The following is a press release from WWE:

STAMFORD, Conn. — WWE today announced it has signed Kenta, one of Japan’s biggest stars, to its NXT division. The announcement took place during a signing ceremony at a WWE Live Event in Osaka, Japan with WWE icon and Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan presiding.

Kenta’s intense and straightforward in-ring style has led to his success in Japan, as well as during visits to the U.S. He is expected to reach new heights of global success with WWE.

“Kenta is an incredible performer who brings the crowd to its feet when he steps into the ring,” said Paul Levesque, Executive Vice President, Talent, Creative and Live Events, WWE. “WWE’s signing of Kenta reflects our continued dedication to creating a diverse roster that appeals to our global fan base.”

“I am humbled to join WWE’s NXT division and look forward to honing my craft with the global leader in sports-entertainment,” said Kenta.

Kenta will relocate to Orlando, Florida, where he will train at WWE’s state-of-the-art Performance Center to enhance his talents both athletically and creatively.

Awesome. Really hope WWE doesn't fuck this one over. He's 33 so he's not that old, he can be a big player for at least 10 years if done right.

Interesting... I can't help but wonder how he'll do with all his moveset basically deployed out to the roster already.

Isn't he like 5'7?

I assume he's being signed so the NXT guys can get the experience of working the Japanese style. I don't think the WWE is planning to do anything of real significance with him.

I dunno, i dont think they'd waste KENTA on getting people to work the japanese style. They just released Yoshi Tatsu (who probably remembers that style after being in WWE for so long) so i dont think that's the reason he was signed.

I'm just saying... Don't expect him to be a main eventer and you'll probably be happier

I agree w/ Ian.

Ozzy wrote:

Interesting... I can't help but wonder how he'll do with all his moveset basically deployed out to the roster already.

He only really has two moves he can't use, he still has dozens he could use. Punk, Ceasro, Harper, Bryan and Kalisto all use finishers they didn't use in the indies(Bryan used the yes lock a few times but not often), so it's not like it's a rarity.

Considering they gave him a press conference and had Hogan sign him, idk why people would think he's just there to train people. Especially given that training WWE guys to work the Japanese style is the exact opposite of what they'd do. I'm not expecting him to win the world title, but I can't see him being a trainer or just hanging around NXT forever.

Ian wrote:

I'm just saying... Don't expect him to be a main eventer and you'll probably be happier

I never said i was lol. If the brand split still existed then for sure he'd probably get a World Title run. I just see him doing more than being in NXT.

I definitely don't expect him to be a main eventer, however I can't see him being a Yoshi Tatsu either. He's wayyyy too popular/known.

He'll bring a lot of fans with him. I'm really excited for this. I don't watch the indie/Japanese anymore but when I did I was a big fan of KENTA.