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It was all the way back at NXT Takeover: Unstoppable on May 20, 2015, that an injury angle was shot to explain Hideo Itami taking time away to deal with a shoulder injury. And while he's made a couple of on-camera appearances in the meantime, there's been no hint of an honest to goodness return for a while now.
Hideo?
Frustrated......Disappointed.... Jealous...... and "rumors". Everything is my motivation #TheSunwillrise
— Hideo Itami / 伊丹英雄 (@HideoItami) January 9, 2016
It will indeed but when? Based on spoilers coming out of last night's NXT tapings at Full Sail, Itami wasn't mentioned and does not factor into any immediate plans. There is another set of tapings set for Royal Rumble weekend in Orlando on Jan. 22, so it's possible he makes his return there.
If not, it will be some time before he's back on NXT television.
Unless a main roster call up is in order and this is a long con for it. Don't count on that.