In an interview with WWE.com, Hideo Itami revealed what exactly his new name means. Here are highlights:
On his debut at NXT Takeover II: “I was very excited when I made my debut. It was the biggest moment of my career because WWE has always been my goal. The NXT Universe was very welcoming to me and very happy. I was very nervous before I made my debut, but excited, too.”
On the meaning behind his name: “It means ‘Hero of Pain.’”
On the transition from Japan to the United States: “Everything is an adjustment. (Laughs) Driving on the right side instead of the left side, like in Japan. In the house, I notice a lot of people don’t take their shoes off, but in Japan we always take off our shoes. Even the toilets and showers are different here in the U.S. I do like American food but I still miss my Japanese food.”
On his long term goal: “I want to be a World Champion and I would like to compete at a WrestleMania. It’s funny because the thought of making it here first popped into my head about 10 years ago. Around 2003, 2004, I thought about walking away from wrestling and then I attended a WWE show in Japan. From that point forward, I was re-inspired to make it.”
WWE NXT Notes: EVIL Makes Surprise WWE Debut, Kam Hendrix, Tristan Angels, Will Kroos, & Tate Wilder Makes Surprise NXT Debuts, Sean Legacy Makes Surprise Injury Return, Mr. Iguana Appears, Lizzy Rain Makes NXT In-Ring Debut, 5/5 Show Card
WWE RAW Notes: Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker, IYO SKY vs. Asuka, and Jacob Fatu vs. Roman Reigns for WWE World Title Matches Set for Backlash 2026, Crowd Chants “We Want Kairi” During Asuka’s Attack on SKY, Joe Hendry Confirms He Joins RAW, Stephanie Vaquer Suffered “Injury”, 5/4 Card
Roman Reigns No Longer Advertised for WWE RAW Shows This June
