205 Live superstar and Japanese wrestling legend Hideo Itami has been granted his release by WWE.
Itami, real name Kenta Kobayashi had been seemingly written off from 205 Live following an assault from Ariya Daivari and there were rumblings of his departure but it has now been confirmed on WWE’s social media channels.
WWE has come to terms on the release of Kenta Kobayashi (Hideo Itami).https://t.co/HeJV9fxCrU
— WWE (@WWE) February 22, 2019
Hideo began his career at All Japan Pro Wrestling in 200, before he made a name for himself in Pro Wrestling NOAH as KENTA, becoming a legend in the junior heavyweight division, and even winning the GHC Heavyweight Championship.
Itami signed with the WWE in 2014, but a spate of long-term injuries stunted his career on the NXT brand. He moved to 205 Live but could not pick up any momentum.