Report: WWE NXT's Hideo Itami out 6 - 8 months due to injury

According to PWInsider.com, Sami Zayn isn't the only NXT star that might be looking at time off due to a shoulder injury.

Mike Johnson is saying that he's confirmed that Hideo Itami will be out six - eight months because of an injury similar to the one for which Zayn is reportedly awaiting a diagnosis.

If true, Triple H and Developmental officials have to be scrambling, as the two matches announced as main events for May 20th's TakeOver: Unstoppable both would be effected. Sami was set to face Kevin Owens for the NXT title, while Itami had been scheduled for a Triple Threat with Tyler Breeze & Finn Bálor to determine the #1 contender for that belt.

In addition, Alex Riley who's been a prominent character in the Owens/Zayn story over the last couple of months, is sidelined following a knee procedure he underwent this week.

Hard to imagine this coming at a worse time for NXT. Many critics, including this writer, have worried that the shows have been top-heavy and leaned extensively on the main eventers with independent experience. And more than just the May live show set for WWE Network, the promotion is set for a number of road dates this month and next that were supposedly the first steps in a plan to make it a full-fledged traveling brand.

With the rumored addtion of Samoa Joe and a crop of recent signees that include Uhaa Nation, who was already "debuted" on NXT television last night, there should be reinforcements on the way.

Stay tuned for news and updates on Zayn & Itami's health, and NXT's plans.