If you only know KENTA from his run in WWE as Hideo Itami, you wouldn’t think he was one of the best wrestlers in the world. He was one of the first big international free agent signings for WWE, right before Prince Devitt joined the company as Finn Balor. Things could have gone great for KENTA in WWE, but poorly timed injuries and a needless move to 205 Live stunted his momentum, to the point where he’s just getting steam again now.
He doesn’t look back on this time well, and wrestling in the USA New Japan Cup is now reminding him of his WWE run. He would give his thoughts on it during an interview with Sports Illustrated.
KENTA Is Going To Bring The IWGP United States Championship To New Levels
The winner of the USA New Japan Cup gets a shot at the current IWGP United States Champion, Jon Moxley. KENTA previously helped the NEVER Openweight Championship, and now intends to do the same with this title. This would also help him get over his poor run in WWE.
“I’m going to be the first-ever Japanese IWGP U.S. Champion, and I’ll bring that belt to a higher level. My time with the NEVER belt was like a greeting for fans of New Japan. I had to prove that I’m a person who can aim for higher levels with NEVER. And the U.S. title has a totally different feeling. A few years ago, a guy who fell in America surprised the world with the U.S. title. Don’t you think it’s the coolest story? I’ve never forgotten my American humiliation. If I have the belt, it will get more attention from both Japanese and American fans.”
His Humiliating WWE Run Inspires Him
KENTA refuses to let his troubled past stop him, in fact it drives him forward and inspires him to move forward.
“I’ve felt in my heart that the five years I spent in WWE were the most frustrating days of my life. I’ve talked about this, but I’ll always remember the humiliation in America. Being here reminds me of that regret. And when you’re not good, you tell yourself that. That is what inspires me.”
KENTA faces David Finlay in the finals of the tournament tonight. Do you think he will win and become the next IWGP United States Champion? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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