Hideo Itami Says He’s Not Going Back To Japan

Despite rumors to the contrary mentioned on a recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Radio, NXT Superstar Hideo Itami has no plans to go back to Japan when his contract with the company expires. 

In an quick interview for WWE's YouTube channel, Itami was asked whether his loss to Bobby Roode at NXT Takeover: Chicago would be a catalyst for his return to his home country. 

Looking annoyed, Itami gave a pretty blunt answer to the question. 

"No. I worked hard to get here," Itami told Christy St. Cloud. "One loss doesn't mean go back to Japan. I'm not done yet."

The 36-year old Itami joined WWE's third brand back in 2014, but has seen his time with NXT hampered by various injuries throughout his tenure.

He suffered a shoulder injury in early 2015 that sidelined him for over a year. He was hurt again in late 2016 that caused him to be out of action until March 2017. 

On Wednesday's episode of NXT, Itami took on Oney Lorcan in a match that was thrown out after Itami hit the Go To Sleep on Lorcan three times while refusing to go for the pinfall. Kassius Ohno came out to try and calm Itami down, but to no avail as the two got into a pushing match that ended with Ohnon knocking Itami to the mat.

All signs point to a match between the two in the near future with Itami starting a heel turn.