KENTA
In a move that was a long time in the making, Kenta signed with WWE earlier this month at a live event in Osaka, Japan while accompanied by Triple H and Hulk Hogan. Bringing Hogan out to Kenta’s signing obviously was a show to make him and the crowd know how appreciative the WWE was that Kenta had joined the fold.
Both Kenta and Punk were shockingly sent to NXT for training. When Punk joined the WWE back in 2005 he was astonished to find himself sent to the developmental territory at the time that was OVW. He felt he was better than many on the main roster and that he deserved more of a push. Nobody knew what to do with him though. Paul Heyman was also astounded that Punk had been sent to work with him. He knew what a talent Punk was and relished the chance to work with him.
The same can be said for Kenta. At this early stage, nobody can know how Kenta himself feels about the move but to call it shocking is an understatement. He has established himself as one of the greatest Japanese wrestling talents the world has ever seen, so to be sent to NXT will likely be a drop in competition for the superstar.
Kenta could also potentially become a stereotype. All signs point to the fact that he could become the token Asian guy of the company. Everyone from Taka Michinoku, Funaki, Tajiri, Yoshi Tatsu and even Albert when he came back to the WWE as Lord Tensai, in what may be the most short-lived push of all time. Kenta obviously has more talent than all of these put together and hopefully will break all barriers set before him and elevate himself to main event status.
Whether he can without the use of the Busaiku Knee Kick or the GTS that he used to do will remain to be seen.