27, Tokyo Sports reported that Kenta had signed with WWE.[71][72] His signing was officially announced during an in-ring segment on July 12 in Osaka. Kobayashi relocated to Orlando to resume training at the Performance Center, while also working for WWE's developmental territory NXT.[73]

Kobayashi debuted on September 11 at NXT TakeOver: Fatal 4-Way, introduced by William Regal, where he announced his new ring name, "Hideo Itami", meaning "Hero of Pain",[74] and fended off The Ascension when they interrupted the segment to confront Regal.[75] Itami made his in-ring debut at the following day's tapings of NXT, defeating Justin Gabriel, after which he was attacked by The Ascension.[76][77] During the following weeks, Itami kept engaging The Ascension in brawls, but continually lost due to the numbers disadvantage;[78][79] the storyline was that as a newcomer in NXT, Itami did not have any friends in the locker room to help him.[80] This continued until November, when Finn Bálor debuted as Itami's new partner.[81] After weeks of feuding with The Ascension, Itami and Bálor defeated them at NXT TakeOver: R Evolution on December 11. Itami then participated in an NXT Championship number one contender's tournament, defeating Tyler Breeze in the first round, starting a feud between the two.[82] He suffered his first defeat in NXT on January 15, 2015, when he was defeated by Bálor in the semi-finals, thus eliminating him from the tournament.[83] At NXT TakeOver: Rival, Itami defeated Breeze in a rematch. They continued to exchange victories over each other until Itami lost a two-out-of-three falls match to Breeze on the April 1 episode of NXT to end the feud.[84] On March 27, Itami won the WrestleMania Axxess NXT tournament by defeating Adrian Neville and then Finn Bálor to get a spot in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on the pre-show of WrestleMania 31,[85] where he was eliminated by eventual winner Big Show.[86]

On May 20 at NXT TakeOver: Unstoppable, Itami was scheduled to face Finn Bálor and Tyler Breeze in a triple threat match to determine the number one contender for the NXT Championship; however, Itami was ruled out due to injury after an attack he suffered before the event started.[87] This was made as Itami had suffered a legitimate shoulder injury, which required surgery and was expected to sideline him for six months.[88][89] In January 2016, it was reported that Itami had suffered complications with his shoulder and was "nowhere close to being able to return".[90]

After over a year of inactivity, Itami returned to the ring on June 30, 2016, at an NXT live event, teaming with TM-61 to defeat Samoa Joe, Blake and Tino Sabbatelli in a six-man tag team match.[91] On August 3, Itami made his televised return, defeating Cruiserweight Classic competitor Sean Maluta. At NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II, Itami confronted Austin Aries, following the latter's match with No Way Jose, exchanging blows before attacking Aries with a GTS. On October 12 at an NXT live event, Itami suffered a neck injury after a botched powerslam from Riddick Moss and would not be able to team with Kota Ibushi in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic in which he was scheduled to compete. In a video announcement published on October 18, Itami vowed to return to in-ring competition at NXT's first show in Japan on December 3.[92] However, at the event, Itami did not compete but was instead in an in-ring segment alongside William Regal where they talked to the crowd.[93]

Itami made his televised return on April 19, 2017, where he confronted NXT Champion Bobby Roode, before slapping him and executing a GTS.[94] This led to a match at NXT TakeOver: Chicago, in which Itami was unsuccessful in winning the title from Roode. On the June 7 episode of NXT, furious after his loss to Roode, Itami faced Oney Lorcan, which ended in a no-contest after Itami performed three GTSs on Lorcan until Kassius Ohno attempted to save Lorcan, teasing a heel turn and a feud between the pair. On the July 5 episode of NXT, Itami teamed with Ohno in a tag team match against Sanity (Killian Dain and Alexander Wolfe), but lost after Itami refused to tag in Ohno.[95] On the July 26 episode of NXT, Itami faced Ohno in the main event, which ended after Itami intentionally disqualified himself with a low blow to Ohno before viciously attacking and laying him out after two GTSs, followed by a third onto the steel steps, cementing his heel turn.[96] On the August 2 edition of NXT, Itami cut an in-ring promo, demanding respect from the fans. He was interrupted by Aleister Black, who was scheduled to face Kyle O'Reilly in the night's main event. After a stare down between the two, Black hit Itami with Black Mass.[97] Itami attempted to assault Black following the event, but the two were separated by fellow talent.[98] At NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III, Itami was defeated by Black.[99] In his last NXT match, Itami defeated Fabian Aichner at a live event on December 16.

205 Live and departure (2017–2019)

[edit]
Itami in April 2018

On November 21, 2017, it was announced that Itami would be moving to the main roster as part of the cruiserweight division on 205 Live.[100] On the December 18 episode of Raw, Itami would make his main roster debut, aiding Finn Bálor to fend off and face Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas in a tag team match, which Itami and Bálor would win, turning face in the process. On the December 25 episode of Raw, Itami would defeat The Brian Kendrick, in which Kendrick would suffer an injury following a Go to Sleep by Itami. This would lead to Itami entering a short feud with Kendrick's tag team partner, Gentleman Jack Gallagher.

On the February 6 episode of 205 Live, Itami would be defeated by Roderick Strong in the first round of the WWE Cruiserweight Championship tournament. During the following month, Itami would have a feud with fellow Japanese wrestler Akira Tozawa, Mustafa Ali and was involved into the orbit for Cedric Alexander's Cruiserweight Championship. He participated in a fatal four-way match involving cruiserweight champion Buddy Murphy, Kalisto, and Tozawa at the Royal Rumble, where he lost after being pinned by Murphy.[101]

On January 29, it was reported that Itami requested and was granted his release from the company after a five-year run.[102][103] This was followed by multiple members of the roster saying goodbye to Itami on social media.[104] On February 4, 2019, the WWE Performance Center YouTube channel that documents the Superstars travel and backstage life released a video chronicling Itami's last week in WWE. The video features Itami working with Daivari and talking about his struggles with learning to speak and understand English. The end of the video sees Hideo walking back to gorilla position and being given a standing ovation from those in the backstage area.[105] On February 22, Kobayashi was officially released by WWE, as the company formally acknowledged his departure on Twitter.[106]

In 2020, when he was working with NJPW, Kenta said that his time with WWE were "the most frustrating days of my life".[107]

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2019–present)

[edit]

Bullet Club and NEVER Openweight Champion (2019–2020)

[edit]
Main article: Bullet Club
Kenta as the NEVER Openweight Champion in December 2019

Kenta made his surprise debut for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) on June 9, 2019, at the Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall event as a face, with Katsuyori Shibata as his manager, announcing his participation in the 2019 G1 Climax tournament.[108] Kenta made his in-ring debut for NJPW on July 6, defeating Kota Ibushi as a part of the tournament.[109] Kenta, competing in the A Block of the tournament, stayed undefeated in singles matches for over a month and a half, defeating Hiroshi Tanahashi,[110] Lance Archer,[111] and Evil[112] before suffering his first defeat against IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada on July 27, as part of the tournament.[113] Kenta would then lose his next four matches against Sanada,[114] Bad Luck Fale,[115] Will Ospreay[116] and Zack Sabre Jr., failing to win the tournament with a final tally of 8 points (four wins and five losses).[117][118]

On the final night of the tournament, Kenta competed in a six-man tag team match alongside Chaos members Tomohiro Ishii and Yoshi-Hashi against Bullet Club's Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga, and Tanga Loa, only to turn on them in the closing moments of the match and assisting the Bullet Club for the victory, turning heel. As Kenta was going to explain his actions, Katsuyori Shibata rushed into the ring and attacked Kenta until the rest of the Bullet Club members ambushed Shibata.[119] At Royal Quest on August 31, Kenta defeated Ishii to win the NEVER Openweight Championship, his first championship in NJPW.[120] The match was criticized because Kobayashi suffered a concussion after a back suplex by Ishii, getting knocked out in the process. However, both continued the match without referee stoppage.[121] He was sent to the hospital after the show.[122] At Destruction in Kagoshima on September 16, Kenta returned and unsuccessfully faced Kota Ibushi for the Tokyo Dome IWGP Heavyweight Championship challenge rights certificate.[123]

At Power Struggle on November 3, Kenta retained his title against Ishii in a rematch. Later in the night, he attacked Hirooki Goto.[124] Kenta lost the NEVER Openweight Championship to Goto at Wrestle Kingdom 14 on January 5, 2020, ending his reign at 127 days with two successful defenses.[125] Later that night, Kenta attacked Tetsuya Naito after his main event match with Kazuchika Okada. Kenta would challenge Naito for both the IWGP Intercontinental and IWGP Heavyweight Championships at The New Beginning in Osaka, where he was defeated.[126]

United States Heavyweight Champion (2020–2022)

[edit]

In August, Kenta competed in the inaugural New Japan Cup USA tournament, with the winner receiving a match for the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship. Kenta defeated Karl Fredericks in the first round, Jeff Cobb in the semi-finals, and David Finlay in the finals to win the tournament.[127][128][129] Kenta then competed in the 2020 G1 Climax in the B Block, but failed to win with a final score of 10 points.[130] At Power Struggle on November 7, Kenta successfully retained his Right to Challenge contract for the United States Championship against Hiroshi Tanahashi.[131] He was then due to defend the contract against Juice Robinson at Wrestle Kingdom 15,[132] but Robinson suffered an injury and Satoshi Kojima was named as his replacement.[133] At the event on January 4, 2021, Kenta defeated Kojima to retain the Right to Challenge contract.[134] On the January 29 episode of Strong, Kenta was attacked by United States Champion Jon Moxley.[135] It was then announced that Kenta would receive his championship shot against Moxley at The New Beginning USA on February 26, where he was defeated.[136]

In March, Kenta competed in the New Japan Cup, defeating Juice Robinson and Minoru Suzuki, but losing to Shingo Takagi in the quarter-finals.[137] In July at Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome, Kenta competed in the New Japan Ranbo for the provisional KOPW Championship, but the match was won by Bullet Club stablemate Chase Owens.[138] Two months later Kenta competed in the G1 Climax 31 tournament, where he competed in the A Block.[139] Kenta finished the tournament with a total of 12 points, finishing joint 3rd in the block, failing to advance to the finals.[140]

At Power Struggle, Kenta defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi to win the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship.[141] He would lose the title back to Tanahashi three months later on Night 2 of Wrestle Kingdom 16 in a No disqualification match, where in the match Kenta was bloodily injured.[142] [143]

After his recovery, Kenta was announced to be a part of the G1 Climax 32 tournament in July, where he would compete in the C Block.[144] He finished with 6 points, failing to advance to the semi-finals.[145] In October, Kenta competed in a tournament to crown the first ever NJPW World Television Champion, defeating Hirooki Goto, in the first round.[146] In the following round, Kenta was defeated by Sanada.[147]

Championship reigns (2022–present)

[edit]
Kenta as the Strong Openweight Champion in April 2023

In November, Kenta returned to Strong, defeating Bad Dude Tito in his return match.[148] The following month, Kenta won a battle royal, to become the number one contender for the Strong Openweight Championship.[149] Kenta returned to Japan at Wrestle Kingdom 17, competing in the New Japan Ranbo, but failed to last till the final 4.[150] Back in the US, Kenta received his championship match for the Strong Openweight Championship at Battle in the Valley, where he defeated Fred Rosser to win the championship.[151]

Kenta returned to Japan to compete in the 2023 New Japan Cup, receiving a bye to the second round, where he was defeated by Sanada.[152] Later that month, Kenta returned to the US to make his first successful Strong Openweight Championship defense at Multiverse United, defeating Minoru Suzuki.[153] The following month, Kenta defended the title against Eddie Edwards at Capital Collision.[154] In May, at Wrestling Dontaku, Kenta lost the Strong Openweight Championship to former Bullet Club stablemate, Hikuleo, ending his reign at 74 days.[155] Despite this, Kenta regained the championship 18 days later, defeating Hikuleo at Resurgence.[156] On July 5's night 2 of Independence Day, Kenta lost the Strong Openweight Championship to Eddie Kingston, ending his reign at 45 days.[157] Later in the month, Kenta entered the 2023 G1 Climax tournament, competing in the B Block.[158] Kenta finished the tournament with 6 points, therefore failing to advance to the quarterfinals.[159]

On January 5, 2024, at New Year Dash!!, Chase Owens came forward to challenge recently crowned IWGP Tag Team Champions and Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions to a match the Guerrillas of Destiny (El Phantasmo and Hikuleo) to a match with his partner being Kenta, which they accepted.[160] After Kenta and Owens unsuccessfully challenged Phantasmo and Hikuleo for the Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship on February 4 at The New Beginning in Nagoya, Guerrillas of Destiny decided to defend the IWGP Tag Team Championship against them at The New Beginning in Osaka.[161] At the event on February 11, Kenta and Owens defeated Guerrillas of Destiny to win the titles, for the first time in Kenta's career.[162] The following month, Kenta entered the New Japan Cup, but was defeated in the first round by Yoshi-Hashi.[163] They lost the titles to Hirooki Goto and Yoshi-Hashi on April 6 at Sakura Genesis, before regaining them on May 4 at Wrestling Dontaku.[164][165]

All Elite Wrestling (2021)

[edit]

Kenta made a surprise appearance for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) at the Beach Break event on February 3, 2021, attacking Jon Moxley.[166] He wrestled his debut match for AEW on the February 10 episode of Dynamite, where he teamed with Kenny Omega to defeat Moxley and Lance Archer in a Falls Count Anywhere tag team match.[167]

Impact Wrestling (2023)

[edit]

Kenta would make his Impact debut at No Surrender on February 24, teaming with fellow Bullet Club members Chris Bey and Ace Austin, as they would beat Time Machine (Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin and Kushida) in a six-man tag team match. On the following episode of Impact Wrestling, he would face Josh Alexander for the Impact World Championship, in a losing effort.

Professional wrestling style and persona

[edit]

After his release from WWE in 2019, he joined NJPW five months later. Kenta was labelled as an outsider by many New Japan fans due to his long-time association with Pro Wrestling Noah. He would embrace the hatred, even joining the Bullet Club, and adopted the nickname, "Shijō Saiaku no Rannyū-sha" ("The Worst Intruder Ever")

As a former kickboxer, Kenta incorporates shoot-style kicks and stiff strikes. He is the inventor of the Go 2 Sleep, in which he carries his opponent in a fireman's carry before dropping them forward while lifting his left knee onto their face. He also uses a backbreaker rack version called Ura Go 2 Sleep.

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "Kenta". Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2014-02-23. Retrieved 2014-08-07.
  2. ^ a b "Kenta". Pro Wrestling Noah USA. Archived from the original on January 5, 2013. Retrieved 2009-07-20.
  3. ^ a b "Hideo Itami". WWE. Retrieved 2014-12-13.
  4. ^ a b c d "KENTA Profile". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
  5. ^ "KENTA". Puroresu Central. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
  6. ^ a b c Podgorski, Alexander (March 3, 2019). "Hideo Itami in WWE, how did it all go so wrong?". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on June 2, 2019. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
  7. ^ "Global Professional Wrestling Alliance!". Pro Wrestling Zero1. 2006-09-12. Archived from the original on 2009-09-04. Retrieved 2009-06-08.
  8. ^ "Global Honored Crown Junior Heavyweight Championship". Pro Wrestling Noah. Archived from the original on 2009-08-31. Retrieved 2009-07-20.
  9. ^ a b c "Chronicle/History". Pro Wrestling Noah. 2000-08-05. Archived from the original on 2013-10-24. Retrieved 2009-07-20.
  10. ^ "Noah Encountering Navigation 2002 tour results". Green Destiny. Archived from the original on 2007-11-21. Retrieved 2007-10-27.
  11. ^ "Noah Navigation with Breeze tour results". Green Destiny. Archived from the original on 2007-09-29. Retrieved 2007-10-27.
  12. ^ 2002年10月. Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Archived from the original on February 18, 2004. Retrieved May 1, 2013.
  13. ^ "Noah Accomplish Our Third Navigation tour results". Green Destiny. Archived from the original on 2008-02-18. Retrieved 2007-08-31.
  14. ^ "KENTA vs. Takashi Sugiura << Matches << CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". Cagematch.net. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
  15. ^ "NOAH Navigation with Breeze tour results". Green Destiny. Archived from the original on 2007-09-26. Retrieved 2007-08-31.
  16. ^ "Destiny 2005 Results". ProWrestlingHistory.com.
  17. ^ Wilson, Kevin. "Katsuyori Shibata". Puroresu Central. Retrieved 2009-07-21.
  18. ^ a b Wilson, Kevin. "Kenta". Puroresu Central. Retrieved 2009-07-21.
  19. ^ "ROH matches wrestled by KENTA". Cagematch.net. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
  20. ^ "GHC Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Champion". Pro Wrestling Noah. Archived from the original on 2009-08-02. Retrieved 2009-07-23.
  21. ^ "Pro Wrestling Noah Misc. Tournaments". Pro Wrestling History. Retrieved 2009-07-23.
  22. ^ Woodward, Hamish (2022-12-30). "Every Bryan Danielson vs KENTA Match From ROH/NOAH Ranked". Retrieved 2023-01-08.
  23. ^ Wilson, Kevin. "2008 Puroresu Awards". Puroresu Central. Retrieved 2009-07-23.
  24. ^ Wilson, Kevin. "GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship". Retrieved 2009-07-23.
  25. ^ Csonka, Larry (2009-10-29). "Kenta Injury Update". 411Mania. Retrieved 2009-11-10.
  26. ^ "2010 results". Noah-USA. Archived from the original on 2010-06-18. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
  27. ^ "Results from 10/30 Korakuen Hall Show!". Noah-USA. Archived from the original on 2010-11-03. Retrieved 2010-10-31.
  28. ^ "(Results) New Japan, 11/23/10 & Kanemoto and Tiger retain GHC Jr. Tag Title". Strong Style Spirit. 2010-11-23. Retrieved 2010-11-23.
  29. ^ "ザ・リーヴ presents 「Great Voyage 2012 in Yokohama vol.2」". Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2012-09-20. Retrieved 2012-10-08.
  30. ^ 新潟市体育館. Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2017-08-25. Retrieved 2012-10-26.
  31. ^ 「グローバル・リーグ戦2012 最終戦」11月23日(祝・金)後楽園ホール大会 試合後コメント. Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Retrieved 2012-11-23.
  32. ^ 2013年1月27日(日). Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2013-10-17. Retrieved 2013-01-28.
  33. ^ "マイバッハがKentaに造反しChaosと合体=２.９ノア後楽園大会". Sports Navi (in Japanese). Yahoo!. 2013-02-10. Archived from the original on 2013-04-13. Retrieved 2013-02-09.
  34. ^ "Kenta 1er Campeon del Torneo Latino Americano 2013". Alianza Latinoamericana de Lucha Libre (in Spanish). 2013-02-18. Archived from the original on 2013-08-07. Retrieved 2013-02-19.
  35. ^ "「Torneo Latino Americano de Lucha Libre」2月13日(水)一回戦試合結果". Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). 2013-02-16. Retrieved 2013-02-19.
  36. ^ 2013年3月10日(日). Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2013-03-08. Retrieved 2013-03-10.
  37. ^ 2013年4月28日(日). Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2013-04-20. Retrieved 2013-04-28.
  38. ^ 2013年5月11日(土). Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2013-04-20. Retrieved 2013-05-11.
  39. ^ 2013年5月12日(日). Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2013-06-06. Retrieved 2013-05-12.
  40. ^ "Kentaが３度目の王座防衛／ノア". Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). 2013-06-03. Retrieved 2013-06-02.
  41. ^ 2013年6月8日(土). Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2013-06-11. Retrieved 2013-06-08.
  42. ^ 2013年7月7日(日). Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2013-12-17. Retrieved 2013-07-07.
  43. ^ 2013年8月4日(日). Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2013-08-05. Retrieved 2013-08-04.
  44. ^ 2013年9月7日(土). Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2013-09-23. Retrieved 2013-09-16.
  45. ^ 2013年9月16日(月). Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2013-10-13. Retrieved 2013-09-16.
  46. ^ 2013年10月5日(土). Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2013-10-06. Retrieved 2013-10-05.
  47. ^ "Kenta８度目防衛 新・絶対王者だ" (in Japanese). Yahoo!. 2013-10-06. Archived from the original on 2013-12-13. Retrieved 2013-10-06.
  48. ^ "Great Voyage 2013 in Tokyo vol.2～田上明引退記念大会～". Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2013-12-14. Retrieved 2013-12-07.
  49. ^ "New Year Navig.2014 ～新春ノア初め～". Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2014-01-06. Retrieved 2014-01-05.
  50. ^ "Monday Noah". Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2014-02-08. Retrieved 2014-02-03.
  51. ^ "The Second Navig. 2014". Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2014-03-01. Retrieved 2014-02-22.
  52. ^ "Kenta選手退団に関するご報告". Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). 2014-04-30. Retrieved 2014-04-30.
  53. ^ "ノアのエースKenta退団「挑戦したい」". Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). 2014-04-30. Retrieved 2014-04-30.
  54. ^ Johnson, Mike (2014-04-30). "Top Japanese star to WWE?". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2014-04-30.
  55. ^ "Navig. with Breeze 2014". Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2014-05-17. Retrieved 2014-05-17.
  56. ^ "NOAH Naomichi Marufuji 20th Anniversary Show ~ Flight ~ « Events Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net.
  57. ^ "Ring of Honor Official results". Ring of Honor. 2006-12-17. Archived from the original on 2013-03-22. Retrieved 2012-04-07. Kenta defeated Low Ki to retain the GHC Jr. Heavyweight Championship
  58. ^ "Ring of Honor Official results". 2007-03-25. Archived from the original on 2013-03-22. Retrieved 2012-04-07. Kenta & Naomichi Marufuji defeated Bryan Danielson & Samoa Joe
  59. ^ "Ring of Honor Official results". Ring of Honor. 2007-03-17. Archived from the original on 2013-03-22. Retrieved 2012-04-07. Kenta won a non title three way match over Samoa Joe & Bryan Danielson after he pinned Danielson
  60. ^ "Ring of Honor Official results". Ring of Honor. 2007-08-04. Archived from the original on 2013-03-22. Retrieved 2012-04-07. Jay & Mark Briscoe beat Kenta & Davey Richards
  61. ^ "Ring of Honor Official results". Ring of Honor. 2007-08-05. Archived from the original on 2013-03-22. Retrieved 2012-04-07. Kenta beat Davey Richards
  62. ^ "Ring of Honor Official results". Ring of Honor. 2007-11-03. Archived from the original on 2013-03-22. Retrieved 2012-04-07. Austin Aries & Roderick Strong defeated Kenta and Davey Richards when Aries pinned Richards
  63. ^ "2006 Ring of Honor Official results". Ring of Honor. 2007-09-16. Archived from the original on 2015-04-18. Retrieved 2016-04-17. Bryan Danielson defeated Kenta to retain the ROH World Title
  64. ^ "Ring of Honor Official results". Ring of Honor. 2008-05-11. Archived from the original on 2013-03-22. Retrieved 2012-04-07. Kenta defeated Delirious
  65. ^ a b "2007 Ring of Honor Results". Ring of Honor. Archived from the original on 2017-10-05. Retrieved 2009-07-23.
  66. ^ "Multi-Time GHC Champion Makes His ROH Return". 2009-02-25. Archived from the original on 2018-06-28. Retrieved 2009-02-25. Roughly 16 months since the last time he competed inside an ROH ring, 2-Time GHC Jr. & 2-Time GHC Jr. Tag Champion Kenta returned from retirement to ROH competition for four upcoming events: Elizabeth, PA on March 20th, NYC on March 21, and Houston, TX on April 3rd & 4th.
  67. ^ "Kenta Out For November". Ring of Honor. 2009-10-30. Archived from the original on January 13, 2010. Retrieved 2009-11-10.
  68. ^ Johnson, Mike (2014-01-28). "International star at the WWE Performance Center". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2014-01-28.
  69. ^ "KentaのWWE挑戦、ノア社長容認". Daily Sports Online (in Japanese). 2014-01-30. Retrieved 2014-01-31.
  70. ^ Johnson, Mike (2014-01-31). "Kenta discusses why he was at the WWE Performance Center". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2014-01-31.
  71. ^ "Kenta WWE入団内定！". Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). 2014-06-28. Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2014-06-28.
  72. ^ Johnson, Mike (2014-06-28). "Big WWE signing to be announced next month". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2014-06-28.
  73. ^ "WWE signs Japanese star Kenta to NXT". WWE. 2014-07-12. Retrieved 2014-07-12.
  74. ^ Saxton, Byron (2014-10-09). "From gratitude to the griddle: Hideo Itami on NXT, IHOP and adjusting to life in America". WWE. Retrieved 2014-11-03.
  75. ^ Howell, Nolan (2014-09-11). "Neville shocks, defies odds at NXT Takeover: Fatal 4 Way". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on April 26, 2015. Retrieved 2014-09-12.
  76. ^ Twiss, Andrew (2014-09-13). "The former Kenta makes his official in-ring debut and more: WWE NXT TV spoilers from Full Sail Live". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2014-09-13.
  77. ^ Howell, Nolan (2014-09-18). "NXT: O'Neil and Kidd upset Zayn and Neville". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on May 31, 2016. Retrieved 2014-09-19.
  78. ^ James, Justin (2014-10-24). "James's WWE NXT report 10/23: Neville defends NXT Title against Titus O'Neil, Tyler Breeze, Ascension, more; Overall Reax". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2014-11-03.
  79. ^ Howell, Nolan (2014-10-30). "NXT: Zayn topples Titus in rematch". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on May 31, 2016. Retrieved 2014-11-03.
  80. ^ James, Justin (2014-10-02). "James's WWE NXT results 10/2 – Week 120: Neville defends NXT Title, Charlotte defends Women's Title, Itami; Overall Reax". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2014-11-03.
  81. ^ Trionfo, Richard (2014-11-06). "WWE NXT report: Finn-ally, Itami gets some revenge; NXT title match set for next week; Breeze vs. Zayn; and more". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2014-11-06.
  82. ^ Caldwell, James (2014-12-11). "Caldwell's WWE NXT Takeover results 12/11: Complete virtual-time coverage of Neville vs. Zayn for the NXT Title, Itami & Balor, Charlotte, Kevin Steen/Owens's debut, Corey Graves retires". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2014-12-11.
  83. ^ Parry, Josh (2015-01-15). "NXT news: Next live special announced, full spoiler Results from Thursday's NXT TV tapings". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2015-01-16.
  84. ^ James, Justin (2015-02-11). "WWE NXT Takeover report 2/11: Zayn vs. Owens NXT Title match, Women's Title semi-main event, Neville-Balor; Reax". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2015-02-17.
  85. ^ Melok, Bobby. "NXT Superstar Hideo Itami wins WrestleMania Axxess tournament for a spot in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal". WWE. Retrieved 2015-03-27.
  86. ^ Clapp, John. "2nd Annual André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal". WWE. Retrieved 2015-02-24.
  87. ^ James, Justin (2015-05-20). "James's WWE NXT "TakeOver: Unstoppable" report 5/20: Owens vs. Zayn for the NXT Title ends in wild fashion with a major debut, plus spectacular NXT Women's Title match, more; Overall Reax". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2016-03-29.
  88. ^ Caldwell, James (2015-05-26). "NXT news: Update on Hideo Itami shoulder surgery". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2016-03-29.
  89. ^ Meltzer, Dave (2015-05-08). "Thurs. update: Itami injury, Uhaa Nation notes, AAA World Cup info, Web site dinner and live Q&A show, Lawsuts, Flair, New Japan marathon Steiner, New UFC fight". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2016-03-29.
  90. ^ Meltzer, Dave (February 1, 2016). "February 1, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2016 Royal Rumble, Road to Wrestlemania, more". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California: 47. ISSN 1083-9593.
  91. ^ "6/30 WWE NXT Florida Results – Hideo Itami (Kenta) returns from injury in main event, Austin Aries, Almas, American Alpha vs. Authors". Pro Wrestling Torch. 2016-06-30. Retrieved 2016-07-01.
  92. ^ "HIDEO ITAMI OFFICIALLY OUT OF THE 2016 DUSTY CLASSIC". Figure Four Wrestling Online. 13 October 2016. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  93. ^ "NXT OSAKA, JAPAN, LIVE RESULTS: NAKAMURA WINS THE TITLE IN HIS HOME COUNTRY". Figure Four Wrestling Online. 3 December 2016. Retrieved 20 December 2016.
  94. ^ "NXT results, April 19, 2017: Dillinger ends NXT chapter on high note in Cage Match finale". WWE. Retrieved 20 April 2017.
  95. ^ "WWE NXT Results – 7/5/17 (Roode vs. Strong for the NXT Title)". WrestleView. 6 July 2017. Retrieved 20 July 2017.
  96. ^ "WWE NXT Results – 7/26/17 (Kassius Ohno vs. Hideo Itami headlines)". WrestleView. 27 July 2017. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  97. ^ "NXT results, Aug. 2, 2017: Aleister Black remains undefeated after epic clash against debuting Kyle O'Reilly". WWE.
  98. ^ WWE (2 August 2017). "Footage shows Hideo Itami trying to jump Aleister Black in the parking lot: Exclusive, Aug. 2, 2017". Archived from the original on 2021-12-21 – via YouTube.
  99. ^ "NXT Takeover Brooklyn Results: Hideo Itami vs. Aleister Black – Wrestlezone". 19 August 2017.
  100. ^ Currier, Joseph (2017-11-21). "Hideo Itami coming to WWE 205 Live soon". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2017-11-22.
  101. ^ Powell, Jason (27 January 2019). "WWE Royal Rumble 2019 Kickoff Show live review: Rusev vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the U.S. Championship, Buddy Murphy vs. Hideo Itami vs. Kalisto vs. Akira Tozawa for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved January 27, 2019.
  102. ^ Solowrestling (30 January 2019). "Hideo Itami pide a WWE su liberación de contrato". www.solowrestling.com.
  103. ^ AM, Phillip Martinez On 1/30/19 at 11:43 (30 January 2019). "Hideo Itami reportedly asked and was granted his release from WWE". Newsweek.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  104. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (January 30, 2019). "Wrestlers React To Hideo Itami Reportedly Leaving WWE". Fightful. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  105. ^ Thompson, Andrew (February 4, 2019). "205 Live Roster Puts Together A Video About Hideo Itami's Last Week In WWE". Fightful. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  106. ^ WWE (2019-02-22). "WWE has come to terms on the release of Kenta Kobayashi (Hideo Itami)". @WWE. Retrieved 2019-02-22.
  107. ^ "Q&A: NJPW's Kenta Reflects on 'Humiliation' of His Time in WWE". Sports Illustrated. 21 August 2020.
  108. ^ Meltzer, Dave. "June 17, 2019 Observer Newsletter: Scary incidents in the ring, NJPW Dominion review". f4wonline.com. Retrieved June 17, 2019.
  109. ^ "2019.07.06 G1 CLIMAX 29 Night 1 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  110. ^ "2019.07.14 G1 CLIMAX 29 Night 3 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Retrieved 2019-07-22.
  111. ^ "2019.07.18 G1 CLIMAX 29 Night 5 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Retrieved 2019-07-22.
  112. ^ "2019.07.20 G1 CLIMAX 29 Night 7 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Retrieved 2019-07-22.
  113. ^ "2019.07.27 G1 CLIMAX 29 Night 9 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
  114. ^ "2019.07.30 G1 CLIMAX 29 Night 11 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Retrieved July 30, 2019.
  115. ^ "2019.08.03 G1 CLIMAX 29 Night 13 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Retrieved August 12, 2019.
  116. ^ "2019.08.07 G1 CLIMAX 29 Night 15 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Retrieved August 12, 2019.
  117. ^ "2019.08.10 G1 CLIMAX 29 Night 17 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Retrieved August 12, 2019.
  118. ^ Crosby, Jack (August 12, 2019). "NJPW G1 Climax 29 results, winner: Kota Ibushi tops Jay White in epic 2019 finals match". CBSSports.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
  119. ^ "2019.08.12 G1 CLIMAX 29 Night 19 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Retrieved August 12, 2019.
  120. ^ "NJPW Royal Quest". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  121. ^ "NJPW Let KENTA Finish A Match Despite Being Obviously Concussed". deadspin.com. 3 September 2019.
  122. ^ "Update on KENTA Following Post-NJPW Royal Quest Hospitalization". 411Mania.
  123. ^ "2019.09.16 Destruction in Kagoshima". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
  124. ^ "NJPW Power Struggle 2019". Fightful. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
  125. ^ "2020.01.05 WRESTLE KINGDOM in TOKYO DOME | Night 2". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. January 5, 2020. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
  126. ^ NJPW. "2020.02.09 THE NEW BEGINNING in OSAKA | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". NJPW. Retrieved 2020-06-26.
  127. ^ "2020.08.07 NEW JAPAN CUP 2020 in the USA". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Bushiroad. August 7, 2020. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  128. ^ "2020.08.14 NEW JAPAN CUP 2020 in the USA". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Bushiroad. August 7, 2020. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  129. ^ "2020.08.21 NEW JAPAN CUP 2020 in the USA". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Bushiroad. August 7, 2020. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  130. ^ "G1 CLIMAX 30 Score Sheet | NEW JAPAN-PRO WRESTLING". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
  131. ^ "2020.11.07 POWER STRUGGLE | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  132. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (December 23, 2020). "KENTA Accepts Juice Robinson's Challenge For Wrestle Kingdom 15". Fightful. Retrieved December 24, 2020.
  133. ^ Rose, Bryan (December 23, 2020). "NJPW CONFIRMS KENTA VS. SATOSHI KOJIMA FOR WRESTLE KINGDOM 15". F4WOnline. Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved December 24, 2020.
  134. ^ Powell, Jason (January 4, 2021). "1/4 NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 results: Powell's review of Tetsuya Naito vs. Kota Ibushi for the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Championships, Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay, Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Phantasmo for a shot at the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  135. ^ Defelice, Robert (January 29, 2021). "Jon Moxley Returns To NJPW During NJPW Strong 'Road To Lion's Break: Contender'". Fightful. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
  136. ^ Guzzo, Gisberto (January 30, 2021). "Jon Moxley To Defend IWGP United States Championship Vs KENTA At NJPW New Beginning USA". Fightful. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
  137. ^ "New Japan Cup night 11 results: Shingo Takagi vs. KENTA". Won/F4W - Wwe News, Pro Wrestling News, Wwe Results, Aew News, Aew Results. 16 March 2021.
  138. ^ "NJPW Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome live results: IWGP title match". Won/F4W - Wwe News, Pro Wrestling News, Wwe Results, Aew News, Aew Results. 25 July 2021.
  139. ^ "G1 CLIMAX 31 Entrants announced! 【G131】 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING".
  140. ^ "NJPW G1 Climax 31 Final Set". 19 October 2021.
  141. ^ Woodward, Hamish (2021-11-08). "KENTA pins Hiroshi Tanahashi to win IWGP US Championship". Atletifo Sports. Retrieved 2021-11-09.
  142. ^ "1/5 NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, Kenta vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP U.S. Championship, Tetsuya Naito vs. Jeff Cobb, Mayu Iwatani and Starlight Kid vs. Saya Kamitani and Tam Nakano, Sanada vs. Great-O-Khan". 5 January 2022.
  143. ^ "KENTA Suffers Gruesome Injury at Wrestle Kingdom 16 [PHOTO]". 5 January 2022.
  144. ^ "Field announced for NJPW G1 Climax 32". 12 June 2022.
  145. ^ "NJPW G1 Climax 32 block winners determined, semifinals set". Won/F4W - Wwe News, Pro Wrestling News, Wwe Results, Aew News, Aew Results. 16 August 2022.
  146. ^ "NJPW Battle Autumn Results (10/16): SANADA vs. Taichi, KENTA vs. Hirooki Goto | Fightful News".
  147. ^ "NJPW Battle Autumn 2022 Results: SANADA Defeats KENTA to Advance in NJPW World Television Championship Tournament (10/30)". 30 October 2022.
  148. ^ "NJPW Strong: Detonation (2022) | Results | NJPW PPV Events".
  149. ^ "NJPW Strong - 11 December 2022 - Results". 12 December 2022.
  150. ^ "2023.01.04 WRESTLE KINGDOM 17 in TOKYO DOME | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING".
  151. ^ "2023.02.18 BATTLE IN THE VALLEY (Cheering event) | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING".
  152. ^ "NJPW Results: New Japan Cup 2023 Day 4 – Nagoya, Japan (3/11)". 12 March 2023.
  153. ^ "Multiverse United: Only the STRONG Survive 2023 Full Results – IMPACT Wrestling".
  154. ^ "4/15 NJPW Capital Collision results: McGuire's in-person report on Motor City Machine Guns vs. Aussie Open vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kazuchika Okada in a three-way for the NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Titles, Kenta vs. Eddie Edwards for the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship, Hiromu Takahashi and Tetsuya Naito vs. Sanada and Yoshinobu Kanemaru". 16 April 2023.
  155. ^ "2023.05.03 Wrestling Dontaku 2023 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING".
  156. ^ "NJPW Resurgence live results: Strong Women's title tournament". Won/F4W - Wwe News, Pro Wrestling News, Wwe Results, Aew News, Aew Results. 21 May 2023.
  157. ^ "Eddie Kingston Wins Gold at NJPW STRONG Independence Day". 5 July 2023.
  158. ^ "NJPW G1 Climax 33 Participants, Blocks & Full Schedule".
  159. ^ "New Japan's G1 Climax 33 quarterfinals are set". 9 August 2023.
  160. ^ "2024.01.05 New Year Dash!! | New Japan Pro-Wrestling". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  161. ^ "NJPW the New Beginning in Nagoya live results: NEVER title match". 20 January 2024.
  162. ^ "NJPW the New Beginning in Osaka live results: Final Okada vs. Tanahashi match". 11 February 2024.
  163. ^ "NJPW 52nd Anniversary/ New Japan Cup Results: Day 1 - March 6". 8 March 2024.
  164. ^ Fritts, Chick (April 6, 2024). "NJPW Sakura Genesis live results: Naito vs. Tsuji IWGP World title match". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  165. ^ Fritts, Chick (May 4, 2024). "NJPW Wrestling Dontaku night two live results: Moxley vs. Narita IWGP title match". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved May 4, 2024.
  166. ^ Powell, Jason (February 3, 2021). "2/3 AEW Dynamite results: Powell's live review of Jon Moxley, Pac, and Rey Fenix vs. Kenny Omega, Doc Gallows, and Karl Anderson, Battle Royal for a shot at the AEW Tag Titles, Lance Archer vs. Eddie Kingston in a Lumberjack Match, Kip Sabian and Penelope Ford wedding". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved February 3, 2021.
  167. ^ Wilkins, Rob (February 10, 2021). "AEW Dynamite 02/10/20 Results: Omega and Kenta vs. Moxley and Archer, Eliminator Tournament and more". Fightful.com. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  168. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip (February 17, 2013). "Torneo Latino Americano de Lucha Libre (2013)". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  169. ^ "CZW BEST OF THE BEST XX WINNER IS..."
  170. ^ "DEFY Your Nightmare « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net.
  171. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip (November 6, 2021). "IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  172. ^ "IWGP Tag Team Title history on official website". New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).
  173. ^ "NEVER Openweight Championship History" (in Japanese). New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
  174. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip (August 31, 2019). "NEVER Openweight Championship". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  175. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip (August 21, 2020). "New Japan Cup USA (2020)". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  176. ^ "KENTA the STRONGest Survivor 【NJoA】 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING".
  177. ^ Knipper, Justin (January 7, 2023). "NJPW Strong results: The first-ever Strong Survivor match". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Archived from the original on January 22, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  178. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip (December 11, 2022). "Strong Survivor Tournament". CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database. Archived from the original on January 22, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  179. ^ a b "Nikkan Sports Awards – 2006". wrestlingscout. February 23, 2016.
  180. ^ "Nikkan Sports Awards – 2008". wrestlingscout. February 27, 2016. Archived from the original on March 28, 2020. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
  181. ^ "Nikkan Sports Awards – 2007". wrestlingscout. February 26, 2016.
  182. ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2013". The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved 2013-08-22.
  183. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip (January 27, 2013). "GHC Heavyweight Championship". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  184. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip (July 18, 2005). "GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  185. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip (July 16, 2003). "GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  186. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip (October 8, 2012). "GHC Tag Team Championship". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  187. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip (August 18, 2011). "Two Days Tag Tournament (2011)". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  188. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip (May 8, 2005). "Differ Cup (2005)". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  189. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip (November 23, 2012). "Global League (2012)". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  190. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip (April 28, 2013). "Global Tag League (2013)". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  191. ^ "Results". Keeping the Spirit Alive. Retrieved 2013-12-19.
  192. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip (December 15, 2013). "Matsumoto Day Clinic Cup Contention Heavyweight Battle Royal (2013)". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  193. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip (October 14, 2002). "One Day Six Man Tag Team Tournament (2002)". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  194. ^ "PUROLOVE.com". www.purolove.com. Archived from the original on 2016-07-19. Retrieved 2013-03-19.
  195. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip (July 15, 2007). "Nippon TV Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League (2007)". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  196. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip (September 6, 2008). "Nippon TV Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League (2008)". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  197. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip (October 30, 2010). "Nippon TV Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League (2010)". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  198. ^ 「グローバル・タッグリーグ戦2014」各賞発表. Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). 2014-04-28. Retrieved 2014-04-28.
  199. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4i0ykJQdmaI
  200. ^ https://www.facebook.com/texaswrestlingcartel/posts/pfbid02vqJ9bvrcyK4Jk6pgx18CgSp4rdHpVKFvtP2kGrrR2B37GRCnWXXpxMy74r8LMn7Nl
  201. ^ https://www.instagram.com/p/C7fVScdhj1u/?hl=en
  202. ^ a b 東京スポーツ プロレス大賞. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). Retrieved 2014-01-20.
  203. ^ "オカダが2年連続でプロレス大賞MVPを受賞！史上4人目の快挙だが、本人は「当たり前の結果」". Battle News (in Japanese). 2013-12-10. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
  204. ^ 東京スポーツ プロレス大賞. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). Retrieved 2014-01-20.
  205. ^ a b Meltzer, Dave (January 30, 2012). "Jan 30 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Gigantic year-end awards issue, best and worst in all categories plus UFC on FX 1, death of Savannah Jack, ratings, tons and tons of news". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California. ISSN 1083-9593.
  206. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip (March 28, 2015). "Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal Qualifying Tournament". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kenta Kobayashi.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kenta_Kobayashi&oldid=1257094526"