View source for Kenta Kobayashi

{{short description|Japanese professional wrestler (born 1981)}}
{{Redirect|KENTA||Kenta}}
{{Distinguish|Kenta Kobashi}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name        = <!-- DO CHANGE. MUST MATCH ARTICLE TITLE -->Kenta Kobayashi<!-- DO NOT CHANGE. MUST MATCH ARTICLE TITLE. -->
|image       = KENTA202302.png
|image_size  =
|caption     = Kobayashi in 2023
|names       = Halimao<br />Hideo Itami<ref name=WWE>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/hideoitami|title=Hideo Itami|access-date=2014-12-13|work=[[WWE]]}}</ref><br />'''Kenta'''<ref name="NJPWProfile">{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw1972.com/profile/903|title=KENTA Profile|publisher=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=January 5, 2020}}</ref><br />Kenta Kobayashi
|height      = {{convert|1.74|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<!-- In Japan they measure height in meters so that should be first. --><ref name="NJPWProfile"/>
|weight      = {{convert|85|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<!-- In Japan they measure weight in kilograms so that should be first. --><ref name="NJPWProfile"/>
|birth_date  = {{Birth date and age|1981|3|12|mf=y}}<ref name=Noah/>
|birth_name  = {{nihongo|Kenta Kobayashi|小林 健太|Kobayashi Kenta}}
|birth_place = [[Sōka]], [[Saitama Prefecture|Saitama]], Japan<ref name=Noah/><ref name="USA"/>
|resides     = 
|children    = 2
|billed      = [[Tokyo, Japan]]<ref name=WWE/>
|trainer     = [[All Japan Pro Wrestling|All Japan Dojo]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://puroresucentral.com/KENTA.html|title=KENTA|publisher=Puroresu Central|access-date=January 5, 2020}}</ref><br />[[Kenta Kobashi]]<ref name="Slam">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2019/03/03/22793628.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602042012/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2019/03/03/22793628.html|title=Hideo Itami in WWE, how did it all go so wrong?|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.com|Canadian Online Explorer]]|first=Alexander|last=Podgorski|date=March 3, 2019|access-date=January 5, 2020|archive-date=June 2, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><br />[[Yoshihiro Takayama]]<ref name="Slam"/>
|debut       = May 24, 2000<ref name=Noah/>
}}

{{nihongo|'''Kenta Kobayashi'''|小林 健太|Kobayashi Kenta|born March 12, 1981}},<ref name=Noah>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/profile007.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223000854/http://www.noah.co.jp/profile007.php|title=Kenta|archive-date=2014-02-23|access-date=2014-08-07|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja}}</ref> known [[Mononymous person|mononymous]]ly as '''Kenta''' (stylised in [[all caps]]), is a Japanese [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. He is signed to [[Pro Wrestling Noah]]. A former amateur [[Kickboxing|kickboxer]], Kobayashi's wrestling style is based upon strong kicks and strikes. Kobayashi pioneered both the ''[[Professional wrestling strikes#Go 2 Sleep|Go 2 Sleep]]'' and ''[[Professional wrestling strikes#Running single leg high knee|Busaiku Knee]]'' kick finishing manoeuvres, later popularized by [[CM Punk]] and [[Bryan Danielson]], respectively.

Kobayashi started his career in [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW), before moving to [[Pro Wrestling Noah]]; through Noah's involvement in the [[Global Professional Wrestling Alliance]] (GPWA), a global organization of cooperative promotions that allow their competitors to travel abroad to other companies, he has wrestled extensively in American promotion [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zerooneusa.com/news33.php|title=Global Professional Wrestling Alliance!|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Zero1]]|date=2006-09-12|access-date=2009-06-08|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904043207/http://www.zerooneusa.com/news33.php|archive-date=2009-09-04}}</ref> In Noah, he was a one-time [[GHC Heavyweight Championship|GHC Heavyweight Champion]], three-time [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship|GHC Junior Heavyweight Champion]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/ghcjr.php|title=Global Honored Crown Junior Heavyweight Championship|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|access-date=2009-07-20|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831120931/http://www.noah.co.jp/ghcjr.php|archive-date=2009-08-31}}</ref> three-time [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion]], and one-time [[GHC Tag Team Championship|GHC Tag Team Champion]]. He was also the winner of the [[N-1 Victory#2012|2012 Global League]] and the [[Global Tag League#2013|2013 Global Tag League]] tournaments.

He is also well known for his tenure in American promotion [[WWE]] where he worked under the name '''Hideo Itami''' (ヒデオ・イタミ) in the company's [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental territory]] [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT]] and later in their [[Cruiserweight (professional wrestling)|cruiserweight]] exclusive brand [[205 Live (WWE brand)|205 Live]]. In 2019, he departed from WWE, and in May, appeared for [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW), announcing his participation in that year's [[G1 Climax 29|G1 Climax]] and aligned with former tag partner [[Katsuyori Shibata]]. He turned on Shibata and joined the [[Bullet Club]], and has since held the [[Strong Openweight Championship]] twice and the [[IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]], [[NEVER Openweight Championship]] and the [[IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship]] once each. He silently departed from NJPW in January 2025 and returned to Pro Wrestling Noah the following month.

== Early life ==
Kobayashi was born on March 12, 1981, in [[Sōka]], [[Japan]].<ref name="NJPWProfile"/> He trained under [[Kenta Kobashi]] and [[Yoshihiro Takayama]].<ref name="Slam"/>

== Professional wrestling career ==

=== All Japan Pro Wrestling (2000) ===
Prior to wrestling professionally, Kobayashi had a variety of athletic backgrounds, practicing [[baseball]] and [[kickboxing]]; the latter came to be a strong foundation in his wrestling style often referred to as [[shoot style]].<ref name="USA">{{cite web|url=http://www.noah-usa.cc/KENTAprofiledetail.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130105085005/http://www.noah-usa.cc/KENTAprofiledetail.html|title=Kenta|work=Pro Wrestling Noah USA|archive-date=January 5, 2013|access-date=2009-07-20}}</ref> Kobayashi made his professional wrestling debut on May 24, 2000, against future ally and rival, [[Naomichi Marufuji]], in [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW) to compete in their [[Cruiserweight (professional wrestling)|junior heavyweight division]]. He did not remain in the company long as [[Mitsuharu Misawa]], acting president of AJPW, decided to leave the company following a dispute, leading to Misawa forming his own company, [[Pro Wrestling Noah]].<ref name="History">{{cite web|url=http://www.noah-usa.cc/chroniclehistory.html|title=Chronicle/History|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|date=2000-08-05|access-date=2009-07-20|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024133847/http://noah-usa.cc/chroniclehistory.html|archive-date=2013-10-24}}</ref>

=== Pro Wrestling Noah===

==== Early appearances and Burning (2000–2003) ====
{{see also|Burning (professional wrestling)}}
One of Misawa's focuses in his new promotion was the junior heavyweight division, which never was treated with high regard in AJPW despite the successes in other promotions. Being sidelined with injuries for the majority of Noah's first year of operation, Kobayashi made his return in July 2001, simply named Kenta.<ref name="History"/>

Kenta's first involvement in a [[Professional wrestling championship|championship]] situation came when Naomichi Marufuji was forced to vacate the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] after suffering a knee injury;<ref name="encountering02">{{cite web |url=http://noah.puroresufan.com/results/navigationencounter02.php |title=Noah Encountering Navigation 2002 tour results |access-date=2007-10-27 |publisher=Green Destiny |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071121165242/http://noah.puroresufan.com/results/navigationencounter02.php |archive-date=2007-11-21 }}</ref> Kenta entered into the tournament held to determine a new champion. He advanced to the finals by defeating [[Kotaro Suzuki]] and [[Tsuyoshi Kikuchi]] before losing to [[Yoshinobu Kanemaru]] on the ''Navigation with Breeze Tour'' in June 2002.<ref name="breeze">{{cite web |url=http://noah.puroresufan.com/results/navigationbreeze02.php |title=Noah Navigation with Breeze tour results |access-date=2007-10-27 |publisher=Green Destiny |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929105551/http://noah.puroresufan.com/results/navigationbreeze02.php |archive-date=2007-09-29 }}</ref> Following his relative success in the tournament, Kenta had an increase in his popularity, and he joined his mentor, [[Kenta Kobashi]], in the [[Stable (professional wrestling)|faction]] [[Burning (professional wrestling)|Burning]].<ref name=NoahOct2002>{{cite web | url = http://www.noah.co.jp/results0210.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20040218235518/http://www.noah.co.jp/results0210.html | script-title=ja:2002年10月 | archive-date=February 18, 2004 | access-date=May 1, 2013 | work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]] | language=ja}}</ref>

====Junior Heavyweight Championship success (2003–2011)====

March 1, 2003, saw Kenta team with Naomichi Marufuji for the first time against [[Makoto Hashi]] and Yoshinobu Kanemaru in a winning effort. They began teaming regularly as the two entered into a tournament to christen the first [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]] during the company's ''Accomplish Our Third Navigation tour''; they went to win the tournament by defeating junior heavyweight veterans [[Jyushin Thunder Liger]] and Takehiro Murahama in the finals on July 16.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noah.puroresufan.com/results/navigationaccomplish03.php|title=Noah Accomplish Our Third Navigation tour results|access-date=2007-08-31|publisher=Green Destiny|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080218000314/http://www.noah.puroresufan.com/results/navigationaccomplish03.php|archive-date=2008-02-18}}</ref> While defending the tag team title, Kenta continued his venture in hopes of winning the GHC Junior Heavyweight title once again on November 30, 2003, in an unsuccessful bid against [[Takashi Sugiura]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=111&nr=2535|title=KENTA vs. Takashi Sugiura << Matches << CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|publisher=Cagematch.net|access-date=January 5, 2020}}</ref>

[[File:KENTA, Samoa Joe, and Katsuhiko Nakajima.jpg|thumb|left|Kenta (far left) with [[Samoa Joe]] and [[Katsuhiko Nakajima]]]]
As part of a reward for the way Kenta performed, he earned himself a trial series of seven matches going into the next year, seeing Kenta able to challenge more established stars in an attempt to elevate his status. Kenta began his trial series on the ''First Navigation'' tour, beating [[Juventud Guerrera]]. This was followed by defeats to [[Yoshinari Ogawa]] and [[Jun Akiyama]]. The final match of the series was a loss against Marufuji in October.<ref name="History"/> While the series was taking place, Kenta and Marufuji continued defending their title against a number of challengers: [[El Samurai]] and [[Ryusuke Taguchi]], Yoshinari Ogawa and Kotaro Suzuki, Suzuki and [[Ricky Marvin]], Marvin and [[Takahiro Suwa|Suwa]] and, on Noah's first [[Tokyo Dome]] show, against [[Kendo Kashin]] and Takashi Sugiura. Their reign as champions came to an end in June 2005 after almost two years by Kanemaru and Sugiura after the latter pinned Kenta.<ref name="breeze2005">{{cite web|url=http://noah.puroresufan.com/results/navigationbreeze05.php |title=NOAH Navigation with Breeze tour results |access-date=2007-08-31 |publisher=Green Destiny |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926234211/http://noah.puroresufan.com/results/navigationbreeze05.php |archive-date=2007-09-26 }}</ref>

Kenta's first major [[Feud (professional wrestling)|rivalry]] in singles competition began in March 2005 following a dispute with [[SUWA (wrestler)|SUWA]], which led to a series of confrontations between the two, including a violent match that ended in his opponent getting [[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|disqualified]] for assaulting the referee. This led to Kenta getting one more chance to challenge for the Junior Heavyweight title against Yoshinobu Kanemaru at [[Destiny (2005)|Destiny]] on July 18, which saw him win the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/noah/dome.html#2005|title=Destiny 2005 Results|publisher=ProWrestlingHistory.com}}</ref> He made his first defense two months later against Suwa, then against Kotaro Suzuki as his alter ego, Mushiking Terry. Simultaneously, Kenta began teaming with [[Katsuyori Shibata]] as The Takeover, challenging for the [[GHC Tag Team Championship]], the heavyweight version of the company's tag team title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/shibata.html|title=Katsuyori Shibata|last=Wilson|first=Kevin|publisher=Puroresu Central|access-date=2009-07-21}}</ref>

On March 5, 2006, Kenta faced a major challenge in Kenta Kobashi, which saw him lose following a ''[[Professional wrestling throws#Side Death Valley driver|Burning Hammer]]''.<ref name="Kevin">{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/KENTA.html|title=Kenta|last=Wilson|first=Kevin|publisher=Puroresu Central|access-date=2009-07-21}}</ref> This was followed by a loss of the Junior Heavyweight title on June 4 to Takashi Sugiura. This saw Kenta shift his attention to the [[GHC Heavyweight Championship]], challenging Naomichi Marufuji, losing in a match which won numerous awards and accolades from the wrestling media.<ref name="Kevin"/>

Kenta spent the majority of his 2007 time in Noah wrestling a variety of [[tag team]] and [[Tag team#Six-man tag team|six-man tag team]] matches with protégé [[Taiji Ishimori]] and [[Akitoshi Saito]] as partners. He saw most of his success with Ishimori as the two had critically acclaimed matches against a wide variety of competitors, including [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) competitors on loan to the company due to the talent exchange agreement, the [[Global Professional Wrestling Alliance]] (GPWA), between ROH and Noah: the [[Briscoe Brothers]], [[Davey Richards]], and [[Bryan Danielson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1228&view=&page=4&gimmick=&year=&promotion=4&region=&location=&arena=&showtype=&constellationType=&worker=|title=ROH matches wrestled by KENTA|publisher=Cagematch.net|access-date=January 5, 2020}}</ref> As Kenta and Ishimori progressed as a unit, they entered the first NTV Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Tournament; in the finals they beat Marufuji and [[Kota Ibushi]] to win the tournament. They later challenged the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]] wrestlers [[BxB Hulk]] and [[Shingo Takagi]], in a winning effort before losing them to Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Kotaro Suzuki,<ref name="JrTag">{{cite web|url=http://noah-usa.cc/GHC%20Jr%20Heavyweight%20Tag%20Team%20Champ%20sub%20title%20page.html|title=GHC Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Champion|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|access-date=2009-07-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090802040010/http://www.noah-usa.cc/GHC%20Jr%20Heavyweight%20Tag%20Team%20Champ%20sub%20title%20page.html|archive-date=2009-08-02|url-status=dead}}</ref> only to defeat the team to win the second NTV Junior Heavyweight Tag Team League Tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/noah/noahtrny.html|title=Pro Wrestling Noah Misc. Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=2009-07-23}}</ref>

Following his loss of the tag title, Kenta returned to competing in singles competition by defeating Bryan Danielson for his second GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Woodward |first=Hamish |date=2022-12-30 |title=Every Bryan Danielson vs KENTA Match From ROH/NOAH Ranked |url=https://atletifo.com/wrestling/bryan-danielson-vs-kenta/ |access-date=2023-01-08 |language=en-GB}}</ref> which led to a match with Marufuji, who had won the [[World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)|World Junior Heavyweight Championship]], to attempt to [[Title unification#Professional wrestling|unify the titles]]; the match ended in a sixty-minute [[Professional#Draw|draw]], keeping the titles in the hands of their respective holder, while gaining favorable reviews for their efforts by the media with some claiming it to be a ''Match of the Year''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/Awards2008.html|title=2008 Puroresu Awards|last=Wilson|first=Kevin|publisher=Puroresu Central|access-date=2009-07-23}}</ref> Kenta lost the title in February 2009 to rival in their interpromotional rivalry with another member of the GPWA in the [[Kensuke Office]], [[Katsuhiko Nakajima]], only to win it back in the next month.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/NOAHTitle-GHCJrHeavy.html|title=GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship|last=Wilson|first=Kevin|access-date=2009-07-23}}</ref> In October, Kobayashi was forced to vacate the title after suffering a knee injury, which would keep him sidelined for over seven months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/MMA/news/120521/KENTA-Injury-Update.htm|title=Kenta Injury Update|publisher=411Mania|last=Csonka|first=Larry|date=2009-10-29|access-date=2009-11-10}}</ref>

Kobayashi made his return from injury on June 6, 2010, losing to Naomichi Marufuji in a GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship number one contender's match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah-usa.cc/results2010.html|title=2010 results|publisher=Noah-USA|access-date=2010-06-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100618050005/http://www.noah-usa.cc/results2010.html|archive-date=2010-06-18|url-status=dead}}</ref> On October 30, 2010, Kenta and [[Atsushi Aoki]] defeated [[Roderick Strong]] and [[Eddie Edwards (wrestler)|Eddie Edwards]] in the finals of a tournament to win the [[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League#2010|2010 Nippon TV Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League]].<ref name=NipponCup2010>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah-usa.cc/newspage%202010%20second.html|title=Results from 10/30 Korakuen Hall Show!|work=Noah-USA|access-date=2010-10-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101103230316/http://noah-usa.cc/newspage%202010%20second.html|archive-date=2010-11-03|url-status=dead}}</ref> As a result, Kenta and Aoki received a shot at the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, but were defeated by the champions, [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] representatives [[Koji Kanemoto]] and [[Tiger Mask IV|Tiger Mask]], on November 23, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2320|title=(Results) New Japan, 11/23/10 & Kanemoto and Tiger retain GHC Jr. Tag Title|work=Strong Style Spirit|date=2010-11-23|access-date=2010-11-23}}</ref> On January 29, 2011, Kenta turned heel and join the Disobey stable with members [[Muhammad Yone]], Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Genba Hirayanagi. Kenta would change his look and attitude. Then on March 5, he turned on Yone, removing him from the group. One week later, he renamed the stable No Mercy. On May 25 Kenta and Yoshinobu Kanemaru defeated Atsushi Aoki and Kotaro Suzuki of the ANMU stable to win the vacant GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship. After months of trying to persuade his mentor [[Yoshihiro Takayama]] to join No Mercy, on June 26 Takayama turned on his partner Takuma Sano during a tag match against Kenta and Kanemaru and became the fourth member of the group. Kenta and Kanemaru would then make it to the finals of the Junior Tag League on July 30. They lost to Atsushi Aoki and Kotaro Suzuki. Then on August 18, 2011, Kenta and Yoshihiro Takayama won the Noah 2 Day Tag Team Tournament. On August 24, Kenta and Kanemaru successfully defended their tag title against Aoki and Suzuki, who got the shot due to their victory in the Junior Tag League. On September 23, Kenta confronted GHC Heavyweight Champion Go Shiozaki after he defeated Takayama to retain the title. Kenta got a number one contender's match with Takashi Sugiura, which he won on October 10. Kenta and Kanemaru lost the GHC Junior Heavyweight tag title to Aoki and Suzuki on October 16.

==== Transition to the heavyweight division (2011–2013) ====
At Noah's Halloween show on October 31, 2011, Kenta challenged the NJPW team [[Bad Intentions (professional wrestling)|Bad Intentions]] (Giant Bernard and Karl Anderson) for the GHC Heavyweight Tag Team Championship with Yoshihiro Takayama. The match was set for 2012, but never happened due to injury. In November, Kenta entered Noah's Global Tag League and developed a new submission move he called "Game Over" to help him dispatch heavyweights. Kenta would make it to the finals on November 20, but would lose to [[Takeshi Morishima]]. On November 27, he lost to Go Shiozaki in his GHC Heavyweight title shot. In December 2011, Kenta tore his ACL again, forcing him to undergo another surgery to repair it. It was announced that he would be out of action for six to seven months. [[Tokyo Sports]] named Kenta the 2011 Technical Wrestler of the Year. Despite his injury, Kenta would stay in Noah and manage No Mercy during his injury. On February 14, 2012, Kenta recruited [[Shuhei Taniguchi]] as the fifth member of No Mercy and change his name to Maybach, becoming his mouthpiece and talking for him.

Kenta made his in-ring return on July 22, 2012, losing to Naomichi Marufuji. On October 8, Kenta and Maybach Taniguchi defeated [[Nick Aldis|Magnus]] and [[Samoa Joe]] to win the [[GHC Tag Team Championship]] for the first time.<ref name=Noah100812>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/tour_detail.php?tour_id=1044|title=ザ・リーヴ presents 「Great Voyage 2012 in Yokohama vol.2」|access-date=2012-10-08|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920005732/http://noah.co.jp/tour_detail.php?tour_id=1044|archive-date=2012-09-20|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, they lost the title to Akitoshi Saito and Go Shiozaki just eighteen days later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1051|script-title=ja:新潟市体育館|access-date=2012-10-26|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825185327/http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1051|archive-date=2017-08-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> On November 23, Kenta won the [[N-1 Victory#2012|2012 Global League]].<ref name=GlobalLeague2012>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=4641|script-title=ja:「グローバル・リーグ戦2012 最終戦」11月23日(祝・金)後楽園ホール大会 試合後コメント|access-date=2012-11-23|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja}}</ref>

==== Heavyweight Champion (2013–2014) ====
On January 27, 2013, Kenta defeated Takeshi Morishima for the GHC Heavyweight Championship at Great Voyage 2013.<ref name=GreatVoyage2013>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1101|script-title=ja:2013年1月27日(日)|access-date=2013-01-28|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017164242/http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1101|archive-date=2013-10-17|url-status=dead}}</ref> On February 9, Maybach Taniguchi turned on Kenta and stole his Heavyweight Championship belt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/sports/fight/headlines/article/20130210-00000000-spnavi|title=マイバッハがKentaに造反しChaosと合体=２.９ノア後楽園大会|date=2013-02-10|access-date=2013-02-09|work=Sports Navi|publisher=[[Yahoo!]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130413160710/http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/sports/fight/headlines/article/20130210-00000000-spnavi|archive-date=2013-04-13}}</ref> The following week, Kenta took part in a [[South American]] tour with the Alianza Latinoamericana de Lucha Libre (AULL) promotion, during which he won the Torneo Latino Americano de Lucha Libre, defeating [[Super Crazy]] in the finals.<ref name=TorneoLatinoAmericano2013>{{cite web|url=http://alianzalatinoamericana.com/2013/02/18/kenta-1er-campeon-del-torneo-latino-americano-2013/|title=Kenta 1er Campeon del Torneo Latino Americano 2013|date=2013-02-18|access-date=2013-02-19|work=Alianza Latinoamericana de Lucha Libre|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130807080825/http://alianzalatinoamericana.com/2013/02/18/kenta-1er-campeon-del-torneo-latino-americano-2013/|archive-date=2013-08-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=4839|title=「Torneo Latino Americano de Lucha Libre」2月13日(水)一回戦試合結果|date=2013-02-16|access-date=2013-02-19|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja}}</ref> On March 10, Kenta defeated Maybach Taniguchi for his first successful defense of the GHC Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/tour_detail.php?tour_id=1110|script-title=ja:2013年3月10日(日)|access-date=2013-03-10|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308045228/http://www.noah.co.jp/tour_detail.php?tour_id=1110|archive-date=2013-03-08|url-status=dead}}</ref> On April 28, Kenta and Yoshihiro Takayama defeated Katsuhiko Nakajima and [[Kensuke Sasaki]] in the finals to win the [[Global Tag League#2013|2013 Global Tag League]].<ref name=2013GlobalTag>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/tour_detail.php?tour_id=1138|script-title=ja:2013年4月28日(日)|access-date=2013-04-28|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420051711/http://noah.co.jp/tour_detail.php?tour_id=1138|archive-date=2013-04-20|url-status=dead}}</ref> On May 11, Kenta took part in Kenta Kobashi's retirement match at [[Final Burning in Budokan]], where he, Go Shiozaki, Maybach Taniguchi, and Yoshinobu Kanemaru were defeated by Kobashi, Jun Akiyama, [[Keiji Muto]], and Kensuke Sasaki.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.noah.co.jp/tour_detail.php?tour_id=1126 | script-title=ja:2013年5月11日(土) | access-date=2013-05-11 | work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]] | language=ja | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420052008/http://noah.co.jp/tour_detail.php?tour_id=1126 | archive-date=2013-04-20 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The following day, Kenta made his second successful defense of the GHC Heavyweight Championship against Takashi Sugiura.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1139|script-title=ja:2013年5月12日(日)|access-date=2013-05-12|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606225933/http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1139|archive-date=2013-06-06|url-status=dead}}</ref> On June 2, Kenta defeated New Japan Pro-Wrestling representative and reigning GHC Tag Team Champion [[Toru Yano]] for his third successful title defense.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/f-bt-tp0-20130603-1137017.html|title=Kentaが３度目の王座防衛／ノア|date=2013-06-03|access-date=2013-06-02|work=[[Nikkan Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref> Six days later, Kenta was pinned by Yano in a GHC Tag Team Championship match, where he and Yoshihiro Takayama unsuccessfully challenged Yano and [[Takayuki Iizuka|Takashi Iizuka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1152|script-title=ja:2013年6月8日(土)|access-date=2013-06-08|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611120853/http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1152|archive-date=2013-06-11|url-status=dead}}</ref> On July 7, Kenta made his fourth successful defense of the GHC Heavyweight Championship against Naomichi Marufuji.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1162|script-title=ja:2013年7月7日(日)|access-date=2013-07-07|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217232559/http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1162|archive-date=2013-12-17|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kenta's fifth successful title defense took place on August 4, when he defeated Muhammad Yone.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1176|script-title=ja:2013年8月4日(日)|access-date=2013-08-04|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130805220731/http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1176|archive-date=2013-08-05|url-status=dead}}</ref> Next Kenta defended his title against the reigning GHC Tag Team Champions, first defeating [[Shane Haste]] on September 7 and then [[Mikey Nicholls]] on September 16.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1185|script-title=ja:2013年9月7日(土)|access-date=2013-09-16|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923020628/http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1185|archive-date=2013-09-23|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1175|script-title=ja:2013年9月16日(月)|access-date=2013-09-16|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013034402/http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1175|archive-date=2013-10-13|url-status=dead}}</ref> On October 5, Kenta defeated [[Diamond Ring (professional wrestling)|Diamond Ring]] representative Katsuhiko Nakajima for his eighth successful title defense.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1192|script-title=ja:2013年10月5日(土)|access-date=2013-10-05|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006145355/http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1192|archive-date=2013-10-06|url-status=dead}}</ref> With the win, Kenta became the first wrestler to successfully defend the GHC Heavyweight Championship eight times during a calendar year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20131006-00000012-dal-fight|title=Kenta８度目防衛 新・絶対王者だ|date=2013-10-06|access-date=2013-10-06|publisher=[[Yahoo!]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213020155/http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20131006-00000012-dal-fight|archive-date=2013-12-13|url-status=dead}}</ref> On December 7, Kenta defeated New Japan representative and winner of the [[N-1 Victory#2013|2013 Global League]], [[Yuji Nagata]], for his ninth successful title defense.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1215|title=Great Voyage 2013 in Tokyo vol.2～田上明引退記念大会～|access-date=2013-12-07|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214060119/http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1215|archive-date=2013-12-14|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kenta's near one-year long reign ended on January 5, 2014, when he lost the title to Takeshi Morishima in his tenth defense.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1231|title=New Year Navig.2014 ～新春ノア初め～|access-date=2014-01-05|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106041129/http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1231|archive-date=2014-01-06|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On February 3, 2014, Kenta and Maybach Taniguchi's long rivalry culminated in a No Disqualification match, where Kenta was victorious.<ref name=Noah020314>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1247|title=Monday Noah|access-date=2014-02-03|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140208012427/http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1247|archive-date=2014-02-08|url-status=dead}}</ref> After Yuji Nagata had defeated Morishima to become the GHC Heavyweight Champion, Kenta received the first shot at the new champion, but was defeated in the title match on February 22.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1250|title=The Second Navig. 2014|access-date=2014-02-22|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301040826/http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1250|archive-date=2014-03-01|url-status=dead}}</ref> On April 30, Noah held a press conference during which Kenta announced his resignation from the promotion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=6077|title=Kenta選手退団に関するご報告|date=2014-04-30|access-date=2014-04-30|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/f-bt-tp0-20140430-1293493.html|title=ノアのエースKenta退団「挑戦したい」|date=2014-04-30|access-date=2014-04-30|work=[[Nikkan Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/85324/top-japanese-star-to-wwe.html?p=1|title=Top Japanese star to WWE?|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=2014-04-30|access-date=2014-04-30|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> Kenta wrestled his farewell match on May 17, where he and Naomichi Marufuji defeated Katsuhiko Nakajima and Takashi Sugiura.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1282|title=Navig. with Breeze 2014|access-date=2014-05-17|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517235953/http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1282|archive-date=2014-05-17|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== Sporadic returns (2018, 2023) ====
While still under WWE contract, Kenta made a one-off return to Noah under his WWE ring name of Hideo Itami on September 1, 2018, losing to Naomichi Marufuji at Marufuji's 20th Anniversary show.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=207471|title=NOAH Naomichi Marufuji 20th Anniversary Show ~ Flight ~ « Events Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref>

On January 2, 2023, Kenta would make another one-night return to team up with Marufuji and challenge Takashi Sugiura and [[Satoshi Kojima]] for the GHC Tag Team Championship at [[Noah The New Year 2023|New Year 2023]], in an unsuccessful effort.

=== Ring of Honor (2005–2009) ===
[[File:KENTA2.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Kenta at an ROH event, September 2008]]
Aside from competing in Pro Wrestling Noah, Kenta was able to compete abroad in the [[United States]] with other participating members of the GPWA. His first appearance in the country was with Ring of Honor at Final Battle 2005, as a [[Face (professional wrestling)|fan favorite]], defending the GHC Junior Heavyweight title against [[Low Ki]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Ring of Honor Official results|date=2006-12-17|quote=Kenta defeated Low Ki to retain the GHC Jr. Heavyweight Championship|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|access-date=2012-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322142414/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=2013-03-22|url-status=dead}}</ref> He returned to the company the following year for Best in the World in [[New York City]] on March 25 where he and Naomichi Marufuji defeated the team of Samoa Joe and [[ROH World Championship|ROH World champion]] Bryan Danielson after Kenta connected with his finishing strike, the ''[[Professional wrestling attacks#Go 2 Sleep|Go 2 Sleep]]'', on Danielson.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Ring of Honor Official results|date=2007-03-25|quote=Kenta & Naomichi Marufuji defeated Bryan Danielson & Samoa Joe|access-date=2012-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322142414/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=2013-03-22|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kenta returned for ''In Your Face'' featuring him in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|three-way match]] against Joe and Danielson, which ended in similar fashion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Ring of Honor Official results|date=2007-03-17|quote=Kenta won a non title three way match over Samoa Joe & Bryan Danielson after he pinned Danielson|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|access-date=2012-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322142414/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=2013-03-22|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Kenta's first loss in the company came in the form of a tag team match, which saw his partner, Davey Richards, get [[Pin (professional wrestling)|pinned]] in a match against the Briscoe Brothers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Ring of Honor Official results|date=2007-08-04|quote=Jay & Mark Briscoe beat Kenta & Davey Richards|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|access-date=2012-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322142414/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=2013-03-22|url-status=dead}}</ref> This led to a series of matches with the two against each other, as well as reluctant partners.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Ring of Honor Official results|date=2007-08-05|quote=Kenta beat Davey Richards|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|access-date=2012-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322142414/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=2013-03-22|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Ring of Honor Official results|date=2007-11-03|quote=Austin Aries & Roderick Strong defeated Kenta and Davey Richards when Aries pinned Richards|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|access-date=2012-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322142414/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=2013-03-22|url-status=dead}}</ref> At Glory by Honor V: Night 2, Kenta received another match against Danielson for the ROH World title, which saw him [[Submission wrestling|submit]] to Danielson's signature hold, the ''[[Professional wrestling holds#Bridging grounded double chickenwing|Cattle Mutilation]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/content/2006-ring-honor-results|title=2006 Ring of Honor Official results|date=2007-09-16|quote=Bryan Danielson defeated Kenta to retain the ROH World Title|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|access-date=2016-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418082947/http://www.rohwrestling.com/content/2006-ring-honor-results|archive-date=2015-04-18|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Kenta made his return to Ring of Honor on May 11 of the next year against [[Delirious (wrestler)|Delirious]] in a winning effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Ring of Honor Official results|date=2008-05-11|quote=Kenta defeated Delirious|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|access-date=2012-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322142414/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=2013-03-22|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ring of Honor made its [[pay per view]] debut with the show, [[Respect is Earned (2007)|Respect is Earned]], teaming with [[Nigel McGuinness]] against Danielson and Takeshi Morishima in a losing effort, after which Kenta spent several months with the company competing against rival, Davey Richards and his contingency, the [[No Remorse Corps]]. Kenta made his next appearance on the Glory By Honor VI tour; the first night had him team with the GHC Heavyweight Champion Mitsuharu Misawa against Takeshi Morishima and Naomichi Marufuji, with the match ending in a thirty-minute time limit draw.<ref name="ROH2007">{{cite web|url= http://www.rohwrestling.com/content/2007-ring-honor-results|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005040414/http://www.rohwrestling.com/content/2007-ring-honor-results|url-status=dead|archive-date=2017-10-05|title=2007 Ring of Honor Results|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|access-date=2009-07-23}}</ref> The following night, Kenta wrestled Misawa for the GHC Heavyweight Championship in a losing effort.<ref name="ROH2007"/>

Kenta made his return in 2009 against ROH World Champion, Nigel McGuinness in a losing effort at the company's seventh anniversary show. He returned a few weeks later to challenge Davey Richards once more, as well as make his second pay per view appearance for [[Take No Prisoners (2009)|Take No Prisoners]] teaming with [[Seth Rollins|Tyler Black]] against Katsuhiko Nakajima and [[Austin Aries]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/article.aspx?id=2641/|title=Multi-Time GHC Champion Makes His ROH Return|date=2009-02-25|quote=Roughly 16 months since the last time he competed inside an ROH ring, 2-Time GHC Jr. & 2-Time GHC Jr. Tag Champion Kenta returned from retirement to ROH competition for four upcoming events: Elizabeth, PA on March 20th, NYC on March 21, and Houston, TX on April 3rd & 4th.|access-date=2009-02-25|archive-date=2018-06-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628233355/https://www.rohwrestling.com/news/article.aspx?id=2641/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kobayashi was scheduled to return to ROH in November 2009, but was forced to cancel the appearances after suffering a knee injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/Article.aspx?id=2896|title=Kenta Out For November|date=2009-10-30|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|access-date=2009-11-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113060600/http://rohwrestling.com/news/Article.aspx?id=2896|archive-date=January 13, 2010}}</ref>

=== WWE ===

==== NXT (2014–2017) ====
[[File:Hideo Itami March 2015.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Itami at [[WrestleMania Axxess]], March 2015]]
On January 27, 2014, Kenta, with Noah's blessing, entered [[WWE]]'s [[WWE Performance Center|Performance Center]] in [[Orlando, Florida]], for a tryout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/83143/international-star-at-the-wwe-performance-center.html?p=1|title=International star at the WWE Performance Center|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=2014-01-28|access-date=2014-01-28|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.daily.co.jp/ring/2014/01/30/0006672086.shtml|title=KentaのWWE挑戦、ノア社長容認|date=2014-01-30|access-date=2014-01-31|work=Daily Sports Online|language=ja}}</ref> In a press release, Kenta claimed that he was not after a WWE contract, but only wanted to fulfill a dream and take part in a WWE workout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=83258|title=Kenta discusses why he was at the WWE Performance Center|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=2014-01-31|access-date=2014-01-31|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> On June 27, [[Tokyo Sports]] reported that Kenta had signed with WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/283548/|title=Kenta WWE入団内定！|date=2014-06-28|access-date=2014-06-28|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja|archive-date=2014-07-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714181128/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/283548/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/86567/big-wwe-signing-to-be-announced-next-month.html?p=1|title=Big WWE signing to be announced next month|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=2014-06-28|access-date=2014-06-28|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> His signing was officially announced during an in-ring segment on July 12 in Osaka. Kobayashi relocated to Orlando to resume training at the Performance Center, while also working for WWE's developmental territory [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/kenta-signed-japan-nxt-26474181|title=WWE signs Japanese star Kenta to NXT|date=2014-07-12|access-date=2014-07-12|work=[[WWE]]}}</ref>

Kobayashi debuted on September 11 at [[NXT TakeOver: Fatal 4-Way]], introduced by [[William Regal]], where he announced his new ring name, "Hideo Itami", meaning "Hero of Pain",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/hideo-itami-interview-26714874|title=From gratitude to the griddle: Hideo Itami on NXT, IHOP and adjusting to life in America|last=Saxton|first=Byron|author-link=Byron Saxton|date=2014-10-09|access-date=2014-11-03|work=[[WWE]]}}</ref> and fended off [[The Ascension (professional wrestling)|The Ascension]] when they interrupted the segment to confront Regal.<ref name=NXTTakeoverSlam>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/09/11/21935396.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150426120334/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/09/11/21935396.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 26, 2015|title=Neville shocks, defies odds at NXT Takeover: Fatal 4 Way|last=Howell|first=Nolan|date=2014-09-11|access-date=2014-09-12|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Itami made his in-ring debut at the following day's tapings of ''NXT'', defeating [[P. J. Black|Justin Gabriel]], after which he was attacked by The Ascension.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/88230/the-former-kenta-makes-his-official-inring-debut-and-more-wwe-nxt-tv-spoilers-from-full-sail-live.html?p=1|title=The former Kenta makes his official in-ring debut and more: WWE NXT TV spoilers from Full Sail Live|last=Twiss|first=Andrew|date=2014-09-13|access-date=2014-09-13|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref><ref name=NT081814Slam>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/09/18/21951116.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160531194149/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/09/18/21951116.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 31, 2016|title=NXT: O'Neil and Kidd upset Zayn and Neville|last=Howell|first=Nolan|date=2014-09-18|access-date=2014-09-19|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> During the following weeks, Itami kept engaging The Ascension in brawls, but continually lost due to the numbers disadvantage;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_81430.shtml|title=James's WWE NXT report 10/23: Neville defends NXT Title against Titus O'Neil, Tyler Breeze, Ascension, more; Overall Reax|last=James|first=Justin|date=2014-10-24|access-date=2014-11-03|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/10/30/22041651.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160531194151/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/10/30/22041651.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 31, 2016|title=NXT: Zayn topples Titus in rematch|last=Howell|first=Nolan|date=2014-10-30|access-date=2014-11-03|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> the storyline was that as a newcomer in NXT, Itami did not have any friends in the locker room to help him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_81039.shtml|title=James's WWE NXT results 10/2 – Week 120: Neville defends NXT Title, Charlotte defends Women's Title, Itami; Overall Reax|last=James|first=Justin|date=2014-10-02|access-date=2014-11-03|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> This continued until November, when [[Finn Bálor]] debuted as Itami's new partner.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=89389|title=WWE NXT report: Finn-ally, Itami gets some revenge; NXT title match set for next week; Breeze vs. Zayn; and more|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|date=2014-11-06|access-date=2014-11-06|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> After weeks of feuding with The Ascension, Itami and Bálor defeated them at [[NXT TakeOver: R Evolution]] on December 11. Itami then participated in an [[NXT Championship]] number one contender's tournament, defeating [[Tyler Breeze]] in the first round, starting a feud between the two.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_82237.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE NXT Takeover results 12/11: Complete virtual-time coverage of Neville vs. Zayn for the NXT Title, Itami & Balor, Charlotte, Kevin Steen/Owens's debut, Corey Graves retires|date=2014-12-11|access-date=2014-12-11|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> He suffered his first defeat in NXT on January 15, 2015, when he was defeated by Bálor in the semi-finals, thus eliminating him from the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_82772.shtml|title=NXT news: Next live special announced, full spoiler Results from Thursday's NXT TV tapings|last=Parry|first=Josh|date=2015-01-15|access-date=2015-01-16|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[NXT TakeOver: Rival]], Itami defeated Breeze in a rematch. They continued to exchange victories over each other until Itami lost a two-out-of-three falls match to Breeze on the April 1 episode of ''NXT'' to end the feud.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE NXT Takeover report 2/11: Zayn vs. Owens NXT Title match, Women's Title semi-main event, Neville-Balor; Reax|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_83281.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|last=James|first=Justin|date=2015-02-11|access-date=2015-02-17}}</ref> On March 27, Itami won the [[WrestleMania Axxess]] NXT tournament by defeating [[Pac (wrestler)|Adrian Neville]] and then Finn Bálor to get a spot in the [[André the Giant]] Memorial Battle Royal on the pre-show of [[WrestleMania 31]],<ref>{{cite web|last1=Melok|first1=Bobby|title=NXT Superstar Hideo Itami wins WrestleMania Axxess tournament for a spot in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/31/hideo-itami-wins-nxt-tournament-andre-giant-memorial-battle-royal-wrestlemania-27234399|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=2015-03-27}}</ref> where he was eliminated by eventual winner [[Big Show]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Clapp|first1=John|title=2nd Annual André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/31/andre-the-giant-memorial-battle-royal-27139785|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=2015-02-24}}</ref>

On May 20 at [[NXT TakeOver: Unstoppable]], Itami was scheduled to face Finn Bálor and Tyler Breeze in a triple threat match to determine the number one contender for the NXT Championship; however, Itami was ruled out due to injury after an attack he suffered before the event started.<ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=James's WWE NXT "TakeOver: Unstoppable" report 5/20: Owens vs. Zayn for the NXT Title ends in wild fashion with a major debut, plus spectacular NXT Women's Title match, more; Overall Reax|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_85123.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=2015-05-20|access-date=2016-03-29}}</ref> This was made as Itami had suffered a legitimate shoulder injury, which required surgery and was expected to sideline him for six months.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=NXT news: Update on Hideo Itami shoulder surgery|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_85235.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=2015-05-26|access-date=2016-03-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|title=Thurs. update: Itami injury, Uhaa Nation notes, AAA World Cup info, Web site dinner and live Q&A show, Lawsuts, Flair, New Japan marathon Steiner, New UFC fight|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/thurs-update-itami-injury-uhaa-nation-notes-aaa-world-cup-info-web-site-dinner-and|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|date=2015-05-08|access-date=2016-03-29}}</ref> In January 2016, it was reported that Itami had suffered complications with his shoulder and was "nowhere close to being able to return".<ref>{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=February 1, 2016|title=February 1, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2016 Royal Rumble, Road to Wrestlemania, more|journal=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=[[Campbell, California]]|issn=1083-9593|page=47}}</ref>

After over a year of inactivity, Itami returned to the ring on June 30, 2016, at an NXT live event, teaming with [[The Mighty Don't Kneel|TM-61]] to defeat [[Samoa Joe]], [[Wesley Blake|Blake]] and [[Tino Sabbatelli]] in a six-man tag team match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/30/630-wwe-nxt-results/|title=6/30 WWE NXT Florida Results – Hideo Itami (Kenta) returns from injury in main event, Austin Aries, Almas, American Alpha vs. Authors|date=2016-06-30|access-date=2016-07-01|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On August 3, Itami made his televised return, defeating [[Cruiserweight Classic]] competitor [[Sean Maluta]]. At [[NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II]], Itami confronted [[Austin Aries]], following the latter's match with [[No Way Jose (wrestler)|No Way Jose]], exchanging blows before attacking Aries with a ''GTS''. On October 12 at an NXT live event, Itami suffered a neck injury after a [[Botch (professional wrestling)|botched]] [[powerslam]] from Riddick Moss and would not be able to team with [[Kota Ibushi]] in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic in which he was scheduled to compete. In a video announcement published on October 18, Itami vowed to return to in-ring competition at NXT's first show in Japan on December 3.<ref>{{cite web|title=HIDEO ITAMI OFFICIALLY OUT OF THE 2016 DUSTY CLASSIC|date=13 October 2016|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/hideo-itami-officially-out-2016-dusty-classic-222646|publisher=Figure Four Wrestling Online|access-date=21 October 2016}}</ref> However, at the event, Itami did not compete but was instead in an in-ring segment alongside William Regal where they talked to the crowd.<ref>{{cite web|title=NXT OSAKA, JAPAN, LIVE RESULTS: NAKAMURA WINS THE TITLE IN HIS HOME COUNTRY|date=3 December 2016|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/nxt-osaka-japan-live-results-nakamura-wins-title-his-home-country-225886|publisher=Figure Four Wrestling Online|access-date=20 December 2016}}</ref>

Itami made his televised return on April 19, 2017, where he confronted NXT Champion [[Bobby Roode]], before slapping him and executing a ''GTS''.<ref>{{cite web|title=NXT results, April 19, 2017: Dillinger ends NXT chapter on high note in Cage Match finale|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2017-04-19|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=20 April 2017}}</ref> This led to a match at [[NXT TakeOver: Chicago]], in which Itami was unsuccessful in winning the title from Roode. On the June 7 episode of NXT, furious after his loss to Roode, Itami faced [[Oney Lorcan]], which ended in a no-contest after Itami performed three ''GTS''s on Lorcan until [[Chris Hero|Kassius Ohno]] attempted to save Lorcan, teasing a heel turn and a feud between the pair. On the July 5 episode of NXT, Itami teamed with Ohno in a tag team match against [[Sanity (professional wrestling)|Sanity]] ([[Killian Dain]] and [[Alexander Wolfe (wrestler)|Alexander Wolfe]]), but lost after Itami refused to tag in Ohno.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE NXT Results – 7/5/17 (Roode vs. Strong for the NXT Title)|date=6 July 2017|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-nxt-results/85352-wwe-nxt-results-7517-roode-vs-strong-nxt-title/|publisher=WrestleView|access-date=20 July 2017}}</ref> On the July 26 episode of NXT, Itami faced Ohno in the main event, which ended after Itami intentionally disqualified himself with a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Low blow|low blow]] to Ohno before viciously attacking and laying him out after two ''GTS''s, followed by a third onto the steel steps, cementing his heel turn.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE NXT Results – 7/26/17 (Kassius Ohno vs. Hideo Itami headlines)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-nxt-results/86977-wwe-nxt-results-july-26-2017/|website=WrestleView|date=27 July 2017|access-date=28 July 2017}}</ref> On the August 2 edition of ''NXT'', Itami cut an in-ring promo, demanding respect from the fans. He was interrupted by [[Malakai Black|Aleister Black]], who was scheduled to face [[Kyle O'Reilly]] in the night's main event. After a stare down between the two, Black hit Itami with ''Black Mass''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2017-08-02|title=NXT results, Aug. 2, 2017: Aleister Black remains undefeated after epic clash against debuting Kyle O'Reilly|website=WWE}}</ref> Itami attempted to assault Black following the event, but the two were separated by fellow talent.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlnZolMCwD4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/AlnZolMCwD4 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Footage shows Hideo Itami trying to jump Aleister Black in the parking lot: Exclusive, Aug. 2, 2017|last=WWE|date=2 August 2017|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> At [[NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III]], Itami was defeated by Black.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/875433-nxt-takeover-brooklyn-results-hideo-itami-vs-aleister-black|title=NXT Takeover Brooklyn Results: Hideo Itami vs. Aleister Black – Wrestlezone|date=19 August 2017}}</ref> In his last NXT match, Itami defeated [[Giovanni Vinci|Fabian Aichner]] at a [[House show|live event]] on December 16.

==== 205 Live and departure (2017–2019) ====
[[File:Hideo Itami Axxess 2018 crop.jpg|thumb|upright|Itami in April 2018]]
On November 21, 2017, it was announced that Itami would be moving to the main roster as part of the cruiserweight division on ''[[WWE 205 Live|205 Live]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/hideo-itami-coming-wwe-205-live-soon-246766|title=Hideo Itami coming to WWE 205 Live soon|last=Currier|first=Joseph|date=2017-11-21|access-date=2017-11-22|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> On the December 18 episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'', Itami would make his main roster debut, aiding [[Finn Bálor]] to fend off and face [[Curtis Axel]] and [[Bo Dallas]] in a tag team match, which Itami and Bálor would win, turning face in the process. On the December 25 episode of ''Raw'', Itami would defeat [[Brian Kendrick|The Brian Kendrick]], in which Kendrick would suffer an injury following a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Go 2 Sleep|Go to Sleep]] by Itami. This would lead to Itami entering a short feud with Kendrick's tag team partner, [[Gentleman Jack Gallagher]].

On the February 6 episode of ''205 Live'', Itami would be defeated by [[Roderick Strong]] in the first round of the [[NXT Cruiserweight Championship|WWE Cruiserweight Championship]] [[WWE tournaments#WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament|tournament]]. During the following month, Itami would have a feud with fellow Japanese wrestler [[Akira Tozawa]], [[Mustafa Ali]] and was involved into the orbit for [[Cedric Alexander]]'s Cruiserweight Championship. He participated in a fatal four-way match involving cruiserweight champion [[Buddy Matthews|Buddy Murphy]], Kalisto, and Tozawa at the [[Royal Rumble (2019)|Royal Rumble]], where he lost after being pinned by Murphy.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble 2019 Kickoff Show live review: Rusev vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the U.S. Championship, Buddy Murphy vs. Hideo Itami vs. Kalisto vs. Akira Tozawa for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/01/27/wwe-royal-rumble-2019-kickoff-show-live-review-rusev-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-for-the-u-s-championship-buddy-murphy-vs-hideo-itami-vs-kalisto-vs-akira-tozawa-for-the-wwe-cruiserweight-championship/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=27 January 2019|access-date=January 27, 2019}}</ref>

On January 29, it was reported that Itami requested and was granted his release from the company after a five-year run.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.solowrestling.com/new/78095-hideo-itami-pide-a-wwe-su-liberacion-de-contrato|title=Hideo Itami pide a WWE su liberación de contrato|last=Solowrestling|date=30 January 2019|website=www.solowrestling.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/hideo-itami-released-wwe-contract-1311716|title=Hideo Itami reportedly asked and was granted his release from WWE|first=Phillip Martinez On 1/30/19 at 11:43|last=AM|date=30 January 2019|website=Newsweek}}</ref> This was followed by multiple members of the roster saying goodbye to Itami on social media.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wrestlers-react-hideo-itami-reportedly-leaving-wwe|title=Wrestlers React To Hideo Itami Reportedly Leaving WWE|work=Fightful|first=Jeremy|last=Lambert|date=January 30, 2019|access-date=February 17, 2019}}</ref> On February 4, 2019, the WWE Performance Center YouTube channel that documents the Superstars travel and backstage life released a video chronicling Itami's last week in WWE. The video features Itami working with Daivari and talking about his struggles with learning to speak and understand English. The end of the video sees Hideo walking back to gorilla position and being given a standing ovation from those in the backstage area.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/205-live-roster-puts-together-video-about-hideo-itami-s-last-week-wwe|title=205 Live Roster Puts Together A Video About Hideo Itami's Last Week In WWE|work=Fightful|first=Andrew|last=Thompson|date=February 4, 2019|access-date=February 17, 2019}}</ref> On February 22, Kobayashi was officially released by WWE, as the company formally acknowledged his departure on [[Twitter]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1099027870721167361|title=WWE has come to terms on the release of Kenta Kobayashi (Hideo Itami).|last=WWE|date=2019-02-22|website=@WWE|language=en|access-date=2019-02-22}}</ref>

In 2020, when he was working with NJPW, Kenta said that his time with WWE were "the most frustrating days of my life".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2020/08/21/njpw-kenta-career-wwe-humiliation|title = Q&A: NJPW's Kenta Reflects on 'Humiliation' of His Time in WWE| newspaper=Sports Illustrated | date=21 August 2020 }}</ref>

=== New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2019–2025) ===
====Bullet Club and NEVER Openweight Champion (2019–2020)====
{{main|Bullet Club}}
[[File:KENTA 201912.jpg|thumb|Kenta as the [[NEVER Openweight Championship|NEVER Openweight Champion]] in December 2019]]
Kenta made his surprise debut for [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) on June 9, 2019, at the [[Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall (2019)|Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall]] event as a face, with [[Katsuyori Shibata]] as his manager, announcing his participation in the [[G1 Climax (2019)|2019 G1 Climax]] tournament.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Meltzer |first1=Dave |author-link1=Dave Meltzer |title=June 17, 2019 Observer Newsletter: Scary incidents in the ring, NJPW Dominion review |url=https://members.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-newsletter/june-17-2019-observer-newsletter-scary-incidents-ring-njpw-dominion |website=f4wonline.com |access-date=June 17, 2019}}</ref> Kenta made his in-ring debut for NJPW on July 6, defeating [[Kota Ibushi]] as a part of the tournament.<ref name=NJPW070619>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/45217?showResult=1|title=2019.07.06 G1 CLIMAX 29 Night 1 {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|access-date=July 23, 2019|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=en}}</ref> Kenta, competing in the A Block of the tournament, stayed undefeated in singles matches for over a month and a half, defeating [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]],<ref name=NJPW071419>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/47797?showResult=1|title=2019.07.14 G1 CLIMAX 29 Night 3 {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|access-date=2019-07-22|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=en}}</ref> [[Lance Archer]],<ref name=NJPW071819>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/47811?showResult=1|title=2019.07.18 G1 CLIMAX 29 Night 5 {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|access-date=2019-07-22|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=en}}</ref> and [[Evil (wrestler)|Evil]]<ref name=NJPW072019>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/47813?showResult=1|title=2019.07.20 G1 CLIMAX 29 Night 7 {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|access-date=2019-07-22|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=en}}</ref> before suffering his first defeat against [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship|IWGP Heavyweight Champion]] [[Kazuchika Okada]] on July 27, as part of the tournament.<ref name=NJPW072719>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/47804?showResult=1|title=2019.07.27 G1 CLIMAX 29 Night 9 {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|access-date=July 27, 2019|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=en}}</ref> Kenta would then lose his next four matches against [[Sanada (wrestler)|Sanada]],<ref name=NJPW073019>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/47806?showResult=1|title=2019.07.30 G1 CLIMAX 29 Night 11 {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|access-date=July 30, 2019|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=en}}</ref> [[Bad Luck Fale]],<ref name=NJPW080319>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/47814?showResult=1|title=2019.08.03 G1 CLIMAX 29 Night 13 {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|access-date=August 12, 2019|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=en}}</ref> [[Will Ospreay]]<ref name=NJPW080719>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/47808?showResult=1|title=2019.08.07 G1 CLIMAX 29 Night 15 {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|access-date=August 12, 2019|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=en}}</ref> and [[Zack Sabre Jr.]], failing to win the tournament with a final tally of 8 points (four wins and five losses).<ref name=NJPW081019>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/47816?showResult=1|title=2019.08.10 G1 CLIMAX 29 Night 17 {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|access-date=August 12, 2019|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/njpw-g1-climax-29-results-winner-kota-ibushi-tops-jay-white-in-epic-2019-finals-match/|title=NJPW G1 Climax 29 results, winner: Kota Ibushi tops Jay White in epic 2019 finals match|work=[[CBSSports.com]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|first=Jack|last=Crosby|date=August 12, 2019|access-date=August 15, 2019}}</ref>

On the final night of the tournament, Kenta competed in a six-man tag team match alongside [[Chaos (professional wrestling)|Chaos]] members [[Tomohiro Ishii]] and [[Yoshi-Hashi]] against [[Bullet Club]]'s [[Bad Luck Fale]], [[Tama Tonga]], and [[Tanga Loa]], only to turn on them in the closing moments of the match and assisting the Bullet Club for the victory, turning heel. As Kenta was going to explain his actions, Katsuyori Shibata rushed into the ring and attacked Kenta until the rest of the Bullet Club members ambushed Shibata.<ref name=NJPW081219>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/47818?showResult=1|title=2019.08.12 G1 CLIMAX 29 Night 19 {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|access-date=August 12, 2019|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=en}}</ref> At [[Royal Quest (2019)|Royal Quest]] on August 31, Kenta defeated Ishii to win the [[NEVER Openweight Championship]], his first championship in NJPW.<ref name="NJPW">{{cite web |url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/44497?showResult=1 |title=NJPW Royal Quest |publisher=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |access-date=August 22, 2019}}</ref> The match was criticized because Kobayashi suffered a concussion after a back suplex by Ishii, getting knocked out in the process. However, both continued the match without referee stoppage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadspin.com/njpw-let-kenta-finish-a-match-despite-being-obviously-c-1837844351/amp|title=NJPW Let KENTA Finish A Match Despite Being Obviously Concussed|website=deadspin.com|date=3 September 2019 }}</ref> He was sent to the hospital after the show.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/update-on-kenta-following-post-njpw-royal-quest-hospitalization/|title=Update on KENTA Following Post-NJPW Royal Quest Hospitalization|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> At [[Destruction (2019)|Destruction in Kagoshima]] on September 16, Kenta returned and unsuccessfully faced Kota Ibushi for the [[G1 Climax#Tokyo Dome IWGP Heavyweight Championship challenge rights certificate|Tokyo Dome IWGP Heavyweight Championship challenge rights certificate]].<ref name="Kagoshima">{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/52023?showResult=1|title=2019.09.16 Destruction in Kagoshima|publisher=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=September 24, 2019}}</ref>

At [[Power Struggle (2019)|Power Struggle]] on November 3, Kenta retained his title against Ishii in a rematch. Later in the night, he attacked [[Hirooki Goto]].<ref name="Power Struggle">{{cite web |title=NJPW Power Struggle 2019 |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/events/njpw-power-struggle-2019 |publisher=Fightful |access-date=27 October 2019}}</ref> Kenta lost the NEVER Openweight Championship to Goto at [[Wrestle Kingdom 14]] on January 5, 2020, ending his reign at 127 days with two successful defenses.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/49956?showResult=1|title=2020.01.05 WRESTLE KINGDOM in TOKYO DOME {{!}} Night 2|publisher=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|date=January 5, 2020|access-date=January 5, 2020}}</ref> Later that night, Kenta attacked [[Tetsuya Naito]] after his main event match with Kazuchika Okada. Kenta would challenge Naito for both the [[IWGP Intercontinental Championship|IWGP Intercontinental]] and [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]]s at [[The New Beginning in Osaka (2020)|The New Beginning in Osaka]], where he was defeated.<ref>{{Cite web|last=NJPW|title=2020.02.09 THE NEW BEGINNING in OSAKA {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/63551|access-date=2020-06-26|website=NJPW|language=en}}</ref>

====United States Heavyweight Champion (2020–2022)====
In August, Kenta competed in the inaugural [[New Japan Cup USA]] tournament, with the winner receiving a match for the [[IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship]]. Kenta defeated [[Karl Fredericks]] in the first round, [[Jeff Cobb]] in the semi-finals, and [[David Finlay (wrestler)|David Finlay]] in the finals to win the tournament.<ref name="Aug7">{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/77901?showResult=1|title=2020.08.07 NEW JAPAN CUP 2020 in the USA|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|publisher=[[Bushiroad]]|date=August 7, 2020|access-date=August 11, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Aug14">{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/77907?showResult=1|title=2020.08.14 NEW JAPAN CUP 2020 in the USA|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|publisher=[[Bushiroad]]|date=August 7, 2020|access-date=August 11, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Aug21">{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/77916?showResult=1|title=2020.08.21 NEW JAPAN CUP 2020 in the USA|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|publisher=[[Bushiroad]]|date=August 7, 2020|access-date=August 11, 2020}}</ref> Kenta then competed in the [[G1 Climax 30|2020 G1 Climax]] in the B Block, but failed to win with a final score of 10 points.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.g1climax.jp/en/#scoreSheet|title=G1 CLIMAX 30 Score Sheet {{!}} NEW JAPAN-PRO WRESTLING|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=October 21, 2020}}</ref> At [[Power Struggle (2020)|Power Struggle]] on November 7, Kenta successfully retained his Right to Challenge contract for the United States Championship against [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/80450?showResult=1|title=2020.11.07 POWER STRUGGLE {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=November 7, 2020}}</ref> He was then due to defend the contract against [[Juice Robinson]] at [[Wrestle Kingdom 15]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/kenta-accepts-juice-robinson-s-challenge-wrestle-kingdom-15|title=KENTA Accepts Juice Robinson's Challenge For Wrestle Kingdom 15|work=Fightful|first=Jeremy|last=Lambert|date=December 23, 2020|access-date=December 24, 2020}}</ref> but Robinson suffered an injury and [[Satoshi Kojima]] was named as his replacement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/new-japan-news/njpw-confirms-kenta-vs-satoshi-kojima-wrestle-kingdom-15-328446|title=NJPW CONFIRMS KENTA VS. SATOSHI KOJIMA FOR WRESTLE KINGDOM 15|work=F4WOnline|publisher=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|first=Bryan|last=Rose|date=December 23, 2020|access-date=December 24, 2020}}</ref> At the event on January 4, 2021, Kenta defeated Kojima to retain the Right to Challenge contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/01/04/1-4-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-15-results-powells-review-of-tetsuya-naito-vs-kota-ibushi-for-the-iwgp-heavyweight-and-iwgp-intercontinental-championships-kazuchika-okada-vs-will-ospreay-hiromu-takaha/|title=1/4 NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 results: Powell's review of Tetsuya Naito vs. Kota Ibushi for the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Championships, Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay, Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Phantasmo for a shot at the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship|first=Jason|last=Powell|publisher=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 4, 2021|access-date=January 4, 2021}}</ref> On the January 29 episode of ''[[NJPW Strong|Strong]]'', Kenta was attacked by United States Champion [[Jon Moxley]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Defelice |first1=Robert |title=Jon Moxley Returns To NJPW During NJPW Strong 'Road To Lion's Break: Contender' |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/jon-moxley-returns-njpw-during-njpw-strong-road-lion-s-break-contender |access-date=January 31, 2021 |work=Fightful |date=January 29, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> It was then announced that Kenta would receive his championship shot against Moxley at [[The New Beginning USA (2021)|The New Beginning USA]] on February 26, where he was defeated.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Guzzo |first1=Gisberto |title=Jon Moxley To Defend IWGP United States Championship Vs KENTA At NJPW New Beginning USA |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/iwgp-united-states-title-match-set-njpw-new-beginning-usa-2021 |access-date=January 31, 2021 |work=Fightful |date=January 30, 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

In March, Kenta competed in the [[New Japan Cup#2021|New Japan Cup]], defeating Juice Robinson and [[Minoru Suzuki]], but losing to [[Shingo Takagi]] in the quarter-finals.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/new-japan-cup-night-11-results-shingo-takagi-vs-kenta-336006 | title=New Japan Cup night 11 results: Shingo Takagi vs. KENTA | newspaper=Won/F4W - Wwe News, Pro Wrestling News, Wwe Results, Aew News, Aew Results | date=16 March 2021 }}</ref> In July at [[Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome]], Kenta competed in the [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)#New Japan Rumble|New Japan Ranbo]] for the provisional [[KOPW (professional wrestling championship)|KOPW Championship]], but the match was won by Bullet Club stablemate [[Chase Owens]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/new-japan-results/njpw-wrestle-grand-slam-tokyo-dome-live-results-iwgp-title-match-347971 | title=NJPW Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome live results: IWGP title match | newspaper=Won/F4W - Wwe News, Pro Wrestling News, Wwe Results, Aew News, Aew Results | date=25 July 2021 }}</ref> Two months later Kenta competed in the [[G1 Climax 31]] tournament, where he competed in the A Block.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw1972.com/103594 | title=G1 CLIMAX 31 Entrants announced! 【G131】 &#124; NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING }}</ref> Kenta finished the tournament with a total of 12 points, finishing joint 3rd in the block, failing to advance to the finals.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://wrestletalk.com/news/njpw-g1-climax-31-final-set/ | title=NJPW G1 Climax 31 Final Set | date=19 October 2021 }}</ref>

At [[Power Struggle (2021)|Power Struggle]], Kenta defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi to win the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Woodward|first=Hamish|date=2021-11-08|title=KENTA pins Hiroshi Tanahashi to win IWGP US Championship|url=https://atletifo.com/wrestling/njpw/kenta-iwgp-us-heavyweight-championship-hiroshi-tanahashi/|access-date=2021-11-09|website=Atletifo Sports|language=en-GB}}</ref> He would lose the title back to Tanahashi three months later on Night 2 of [[Wrestle Kingdom 16]] in a [[No disqualification match]], where in the match Kenta was bloodily injured.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/05/1-5-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-16-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-will-ospreay-for-the-iwgp-world-heavyweight-championship-kenta-vs-hiroshi-tanahashi-for-the-iwgp-u-s-championship-tetsuya-naito-vs-jeff-co/|title = 1/5 NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, Kenta vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP U.S. Championship, Tetsuya Naito vs. Jeff Cobb, Mayu Iwatani and Starlight Kid vs. Saya Kamitani and Tam Nakano, Sanada vs. Great-O-Khan|date = 5 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://itrwrestling.com/news/kenta-gruesome-injury-at-wrestle-kingdom-16/ | title=KENTA Suffers Gruesome Injury at Wrestle Kingdom 16 &#91;PHOTO&#93; | date=5 January 2022 }}</ref>

After his recovery, Kenta was announced to be a part of the [[G1 Climax 32]] tournament in July, where he would compete in the C Block.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2022/06/12/field-announced-for-njpw-g1-climax-32/ | title=Field announced for NJPW G1 Climax 32 | date=12 June 2022 }}</ref> He finished with 6 points, failing to advance to the semi-finals.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/njpw-g1-climax-32-block-winners-determined-semifinals-set | title=NJPW G1 Climax 32 block winners determined, semifinals set | newspaper=Won/F4W - Wwe News, Pro Wrestling News, Wwe Results, Aew News, Aew Results | date=16 August 2022 }}</ref> In October, Kenta competed in a tournament to crown the first ever [[NJPW World Television Championship|NJPW World Television Champion]], defeating Hirooki Goto, in the first round.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/njpw-battle-autumn-results-1016-sanada-vs-taichi-kenta-vs-hirooki-goto | title=NJPW Battle Autumn Results (10/16): SANADA vs. Taichi, KENTA vs. Hirooki Goto &#124; Fightful News }}</ref> In the following round, Kenta was defeated by Sanada.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://theovertimer.com/2022/10/njpw-battle-autumn-2022-results-sanada-defeats-kenta-to-advance-in-njpw-world-television-championship-tournament-10-30/ | title=NJPW Battle Autumn 2022 Results: SANADA Defeats KENTA to Advance in NJPW World Television Championship Tournament (10/30) | date=30 October 2022 }}</ref>

====Championship reigns (2022–2025)====
[[File:KENTA (52828172837).jpg|thumb|right|Kenta as the [[Strong Openweight Championship|Strong Openweight Champion]] in April 2023]]
In November, Kenta returned to ''Strong'', defeating [[Bad Dude Tito]] in his return match.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/events-results/ppv-special/njpw-strong-detonation-2022 | title=NJPW Strong: Detonation (2022) &#124; Results &#124; NJPW PPV Events }}</ref> The following month, Kenta won a battle royal, to become the number one contender for the [[Strong Openweight Championship]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://socaluncensored.com/2022/12/11/njpw-strong-11-december-2022-results/ | title=NJPW Strong - 11 December 2022 - Results | date=12 December 2022 }}</ref> Kenta returned to Japan at [[Wrestle Kingdom 17]], competing in the [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)#New Japan Rumble|New Japan Ranbo]], but failed to last till the final 4.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/130385?showResult=1 | title=2023.01.04 WRESTLE KINGDOM 17 in TOKYO DOME &#124; NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING }}</ref> Back in the US, Kenta received his championship match for the Strong Openweight Championship at [[Battle in the Valley (2023)|Battle in the Valley]], where he defeated [[Fred Rosser]] to win the championship.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/135071?showResult=1 | title=2023.02.18 BATTLE IN THE VALLEY (Cheering event) &#124; NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING }}</ref>

Kenta returned to Japan to compete in the 2023 [[New Japan Cup#2023|New Japan Cup]], receiving a [[Bye (sports)|bye]] to the second round, where he was defeated by Sanada.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wrestling-news.net/njpw-new-japan-cup-2023-day-4-results/201476/ | title=NJPW Results: New Japan Cup 2023 Day 4 – Nagoya, Japan (3/11) | date=12 March 2023 }}</ref> Later that month, Kenta returned to the US to make his first successful Strong Openweight Championship defense at [[Multiverse United]], defeating Minoru Suzuki.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://impactwrestling.com/2023/03/30/multiverse-united-only-the-strong-survive-2023-live-results/ | title=Multiverse United: Only the STRONG Survive 2023 Full Results – IMPACT Wrestling }}</ref> The following month, Kenta defended the title against [[Eddie Edwards (wrestler)|Eddie Edwards]] at [[Capital Collision (2023)|Capital Collision]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/04/15/4-15-njpw-capital-collision-results-mcguires-in-person-report-on-motor-city-machine-guns-vs-aussie-open-vs-hiroshi-tanahashi-and-kazuchika-okada-in-a-three-way-for-the-njpw-strong-openweight-tag/ | title=4/15 NJPW Capital Collision results: McGuire's in-person report on Motor City Machine Guns vs. Aussie Open vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kazuchika Okada in a three-way for the NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Titles, Kenta vs. Eddie Edwards for the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship, Hiromu Takahashi and Tetsuya Naito vs. Sanada and Yoshinobu Kanemaru | date=16 April 2023 }}</ref> In May, at [[Wrestling Dontaku 2023|Wrestling Dontaku]], Kenta lost the Strong Openweight Championship to former Bullet Club stablemate, [[Hikuleo (wrestler)|Hikuleo]], ending his reign at 74 days.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/142301?showCards=1 | title=2023.05.03 Wrestling Dontaku 2023 &#124; NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING }}</ref> Despite this, Kenta regained the championship 18 days later, defeating Hikuleo at [[Resurgence (2023)|Resurgence]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/njpw-resurgence-live-results-strong-womens-title-tournament | title=NJPW Resurgence live results: Strong Women's title tournament | newspaper=Won/F4W - Wwe News, Pro Wrestling News, Wwe Results, Aew News, Aew Results | date=21 May 2023 }}</ref> On July 5's night 2 of [[NJPW Independence Day|Independence Day]], Kenta lost the Strong Openweight Championship to [[Eddie Kingston]], ending his reign at 45 days.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1331085/eddie-kingston-wins-gold-title-championship-njpw-strong-independence-day/ | title=Eddie Kingston Wins Gold at NJPW STRONG Independence Day | date=5 July 2023 }}</ref> Later in the month, Kenta entered the 2023 [[G1 Climax 33|G1 Climax]] tournament, competing in the B Block.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/njpw-g1-climax-33-participants-blocks-full-schedule/ | title=NJPW G1 Climax 33 Participants, Blocks & Full Schedule }}</ref> Kenta finished the tournament with 6 points, therefore failing to advance to the quarterfinals.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/2023/8/9/23825701/new-japan-g1-climax-33-final-block-standings-quarterfinal-matches-sanada-okada-ospreay-kingston | title=New Japan's G1 Climax 33 quarterfinals are set | date=9 August 2023 }}</ref>

On January 5, 2024, at ''[[New Year Dash!!]]'', [[Chase Owens]] came forward to challenge recently crowned [[IWGP Tag Team Championship|IWGP Tag Team Champions]] and [[Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship|Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions]] the Guerrillas of Destiny (El Phantasmo and Hikuleo) to a match with his partner being Kenta, which they accepted.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2024.01.05 New Year Dash!! {{!}} New Japan Pro-Wrestling|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/162902|access-date=2024-01-05|website=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=en-US}}</ref> After Kenta and Owens unsuccessfully challenged Phantasmo and Hikuleo for the Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship on February 4 at [[The New Beginning in Nagoya (2024)|The New Beginning in Nagoya]], Guerrillas of Destiny decided to defend the IWGP Tag Team Championship against them at [[The New Beginning in Osaka (2024)|The New Beginning in Osaka]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/njpw-the-new-beginning-in-nagoya-live-results-never-title-match | title=NJPW the New Beginning in Nagoya live results: NEVER title match | date=20 January 2024 }}</ref> At the event on February 11, Kenta and Owens defeated Guerrillas of Destiny to win the titles, for the first time in Kenta's career.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/njpw-the-new-beginning-in-osaka-live-results-final-okada-vs-tanahashi-match | title=NJPW the New Beginning in Osaka live results: Final Okada vs. Tanahashi match | date=11 February 2024 }}</ref> The following month, Kenta entered the [[New Japan Cup#2024|New Japan Cup]], but was defeated in the first round by [[Yoshi-Hashi]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wrestlezone.com/event/njpw/1451950-njpw-52nd-anniversary-new-japan-cup-results-day-1-march-6 | title=NJPW 52nd Anniversary/ New Japan Cup Results: Day 1 - March 6 | date=8 March 2024 }}</ref> They lost the titles to Hirooki Goto and Yoshi-Hashi on April 6 at [[Sakura Genesis (2024)|Sakura Genesis]], before regaining them on May 4 at [[Wrestling Dontaku 2024|Wrestling Dontaku]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/njpw-sakura-genesis-live-results-naito-vs-tsuji-iwgp-world-title-match|title=NJPW Sakura Genesis live results: Naito vs. Tsuji IWGP World title match|first=Chick|last=Fritts|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online]]|date=April 6, 2024|access-date=April 6, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/njpw-wrestling-dontaku-night-two-live-results-moxley-vs-narita-iwgp-title-match|title=NJPW Wrestling Dontaku night two live results: Moxley vs. Narita IWGP title match|first=Chick|last=Fritts|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online]]|date=May 4, 2024|access-date=May 4, 2024}}</ref> Kenta would spend the rest of 2024 teaming with Owens.

On January 6, 2025, at [[New Year Dash!!#2025|New Year Dash!!]], Kenta teamed with [[Taiji Ishimori]] in a losing effort to [[El Desperado (wrestler)|El Desperado]] and [[Kushida (wrestler)|Kushida]]. This would be Kenta's last appearance in NJPW and as a member of Bullet Club.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-06 |title=NJPW New Year's Dash live results: The fallout from the Tokyo Dome |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/new-japan-results/njpw-new-years-dash-live-results-the-fallout-from-the-tokyo-dome/ |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=F4W/WON |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== All Elite Wrestling (2021) ===
Kenta made a surprise appearance for [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW) at the [[Beach Break (2021)|Beach Break]] event on February 3, 2021, attacking Jon Moxley.<ref name="Beach Break">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/02/03/2-3-aew-dynamite-results-powells-live-review-of-jon-moxley-pac-and-rey-fenix-vs-kenny-omega-doc-gallows-and-karl-anderson-battle-royal-for-a-shot-at-the-aew-tag-titles-lance-archer-vs-eddie/|title=2/3 AEW Dynamite results: Powell's live review of Jon Moxley, Pac, and Rey Fenix vs. Kenny Omega, Doc Gallows, and Karl Anderson, Battle Royal for a shot at the AEW Tag Titles, Lance Archer vs. Eddie Kingston in a Lumberjack Match, Kip Sabian and Penelope Ford wedding|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|first=Jason|last=Powell|date=February 3, 2021|access-date=February 3, 2021}}</ref> He wrestled his debut match for AEW on the February 10 episode of ''[[AEW Dynamite|Dynamite]]'', where he teamed with [[Kenny Omega]] to defeat Moxley and [[Lance Archer]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Falls Count Anywhere match|Falls Count Anywhere]] tag team match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/aew-dynamite-021020-results-omega-and-kenta-vs-moxley-and-archer-eliminator-tournament-and-more|title=AEW Dynamite 02/10/20 Results: Omega and Kenta vs. Moxley and Archer, Eliminator Tournament and more|work=Fightful.com|first=Rob|last=Wilkins|date=February 10, 2021|access-date=February 11, 2021}}</ref>

=== Impact Wrestling (2023) ===
Kenta would make his [[Impact Wrestling|Impact]] debut at [[No Surrender (2023)|No Surrender]] on February 24, teaming with fellow Bullet Club members [[Chris Bey]] and [[Ace Austin]], as they would beat Time Machine ([[Alex Shelley]], [[Chris Sabin]] and [[Kushida (wrestler)|Kushida]]) in a six-man tag team match. On the following episode of Impact Wrestling, he would face [[Josh Alexander]] for the [[Impact World Championship]], in a losing effort.

=== Return to Pro Wrestling Noah (2025–present) ===
On January 1, 2025 at [[Noah The New Year 2025|The New Year]], Kenta made his return to Pro Wrestling Noah, after two years, defeating [[Kenoh]]. Following the match, Kenoh asked Kenta to return to Noah.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/pro-wrestling-noah-the-new-year-results-2024/ | title=411Mania }}</ref> The following day at [[Noah The New Year 2025|New Year Reboot]], Kenta saved Kenoh from a post-match assault from [[Team 2000X]], before announcing that he would accept his request to compete in Noah for a year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/noah-new-year-results-11-kaito-kiyomiya-shinsuke-nakamura-omos-kenta-action|title=NOAH New Year Results (1/1): Kaito Kiyomiya, Shinsuke Nakamura, Omos, KENTA In Action|work=fightful.com|first=Jeremy|last=Lambert|date=January 1, 2025|access-date=January 1, 2025}}</ref> On February 11, Kenta and Kenoh defeated [[Kaito Kiyomiya]] and [[Shuhei Taniguchi]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Andrew |date=2025-02-11 |title=GHC Heavyweight & GHC National double title match made official for NOAH's 3/2 show |url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2025/02/11/ghc-heavyweight-ghc-national-double-title-match-made-official-for-noahs-3-2-show/#:~:text=Here%20are%20the%20results%20from,Anthony%20Greene%20&%20Zozaya |access-date=2025-02-12 |website=POST Wrestling {{!}} Podcasts, News, Reviews {{!}} WWE AEW NXT NJPW |language=en-US}}</ref> The following day, it was announced that Kenta had signed a contract with Pro Wrestling Noah, marking his official return to the promotion after 11 years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martínez|first=Sebastián |date=February 12, 2025 |title=Kenta se une a Noah |url=https://solowrestling.com/new/137937-kenta-se-une-a-noah |website=Solowrestling}}</ref> Shortly after, he began a short feud with [[Ulka Sasaki]], leading to a match on March 22, which Kenta won. Afterwards, Kenta invited Sasaki to join his alliance with Kenoh. Later that night, Kenta challenged [[Taishi Ozawa|Ozawa]] to a title match for the [[GHC Heavyweight Championship]], who accepted the match under the condition that Kenta and Kenoh would face him and [[Tetsuya Endo (wrestler)|Tetsuya Endo]] in a no disqualification match on April 14.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.planetawrestling.com/resultados-de-noah-star-navigation-premium-2025-en-korakuen-hall-22-de-marzo-de-2025/|title=Resultados de NOAH Star Navigation Premium 2025 en Korakuen Hall – 22 de marzo de 2025|work=planetawrestling.com|author=Pep S. Caro|lang=es|date=March 22, 2025|access-date=March 22, 2025}}</ref> On May 3 at [[Noah Memorial Voyage in Kokugikan|Memorial Voyage in Kokugikan]], Kenta unsuccessfully challenged Ozawa for the GHC Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://monthlypuroresu.com/features/pro-wrestling-noah-memorial-voyage-2025-a-war-for-the-soul-of-noah/?srsltid=AfmBOopJb_E0FzPoQRXrOkGCIjbY83yWrScxCM8QNZKvu729tMk5o7BI|title=Pro Wrestling NOAH Memorial Voyage 2025 – A War for the Soul of NOAH|work=monthlypuroresu.com|author=H.M. Ryan|date=May 7, 2025|access-date=May 7, 2025}}</ref>

==Professional wrestling style and persona==
As a former kickboxer, Kenta incorporates shoot-style kicks and stiff strikes. He is considered the innovator of the ''[[Professional wrestling strikes#Go 2 Sleep|Go 2 Sleep]]'', in which he carries his opponent in a fireman's carry before dropping them forward while lifting his left knee onto their face. He also uses a backbreaker rack version called ''Ura Go 2 Sleep''.

After his release from WWE in 2019, he joined NJPW five months later. Kenta was labelled as an outsider by many New Japan fans due to his long-time association with Pro Wrestling Noah. He would embrace the hatred, even joining the Bullet Club, and adopted the nickname, "Shijō Saiaku no Rannyū-sha" ("The Worst Intruder Ever")

==Championships and accomplishments==
* '''Alianza Latinoamericana de Lucha Libre'''
** Torneo Latino Americano de Lucha Libre (2013)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=2540&page=2|title=Torneo Latino Americano de Lucha Libre (2013)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=February 17, 2013|access-date=April 1, 2021}}</ref>
*'''[[Combat Zone Wrestling]]'''
**[[CZW Best of the Best|Best of the Best XX]] (2024)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/183870/czw-best-of-the-best-xx-winner-is.html?p=1|title=CZW BEST OF THE BEST XX WINNER IS....}}</ref>
*'''[[DEFY Wrestling]]'''
**[[DEFY World Championship]] ([[DEFY World Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=366387|title=DEFY Your Nightmare « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref>
*'''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship]] ([[IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship#Reigns|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=3400|title=IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=November 6, 2021|access-date=November 6, 2021}}</ref>
**[[IWGP Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Tag Team Champions|2 times]]) – with [[Chase Owens]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/champions/iwgp-2tag|title=IWGP Tag Team Title history on official website|publisher=[[NJPW|New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW)]]}}</ref>
**[[NEVER Openweight Championship]] ([[List of NEVER Openweight Champions|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|title=NEVER Openweight Championship History|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/champions/never|access-date=January 4, 2020|publisher=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|date=August 31, 2019|title=NEVER Openweight Championship|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1865|access-date=April 1, 2021|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
**[[Strong Openweight Championship]] (2 times)
**[[New Japan Cup USA]] (2020)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=6515&page=2|title=New Japan Cup USA (2020)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=August 21, 2020|access-date=January 4, 2021}}</ref>
**[[NJPW Strong|STRONG Survivor]] (2023)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw1972.com/140858 | title=KENTA the STRONGest Survivor 【NJoA】 &#124; NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/njpw-strong-results-the-first-ever-strong-survivor-match |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122181335/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/njpw-strong-results-the-first-ever-strong-survivor-match |archive-date=January 22, 2023 |title=NJPW Strong results: The first-ever Strong Survivor match |work=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online |last=Knipper |first=Justin |date=January 7, 2023 |access-date=March 7, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=7883 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122182255/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=7883 |archive-date=January 22, 2023 |title=Strong Survivor Tournament |work=CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date=December 11, 2022 |access-date=March 7, 2023}}</ref>
*'''''[[Nikkan Sports]]'''''
**Match of The Year Award (2006) {{small|vs. Naomichi Marufuji on October 29}}<ref name=NIKKAN2006>{{cite web|
url=https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2006|title=Nikkan Sports Awards – 2006|website= wrestlingscout|date=February 23, 2016}}</ref>
**Match of The Year Award (2008) {{small|vs. Naomichi Marufuji on October 25}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2008|title=Nikkan Sports Awards – 2008|website=wrestlingscout|date=February 27, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2018|archive-date=March 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328193411/https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
**Technique Award (2006, 2007)<ref name=NIKKAN2006/><ref>{{cite web|
url=https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2007|title=Nikkan Sports Awards – 2007|website= wrestlingscout|date=February 26, 2016}}</ref>
* '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
** Ranked No. 22 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]]'' in 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2013.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2013|access-date=2013-08-22|work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
* '''[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]'''
**[[GHC Heavyweight Championship]] ([[GHC Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=140|title=GHC Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 27, 2013|access-date=April 1, 2021}}</ref>
** [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|3 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=142|title=GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=July 18, 2005|access-date=April 1, 2021}}</ref>
** [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|3 times]])&nbsp;– with [[Naomichi Marufuji]] (1), [[Taiji Ishimori]] (1) and [[Yoshinobu Kanemaru]] (1)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=143|title=GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=July 16, 2003|access-date=April 1, 2021}}</ref>
** [[GHC Tag Team Championship]] ([[GHC Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]])&nbsp;– with [[Shuhei Taniguchi|Maybach Taniguchi]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=144|title=GHC Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 8, 2012|access-date=April 1, 2021}}</ref>
** Two Days Tag Tournament (2011)&nbsp;– with [[Yoshihiro Takayama]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=2030&page=2|title=Two Days Tag Tournament (2011)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=August 18, 2011|access-date=April 1, 2021}}</ref>
** [[Differ Cup]] (2005) – with [[Naomichi Marufuji]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=275&page=2|title=Differ Cup (2005)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 8, 2005|access-date=April 1, 2021}}</ref>
** [[N-1 Victory|Global League]] ([[N-1 Victory#2012|2012]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=2475&page=2|title=Global League (2012)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=November 23, 2012|access-date=April 1, 2021}}</ref>
** [[Global Tag League]] ([[Global Tag League#2013|2013]])&nbsp;– with [[Yoshihiro Takayama]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=2599&page=2|title=Global Tag League (2013)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 28, 2013|access-date=April 1, 2021}}</ref>
** Matsumoto Day Clinic Cup Contention Heavyweight Battle Royal (2013)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://keepingthespiritalive.tumblr.com/tagged/noah|title=Results|access-date=2013-12-19|publisher=Keeping the Spirit Alive}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=105032|title=Matsumoto Day Clinic Cup Contention Heavyweight Battle Royal (2013)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=December 15, 2013|access-date=April 1, 2021}}</ref>
** One Day Six Man Tag Team Tournament (2002) – with [[Kenta Kobashi]] and [[Kentaro Shiga]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=5905|title=One Day Six Man Tag Team Tournament (2002)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 14, 2002|access-date=April 1, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.purolove.com/noah/profiles/kenta.php|title=PUROLOVE.com|website=www.purolove.com|access-date=2013-03-19|archive-date=2016-07-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719105330/http://www.purolove.com/noah/profiles/kenta.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>
** [[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League|Nippon TV Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League]] ([[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League#2007|2007]], [[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League#2008|2008]], [[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League#2010|2010]])&nbsp;– with [[Taiji Ishimori]] (2007, 2008) and [[Atsushi Aoki]] (2010)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=980&page=2|title=Nippon TV Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League (2007)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=July 15, 2007|access-date=April 1, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1029&page=2|title=Nippon TV Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League (2008)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=September 6, 2008|access-date=April 1, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1790&page=2|title=Nippon TV Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League (2010)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 30, 2010|access-date=April 1, 2021}}</ref>
** Global Tag League Fighting Spirit Award (2014) – with Yoshihiro Takayama<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=6071|script-title=ja:「グローバル・タッグリーグ戦2014」各賞発表|date=2014-04-28|access-date=2014-04-28|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja}}</ref>
* '''Texas Wrestling Cartel'''
** TWC Tag Team Championship (1 time, inaugural) – with Chase Owens<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4i0ykJQdmaI | title=Kenta & Chase Owens vs. The Wagner Brothers vs. Fly Def &#91;FULL MATCH&#93; TWC Tag Championship &#124; TX MADE | website=[[YouTube]] | date=14 June 2024 }}</ref><ref>https://www.facebook.com/texaswrestlingcartel/posts/pfbid02vqJ9bvrcyK4Jk6pgx18CgSp4rdHpVKFvtP2kGrrR2B37GRCnWXXpxMy74r8LMn7Nl</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C7fVScdhj1u/?hl=en | title=Instagram }}</ref>
* '''''[[Tokyo Sports]]'''''
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Best Tag Team Award|Best Tag Team Award]] (2003) <small>with Naomichi Marufuji</small><ref name=TokyoSportsAwards00s/>
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Best Bout Award|Match of the Year Award]] (2006) <small>vs. Naomichi Marufuji, October 29, 2006</small><ref name=TokyoSportsAwards00s>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/wrestling/wrestling_past4/|script-title=ja:東京スポーツ プロレス大賞|access-date=2014-01-20|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref>
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Outstanding Performance Award|Outstanding Performance Award]] (2013)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://battle-news.com/news/2013/12/002053.php|title=オカダが2年連続でプロレス大賞MVPを受賞！史上4人目の快挙だが、本人は「当たり前の結果」|date=2013-12-10|access-date=2013-12-09|work=Battle News|language=ja}}</ref>
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Technique Award|Technique Award]] (2011)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/wrestling/wrestling_past5/|script-title=ja:東京スポーツ プロレス大賞|access-date=2014-01-20|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref>
* '''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Wrestling Maneuver|Best Wrestling Maneuver]] (2006, 2007) {{small|''[[Professional wrestling attacks#Go 2 Sleep|Go 2 Sleep]]''}}<ref name="WON11">{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 30, 2012|title=Jan 30 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Gigantic year-end awards issue, best and worst in all categories plus UFC on FX 1, death of Savannah Jack, ratings, tons and tons of news|journal=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=[[Campbell, California]]|issn=1083-9593}}</ref>
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Tag Team of the Year|Tag Team of the Year]] (2003, 2004) {{small|with Naomichi Marufuji}}<ref name="WON11"/>
* '''[[WWE]]'''
** [[List of WWE tournaments#Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal qualifying tournament|Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal Qualifying Tournament (2015)]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=3300&page=2|title=Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal Qualifying Tournament|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|date=March 28, 2015|access-date=April 1, 2021}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons category}}
* {{Twitter|name=KENTA|id=KENTAG2S}}
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{NJPW profile|id=903|name=Kenta|newlink=yes}}
* {{WWE superstar|name=Hideo Itami}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}

{{Navboxes
|list1=
{{DEFY World Champions}}
{{GHC Heavyweight Championship}}
{{GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship}}
{{GHC Tag Team Championship}}
{{Global Tag League}}
{{Global Junior Heavyweight Tag League}}
{{N-1 Victory}}
{{IWGP Tag Team Championship}}
{{IWGP United States Championship}}
{{NEVER Openweight Championship}}
{{Strong Openweight Championship}}
{{New Japan Pro Wrestling personnel}}
{{Burning (professional wrestling)}}
{{Bullet Club}}
{{Sugiura-gun}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kobayashi, Kenta}}
[[Category:1981 births]]
[[Category:Expatriate professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Japanese emigrants to the United States]]
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Sōka]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Bullet Club members]]
[[Category:DEFY World Champions]]
[[Category:GHC Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:GHC Junior Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:GHC Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:Strong Openweight Champions]]
[[Category:Global League/N-1 Victory winners]]
[[Category:Global Tag League winners]]
[[Category:Global Junior Heavyweight Tag League winners]]
[[Category:IWGP United States Champions]]
[[Category:IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:NEVER Openweight champions]]