[10.0] "G2S! Busaiku he no Hizageri! Ura G2S! GAME OVER! Sakura Knee Strike GTS US! These are finishers innovated by the Mount Rushmore of Puroresu. The very best homegrown talent from PRO WRESTLING NOAH. The first major signing in the 2010s and the true originator of the G2S. This guy was also a junior heavyweight and he was headlining cards while being in the middle. His battle with fellow homegrown star Heel Master Yoshinobu Kanemaru in the Tokyo Dome Destiny 05 was a hidden classic considered the perfect junior heavyweight match today. His early tag work with Naomichi Marufuji critically acclaimed, tag title reigns with him, Taiji Ishimori and even Yoshinobu himself, his ever youthful look captured the female population internationally and three time Junior heavyweight championship reigns during the glory years of the company. And his injuries in his WWE years aside, he also made good becoming the Japanese sensation that he is, bringing his style to WWE before Nakamura, Balor, Inamura and even main event names before or since. His last PLE appearance was on the RR preshow as a cruiserweight in front of a flat 48 thousand people to debut in NJPWs G1 Climax also in the states as a heavyweight in front of a roaring 4, 846 thousand people. After that G1 tour, he aligned with Bullet Club with a iconic twist, turning on the wrestler who used his style for yearrrrs. A NJPW US Cup win over future Bullet Club War Dog leader David Finlay and the first REAL forbidden door moment with Jon Moxley later, he became the most talked about player that isnt a champion in New Japan. Three more years, trolling marks here, a US and tag team title win there, GTSing skulls everywhere in the local independents and reestablishing his place in the Mount Rushmore of puroresu once again. Then 2025 he left after NJPW, losing the DEFY world title after the longest reign as of today and signing back home on the ARK. In his prime he became GHC heavyweight champion during a bit of a bad era for Pro Wrestling NOAH. 11 years later, after KENOH saved NOAH winning the GHC heavyweight title, a day afterwards facing one on one against the man who fought back in the new year January event. In a MOTY category, definitely the best korakuen hall this year for sure; KENTA at 44 years of age became Global Honored Crown Heavyweight Champion! 25 years into his career and still a badass, one of my personal favorites and again, the Mount Rushmore of Puroresu!"
[10.0] "Kenta is still a force. Think of your favorite's wrestler's move set, if they didn't steal it from Kenta, they stole it from Marafuji. It's that simple. I don't give a shit how much slower he is, he's a trailblazer and has earned the respect the comes with it. His NXT run was marred by injuries and typical WWE incompetence of not knowing how to book an Asian wrestler without "am Japanese" being the gimmick."
[6.0] "Seen very little of his early stuff or NXT run so judging this rating and review more or less on his New Japan stuff. I have to say, Kenta hasn't really aged well. I dont think I have seen a single match of his that I would put at 8 or above on Cagematch...... goes off to check my Kenta match ratings! EDIT..... there are 2! a match against Bryan Danielson and a match against Will Ospreay - says it all really."
[10.0] "KENTA has had it rough since Hideo Itami days... but he's still KENTA and even at his worst he's absolutely fantastic. Glad to see him back in NOAH, my wishlist has a tag run with Marufuji again and a GHC World title reign."
[10.0] "At his peak had a legitimate argument for greatest wrestler in the world and he's still one of my personal all-time favorites. Unfortunately his work this past decade especially in NJPW and WWE hasn't been the greatest a mix of injuries, poor booking, bad luck, and he's just lost a step. His singles matches in NJPW and elsewhere are still generally pretty good his time in Bullet Club has been mostly in middling tag matches."
[9.0] "In his prime he was easily one of the best. Now later in his career he's kinda gotten out of it, but I still enjoy his matches. I really enjoyed his matches against Danielson and and Tanahashi. Overall amazing pro-wrestler that I would like to see in more singles matches."
[10.0] "In Kenta's prime, he was one of the best wrestlers in the world. His striking was very good. He's had some of the best matches from the mid 2000's to early 2010's. From Marufuji, Nakajima, and Danielson, some of his best rivals. His moveset is awesome."
[7.0] "The sheer disappointment of KENTA's career since he left NOAH. Upon lurking some NOAH matches on YouTube, safe to say that KENTA could be one of the all-time greats. One of the best strikers in the game and credited for most of the signature moves that made popular by other stars like the GTS (often used by CM Punk). His team-up with Naomichi Marifuji and Taiji Ishimori were great and somehow garner success. He also had amazing matches in NOAH that solidifies himself as a megastar. Sadly, ever since he signed to WWE, his mystique was truly lost erasing all of the KENTA-esque personality in a flash. His time in WWE was utterly terrible and completely forgettable. Upon signing with NJPW, he somehow struggled to reclaim his lost glory and became a former shell of himself. He is just there non-significantly as a sidekick in the dying faction, the Bullet Club, doing little to no benefit. Also, his number of injuries throughout his career setbacks him big time and his matches are not very impressive since then. Just sad to see the state of KENTA these days. Pretty sure that his "real" run only lasted until 2014 and he should hang up his boots at that time. Leaving NOAH for WWE was his biggest mistake and made a domino effect of his career as a result."
[10.0] "Rating him based on his prime he was one of the best strikers ever in the business. Extremely influential and had great matches with the likes of Danielson, Marufuji, Nakajima, and of course Kobashi. Yes he has regressed although hes a pretty good promo now and his constant hate for a certain Chicago native is hilarious. his in ring work has suffered probably due to injuries and just being washed unfortunately here and there he can give a good match with a good opponent like Ospreay for example. But still look at a guy like Tanahashi who is far past his prime now but will always be a 10 in my book. KENTA has earned that much, in my eyes."
[8.0] "Really wanted to give him a 9 but his career has gone downhill a little bit since the jump to WWE all those years ago. Was incredible in NOAH, put on incredible matches and his ability in-ring was so damn fun to watch. Can't blame him for trying WWE out, especially given the state of NOAH around that time, but injuries really ruined it and his booking was dreadful. Saw he lost to Akira Tozawa on 205 Live... KENTA, god damn KENTA should not be wrestling on 205 Live nor losing to the likes of Akira Tozawa. Obviously WWE didn't see "it" in him. Has been alright in NJPW, but he peaked in NOAH and nothing he can do now will ever live up to those times (mostly due to injury to be honest.) Great wrestler for NOAH, wouldn't really rate him highly for other promotions."
[10.0] "kenta is possibly the best striker ever, there truly isnt anybody like him. he may not seem as good currently as he hasnt had the motivation, but in some of his recent matches you can tell he is still incredible. his pro wrestling noah run is one of the most incredible runs in wrestling history. hes an innovator, making the go to sleep, busaiku knee (the knee strike bryan danielson uses), and the omaplata cross face (the lebell lock) famous or invented them all together. kenta really is one of the best."
[9.0] "would give a 10 if he wasnt so damn underutilized in the W. He is so talented and one of the best of his generation imo. Amazing matches against danielson, marufuji, naito, nakajima, low ki and others. A great who had his peak shortened by a underwhelming wwe run. Still love the guy tho"
[9.0] "Like most have said, an incredibly influential wrestler and one of the best strikers you will ever find. His matches against Marufuji should be required viewing for any wrestling fan."
[8.0] "KENTA has long since past his prime. He was one of the most outstanding performers in the 2000s; He brought success to NoAH; Injuries plagued him during his time in WWE and he never lived up to his hype. While his run in New Japan is far better than his run in WWE, it's a shadow of his time at NOAH. He remains a very good perfomer even now although not quite as great as before. Its unfortunate that he never shined in WWE or in New Japan."
[8.0] "Kenta is a phenomenal striker and the stuff i've seen of him in NOAH is amazing and he was truely a deadly striker, His WWE run was bland but injuries slowed all of his momentum and ruined him for many fans, then he went to NJPW and joined bullet club and that first year or two was great and feel like he should have beaten Naito for the belts instead of Evil, but right now Kenta is just kind of wandering around NJPW in bullet club and it's too late for a major push as his age and injuries weigh him down a lot. But Kenta will always be one of the many aces of NOAH."
[10.0] "Hauptsächlich hab ich Matches von ihm bei ROH gesehen und einige von NOAH. KENTA ist ein unfassbar stiffer Wrestler. Der sehr sauber arbeitet. Er ist auch der Erfinder des GTS bei ihm heißt es Go 2 Sleep. Zuerst ist er mal bei NXT und was können da für Matches passieren. Gegen Sami Zayn gegen Adrian Neville gegen Kalisto und noch mehr und wenn KENTA in die Hauptshows kommt dann gäbe es weitere Traumpaarungen. Ein wenig beherrscht KENTA Englisch sonst muss ihm noch Funaki als Dolmetscher beim übersetzen helfen. Edit: 20. 08. 2017 Was mal sehr gut ist er ist nicht verletzt und nun mal der Heel und das macht er schon richtig gut. Im Ring hat er bei Brookly III gegen Black gezeigt das er es immer noch kann und durfte Tommy auch die Nase brechen. Edit 10.10.2023 hat sich optisch die Jahre verändert und auch von der Einstellung. Er ist jetzt 42 Jahre hat es aber immer noch absolut drauf."
[9.0] "Prime KENTA, so, from 2005 to 2014, was no doubt a top 3 wrestler in the world. But the actual KENTA is painful to watch, while he mastered the asshole gimmick, he hasn't been the same, inside the ring, since his WWE failed crusade. But I'm not gonna be rude and rate him as KENTA the Ace of NOAH and not NJPW KENTA."
[7.0] "Tied with Shibata for my favorite wrestler. Kenta is just a badass, plain and simple. His legendarily stiff fighting style coupled with his extraordinary in-ring presence make nearly every match he has fun to watch. He has had countless classic matches, whether it be in the indies or WWE. At his best, KENTA was one of the world's most exciting wrestlers. Update: I used to have him rated as a 10, and hell my username is literally KENTAfan, but modern KENTA is just a massive disappointment. In his prime he was excellent, in WWE he had his moments. In NJPW his first G1 was full of great matches, and he REALLY looked like he was back, or at least close to becoming as good as he once was. But then it all came crashing down. I dont even know what happened, maybe he got injured again, but his matches since the pandemic have been so incredibly lackluster, and he seems to be almost incapable now of having anything more than a good match, and even then the good matches are few and far between. I would literally give this version of Kenta a 3 or 4, but Im going to also take into account the fact that he was an easy 10 during his prime. Still he should just retire at this point."
[9.0] "Giving KENTA a 9 because early-mid 2000s KENTA was a killer. His influence can be seen all over the wrestling scene today. Although age and injuries have definitely slowed him down in the ring, his character work and promos have been enough to keep him relevant."
[8.0] "Once one of the best wrestlers in the world has now fallen from grace. The bulk of this rating comes from his fantastic NOAH run where he had some of the greatest matches ever (vs Marufuji in October 2006 being the most famous example), but unfortunately after joining WWE he has been coasting. In WWE injuries plagued his career ultimately ending up being on 205 Live for the last few moments. Now in New Japan he has been ruined at the hands of the House of Evil. Hopefully he leaves soon and returns back to his former glory."
[6.0] "Age and injuries are currently his two biggest problems. He's getting better again but he's just not the performer he once was. Promowise, however, he is at his peak."
[7.0] "I have a love hate relationship with KENTA. Between his years competing under Misawa and Kobashi's wings along with Sugiura, NaoMaru and Shiozaki in Pro Wrestling NOAH, KENTA had been the odd one out at times; one that was small for his size, but was able to take down anyone with relative ease complete with his heavyweight-esc. strength. His matches with the five mentioned, but also Kanemaru Y., Morishima and more remain some of the most remembered in the history of NOAH. Tragedy struck; what was once considered to be a great get happened to be a greater curse. Once he had signed with WWE, people were touting him as the future of NXT (and some, coinciding, were also referring to him as "Funaki 2". Weird.). As soon as he managed to pick up steam, he fell right down to earth; suffering numerous injuries, he would just be considered to be a popular middle-of-the-card talent for his entire WWE run. In 2019, the curse had finally been lifted as NJPW had signed KENTA, contrary to the belief of him signing to another promotion with a gold E in the middle. He had begun to spring up again, but then, injuries caught up again; but, worst of all, he managed to completely slow down and become a bit of a stale case. He was, perhaps, the reason that we have one of the worst stables in Japanese pro wrestling history with the House of Torture; Takaaki "EVIL" Watanabe, Dick Togo, Yujiro Takahashi and Sho Tanaka. With him being introduced into Bullet Club, it made me dislike him a lot more than what I did to him in WWE. His in-ring work had only transformed into a shallow replica of what was then a master class of talent. If only he had decided to build himself right, he would've been more of a contender for the Greatest of All Time in Japanese pro wresting; however, now, he has completely transformed himself into a sloppy mess. His work now is only a mere stain of the legacy of the Japanese Sensation. I'm sorry."
[10.0] "Für mich DER japanische Junior Heavyweight seiner Generation. Schade, dass es für ihn bei WWE nicht gelaufen ist. Konnte danach zwar nicht mehr zu alter Stärke finden, insgesamt aber trotzdem volle Punktzahl."
[10.0] "In his prime there is a pretty compelling argument he was the best wrestler on earth. He has slowed down a lot in recent years but there is still some of the old magic there every now and then."
[7.0] "KENTA from between 2005 and 2011 was easily in the upper tier. Then the 2010s happened to the poor guy. He's been kinda slumming it ever since his return to Japan but is still a good enough worker, as banged up as he is, that his overal legacy hasn't been tainted."
[8.0] "NOAH era KENTA before his injuries caught up will be where you see his best in-ring work. An innovative and lethal offence. His WWE run can be largely ignored and it was all due to bad luck, I wonder what could have been. Resurgent in NJPW and while he's not able to do some of the things he could, his character work is fantastic."
[9.0] "Ever since he signed with WWE way back when, he has not been up to the level he once was, but goddamn is he one of the most underrated wrestlers ever."
[9.0] "Für seine Leistungen in den 2000ern könnte man auch die 10 zücken, aber die verlorenen verletzungsreichen Jahre im Entertainment-Zirkel wiegen schwer auf ihm. Hat versucht, sich mit seinem Heel-Gimmick und einer Prise Comedy neu zu erfinden, im Ring schwankt es aber mittlerweile zwischen meh und sehr gut. Wobei sehr gut vor allem mit seinem alten Rivalen Zack Sabre Jr. zustande kommt. Mittlerweile also kein Mann mehr für die ganz hohen Noten, aber seine Vergangenheit muss man ihm einfach anrechnen. Als größen- und gewichtstechnisch klarer Junior im Heavyweight-Bereich hat er Türen geöffnet und Maßstäbe gesetzt."
[10.0] "KENTA is truly one of the best of all time, without question. His move set alone is the blueprint for hundreds of wrestlers today, and his matches are always entertaining. He has incredible hard-hitting matches from every corner of his career, and has undeniable charisma to boot. One thing that always astounds me about KENTA is that he will always find a way to keep people talking about him, and he will always find a way to carve out a story that puts himself in the spotlight. From emotional exciting matches to funny backstage promos, he knows exactly how get himself on the map and has the gumption to get himself there. He has an incredible sense of self and has always had the confidence the he would one day make his mark on the industry. And now, looking around at everyone he's influenced and continues to influence to this very day? It's clear he already has."
[7.0] "Very recently have I been able to enjoy KENTA's matches so much more. A very good wrestler in the ring when he decides to work very hard. I'm yet to watch his older matches."
[4.0] "I have not seen KENTA pre Pro Wrestling NOAH, however he has not impressed me , especially since he joined Bullet Club, I have not seen that many good performances from him, I have only really liked his Noah 8 man match but he has not shown this ability in New Japan, he has had many bad matches throughout his New Japan run and is thoroughly overrated."
[10.0] "Not only a brilliant wrestler who's had countless great matches across NOAH, ROH, NJPW, and various other companies, but KENTA is also a huge influence on the modern Indy scene along with his NOAH contemporary Marufuji. While he has slowed down somewhat during his New Japan run, he still puts on great matches and cuts hilarious promos that are far and above most of the guys on New Japan's roster."
[9.0] "Legendary junior heavyweight with a fantastic book of matches in NOAH. His work in NXT and WWE will be known for "the guy that was injured all the time", probably due to wear and tear working King's Road in NOAH. Now in NJPW, he works at a 1/2 speed as what he originally did but he's still a pretty good wrestler."
[10.0] "He is a great wrestler with great strikes. In his peak years, he was super fast. His feud with Naomichi Marufuji is one of the best feuds in NOAH history."
[9.0] "I can partially thank KENTA for making me a fan of wrestling outside of WWE. From his work in ROH back in the 2000s to his work today in New Japan, KENTA has always been one of my favorite wrestlers on the planet. All I want from him in 2022 is for him to do some more work in NOAH."
[7.0] "KENTA had a pretty fun year, once more mading history as the first real surprise in the 'forbidden door' era. He had some good NJ Cup appearences vs Juice Robinson and Shingo Takagi, but had an inconsistent G1 (good vs Ishii, bad vs GOK and Ibushi in the semi-final). Given he's older and has picked up injuries over his career, KENTA hasn't been able to follow through on the hype of his signing to NJPW. But he's still a very competent and versatile performer, evidenced by his almost comedy work at times this year."
"It might be controversial to say, but I do truly think KENTA might be the best in ring performer of all time. His timing is impeccable, and his moves were so innovative. You can thank him and Marufuji for 90% of everyone's moveset today. There is also nothing like watching him be killed. His selling is otherworldly."
[10.0] "In his prime, there was literally no one who could touch him in the ring. For a while the only matches I could watch were matches that atleast had KENTA involved in some capacity. He brings a level of intensity, cockiness and style that few guys could match. One of the few wrestler that uses a striking styles that actually looks like the moves hurt, mostly because a lot of those strikes are legit. If KENTA throws a kick or slaps you, you know he's looking for blood. He sorta fell off in terms of match quality in recent years, but that shouldn't understate the incredibly body of work he put together while in NOAH during the 2000's and early 2010's. His matches with Naomichi Marufuji are some of the best junior heavyweight wrestling has to offer. Rare you see two guys have such great chemistry and consistently put on great matches, both as partners and rivals. Even their one-off match in 2018 for Marufuji's 20th anniversary was great. Nothing sort of an amazing professional wrestler."
[10.0] "if i'm talking about just NOAH run KENTA, the man is a legend. innovator of moves that many wrestling fans even now still know like the busaiku knee (AKA Bryan Danielson's Knee Plus) and the Go 2 Sleep, Hideo Itami in WWE was definitely a far less notable wrestler due to all of the injuries that he received almost every time he would come back from one, but he's starting to revive his career after debuting in New Japan and joining up with the Bullet Club as the 3rd in command. so overall, NOAH KENTA: 10, WWE Hideo: 5, NJPW KENTA: 8"
[10.0] "Already a living legend especially thanks to his days in NOAH, he is now part of the best group in history, the Bullet Club, and the main protagonist of the most heelish segment I've ever seen. After the long-awaited moment of Naito standing tall at WrestleKingdom with the world championship, he screwed the tranquilo-one, destroying years of storytelling. Known for his stiff kicks, he's the one (at least in kayfabe) who kicked "the forbidden door" wide open."
[9.0] "KENTA is actually Japanese legend not like his father but still a great wrestler. He was incredible in his pre-wwe career. His ROH and NOAH matches are good examples. But WWE affected his skills so much. He failed to thrive there and it hurted his skills. His current run in NJPW is far from perfect but still he's trying and giving us decent to great matches. His NJPW run is more about character work."
[9.0] "His NOAH run was definitely his peak as far as in ring work goes, but his New Japan character helps makes up for the decline that comes with age and a long career."
[7.0] "Even though it's quite obvious that KENTA in this day and age is not as good as he was in his prime in NOAH, he still continues to shine: sometimes he may be lacking in ring work, but he more than makes up for it with sheer strength of his character. He has had several slump periods in NJPW, but he has overcome each of them successfully. Even if he doesn't win anything big by the time when his retirement comes, his time in NJPW will still be fondly remembered, and rightfully so. He is a great addition to the roster."
[9.0] "KENTA is brilliant. I understand that he's mellowed out as he enters the twilight of his career but as he becomes less able in the ring he has managed to rebound by becoming one of the most intriguing characters on the roster. You never know what this guy is up to and that makes his matches really engaging. His heel turn is probably one of the greatest heel turn's in wrestling history, that entire segment absolutely floored me. It helps that he absolutely fits into Bullet Club like a glove. He is still very able in the ring in my opinion as well: in this past G1, his matches with Tanahashi and Sabre really stick out to me as some of the best of the tournament. His wrestling style reminds me of a wild hyena. Overall KENTA is one of my favorites on the roster, and although I know he doesn't have much longer left in the ring I think it's great this career is going out with such a bang."
[8.0] "I unfortunately can't give a higher rating of Kenta because he became average with the years. In NOAH, he was one of the very bests in the world, he is even a part of my favorite tag team match of all time. But in NJPW, he is very boring, his work in the BC is below average."
[7.0] "KENTA 2021 ist nicht mehr mit dem KENTA zu vergleichen, der 2005-2009 so für Aufregung gesorgt hat und wirklich Extraklasse war. Sein NXT-Run war war leider davon geprägt, dass man in der WWE keine Ahnung hat, wie man mit japanischen Wresltern umgeht. Seine Qualität im Ring kam 1-2x durch, aber das war wenig. Bei NJPW setzt sich das Schema aber fort und erst mit der Zeit kommen einige sehenswerte Sequenzen zusammen. Das gewisse Etwas fehlt. Er hat irgendwie Charme und strahlt gewiss etwas aus, aber da passt nicht immer alles zusammen."
[8.0] "Back in the days he was more or less Shibata's equivalent in NOAH: Shibata was a tad more versatile but KENTA was a tad more vicious. Ironically enough as Shibata's career took off around 2014 KENTA's took a hit when he signed for WWE: injuries, poor booking and motivation issues all contributed. KENTA himself admitted this stage of this career was a mistake on his part, and in the ego-driven world of pro-wrestling it takes a lot of courage. These days he's pretty beaten up, and it shows a lot in the ring: it's too bad so many fans are getting to see him as a a shell of his former self. But at least he's one entertaining son of a gun outside the ring these days."
[9.0] "Was consistently amongst the best in the world between 2006-2012, he was great whenever he came to ROH. Went to WWE and was underused. Went to NJPW in 2019 and immediately regained his previous form but started to stagnate towards the end of 2019."
[8.0] "In den 00er Jahren und zu Beginn des vergangenen Jahrzehnt absolut herausragend. Hat durch schwere Verletzungen und schlechtes Booking seitens WWE leider seine vermutlich besten Jahre verloren. Er ist heute zwar nicht mehr derselbe Wrestler wie damals, aber auf eine andere Art weiterhin unterhaltsam."
[3.0] "A pale shadow of his former self. He has lost all of his attributes which he enchanted us before. He used to be one of the most prospective workers in the business, now for me he is in almost the same league as guys like Toru Yano. I haven't followed his career closely after he quit for WWE but I think that run might be the answer for his current lack of puroresu sprit. He is too much "american" for New Japan."
[10.0] "If I were to rate him based on the wrestler he is now, and the wrestler he's been for the past 5 years or so, I'd probably give him a 5/10 or so, his WWE run was a complete flop and honestly I'd say the same for his NJPW run, I get no joy or no reminder of the wrestler he used to be by watching him now, his aura depleted, he's suffered injuries and his in-ring ability greatly suffered, but I'm rating his prime, him in the 2000s decade, him in NOAH is just incredible, he was easily one of the best wrestlers of the entire decade, he had the aura, he was actually badass, he was having all time great matches, his kicking and all his strikes were incredible, he was a fast paced fantastic storyteller that captivated fans whenever he stepped in the ring, it's a shame that guy is no longer here"
[4.0] "A few years ago he would have deserved a proper 10 but now I give him a small 4. His time at WWE was a total flop and not only because of those injuries and bad creative decisions, but also because he didn't have the shoulders to be a consistent superstar in this company. Unfortunately, it's hard to make some people hear that. Last year when he was released, he was back on track with some very solid matches and a good G1 Climax 29 but this year 2020 was a huge downfall for him. His G1 Climax this year was anticlimactic and I've rarely been so disappointed. KENTA is just not the KENTA stiff we like anymore, we are very far from the KENTA of NOAH. Nevertheless I put a 4 because let's say what is, he still has nice leftovers and can make good matches from time to time. He's just extremely disappointing and very irregular."
[6.0] "I watched several KENTS matches from the 2000s and I liked it. His kicks and speed in matches were great, and the Isam wrestler was more lively, it was clear that he liked to wrestle. Now, returning to Japan after a long run in the WWE, KENTA is just a gray performer who does something in the ring, but it does not cause any emotions. It's a shame that a good wrestler is slowly turning into a dummy."
[8.0] "Was uniquely impressive in his prime years in NOAH as a junior heavyweight and his chemistry with the likes of fellow upstart Marufuji and others usually meant that they stole the show with their crowd pleasing high impact offence and fast workrate. KENTA wasn't afraid to get down with the heavyweights either, usually paying the price but usually getting a few great shots in. His gritty character and attitude compared to the more squeaky clean babyfaces at the time gave him a particular endearment to the crowd. Unfortunately NOAH's generally rather shitty booking of future talent and a failure to get them properly over the old guard of Misawa, Kobashi, Tenryu and the Pillars meant that KENTA never really took off as a heavyweight: his matches by then were far from stellar, and his actual GHC champion reign was marked with weak attendance numbers (despite being a fan favourite, KENTA's actual charisma and drawing power was weak and was more suited to being a chaser, not the chased) and marred with backstage problems. Moving to WWE, he did really nothing of note apart from get injured a ton and be jobbed out on 205 Live, lol. KENTA at present is a shadow of his former self, plagued with long lasting injuries and about as durable as fine china, but with the right guy working with him and if he's feeling it, he can put some decently impressive bouts out. That being said, a lot of his matches have been far from great, and he's far from the plucky underdog that used to get crowds yelling off the top of their head for him."
[9.0] "KENTA's career has had its ups and downs. In NOAH, he used to be one of Kobashi's top prospects. His no-nonsense offense, composed mainly of fierce strikes and (sometimes overlooked) great grappling quickly established him as one of the best junior heavyweights in the business. Hadn't NOAH relied too much on its veterans to carry the company, KENTA would've been one of the two most obvious candidates for being the new ace (the other one being his "frenemy" Naomichi Marufuji). However, even though KENTA kept delivering great performances, including some noteworthy matches in ROH, his momentum was mostly wasted, as it took him longer than it should to move to the heavyweight division. By the time he finally got to be GHC Heavyweight Champion, NOAH was already past its prime. So, he ultimately decided to move to the WWE, where he would be known as Hideo Itami. Any expectations he may have had of connecting to a wider audience quickly fell through, as the injuries from his stiff wrestling style finally caught up to him. Plus, the typically terrible WWE booking didn't help matters. After a long time bouncing back and forth between part of the midcard hell and straight up jobber, KENTA's career seemed to be dead. However, after a tentative return to NOAH following a special match against Marufuji, KENTA surprisingly signed with NJPW, debutting at its G1 Climax. Of course, that was not the KENTA from his glory days, but he showed he could work around his limitations quite convincingly. KENTA would soon shock the wrestling world by taking part in one of the most surprising angles of pro wrestling history, by turning on longtime friend Katsuyori Shibata, joining the Bullet Club and, in the proccess, establishing himself as one of the most reviled heels in recent times. After that, he still managed to keep fans engaged one way or the other, particularly when he attacked Tetsuya Naito right after he became double champion. So, if KENTA is way past his best days as a in-ring worker, he has arguably never been as famous as he is now. With such fresh air in his career, what else can we expect from him? Only time will tell. Summing it up, KENTA basically went from being one of the best active wrestlers in the world to one that still manages to surprise fans with good performances alongside some nasty attitude. That said, his career was full of shortcomings, which eventually led him to fall short of being one of the greatest of all time."
[8.0] "His work in the 2000's remains some of the best of that decade and was by far the Japanese star with the most international buzz at the time. If His stint with the WWE and New Japan shows KENTA has passed his best years and is making the best out of what he can now. Great heel turn to join Bullet Club."
[7.0] "His tenure in WWE and his injuries really seem to have given him some ring rust. These days he needs the right opponent to have a great match, but when the right opponent comes along he can still deliver awesome stuff."
[7.0] "Nach seiner WWE Zeit konnte ich zu Anfang nicht viel mit ihm anfangen. Er scheint allerdings mit seiner aktuellen Rolle immer besser klar zukommen und so langsam gefällt er mir wieder."
[7.0] "The pugnacious, headstrong hornet of Pro Wrestling NOAH. As far as pure workrate goes, Kenta at his peak was a fiery machine who had the nutsack to work with people of nearly any size. However, there is more to a wrestler than pure workrate, and though what Kenta lacked in charisma and emotional range he made up for in intensity and athleticism, even at his best he was simply never as well-rounded as either the greatest of all time, or even some of his own contemporaries (to say nothing of his steep decline in the past decade)."
[3.0] "Most overrated wrestler in New Japan, maybe in the world. He may have been better years ago, but now he is slow, sloppy, and boring. I find myself really liking matches by Okada, Naito, and Ibushi. But I just can't get into any KENTA matches that I watch on AXS TV or on youtube. His matches are just not that great."
[6.0] "The current KENTA in the ring is slow, sloppy, and injury prone compared to his younger self. However ever since turning heel and joining Bullet Club, his charisma makes up for what he has lost."
[6.0] "Ich bin kein Fan von Kenta. Seine knee strikes sehen sehr unspektakulär aus. Was das highflying betrifft eine Katastrophe. Technisch auf gutem Niveau, aber weit von dem Niveau eines Main Eventers entfernt."
[7.0] "KENTA is vastly overrated, even going back to the days before he signed with WWE. He came to American prominence by being one of the first Japanese stars to really be looked at as one of the best at the time. Not since The Great Muta or Liger do I remember a Japanese star having so much buzz. But if you really watch his matches, I find them very one-note. Kick & chop hard... there's not much more to it than that. I look at guys like Kota or Shinsuke & I see so much more there. He was arguably NXT's first major signing & unfortunately, we all know how that turned out. WWE does not get total blame, as KENTA was struck down by some untimely injuries & just couldn't connect due to it. You can only be passed over so many times before people stop caring. Now that he's returned to Japan & working with NJPW, I think people are quick to give him the benefit of the doubt as being "reinvigorated", but I have found most of his matches during the 2019 G1 to be just as one-note as ever."
[10.0] "KENTA is one of the most stiffest wrestlers I've ever seen. His hard-hit style and Bad Ass persona conquered me on his first match I've watched."
[10.0] "The most underrated wrestler in the world. It seems to me that he should now conquer New Japan, and only after having understood the NXT and WWE."
[9.0] "Wahnsinnig schade, wie seine WWE Karriere verlaufen musste bisher. Kenta war sicherlich einer der größten technischen Wrestler unserer Zeit und hat so hervorragende Matches gehabt. Dann kam er als erster wirklich großer japanischer Star zu NXT und man hatte sehr hohe Erwartungen an ihn. Doch leider hat er sich dann recht schnell verletzt, noch bevor er richtig durchstarten konnte und musste somit viel zu lange aussetzen. Seitdem ist mit Nakamura nämlich schon ein anderer großer japanischer Wrestler zu NXT gekommen, der dort auch super funktioniert hat und der - das muss man zugeben- der charismatischere der beiden ist, wodurch er es vielleicht auch einfacher hat in der WWE over zu kommen. Seit er zurück ist, konnte er nicht wieder das Momentum aufbauen, dass er hatte und konnte seine Konkurrenz, die sich in seiner Verletzungspause etabliert hat nicht aus dem weg räumen. Extrem Schade ist es nun, dass er nun bei 205 ist, wo er überhaupt keine Relevanz mehr hat. Er ist vielleicht der Wrestler der letzten Jahre, den die WWE am meisten verschwendet hat."
[9.0] "As KENTA, he was one of the best in the business and a cornerstone of Pro Wrestling NOAH. As Hideo Itami, both the effects of time and an environment not conducive to letting him cut loose mean we've not been able to see at his best."
[7.0] "Ach was hat der nun schon ältere Herr abgebaut... früher eine Garantie für MOTYCs, jetzt nur noch ein Schatten seiner selbst. Seine zahlreichen schweren Schulterverletzungen und seine schlechte Fitness haben ihn ziemlich kaputtgemacht."
[10.0] "His run in NOAH and ROH during the mid 2000s is some of the best work of our generation. His body went through so much during those wars and carrying NOAH towards the end that it isn't a shock he has been injured so much. His recent 205live work hasn't been setting the world on fire but it is the most consistent work he's done since his wwe debut. Hope people dont forget how awesome he used to be"
[7.0] "Formerly known as KENTA, the man now known as Hideo itami has really struggled in WWE, granted he has had some awful injuries while there and it's nice to see him stay healthy for a period of time and I am indeed looking forward to seeing what he can do on it's 205 Live brand and I would be very surprised if he ever reached the heights in WWE that he had in Japan."
[7.0] "Itami's mean streak and strong style are a perfect for the cruiserweight action of 205 Live. His work alongside Akira Tozawa has been entertaining in recent weeks."
[8.0] "At the end of the day, I don't think Hideo Itami aka KENTA will be given the credit he deserves for being one of the best wrestlers in the world at one point in the mid to late 2000s. He was still really great in the early 2010s up until he went to WWE as injuries prevented him from gaining any momentum. Though he hasn't put on any classics in recent years, he clearly still has the talent in him. I'd love for him to go back to Japan to either NOAH or try his chances in NJPW, but at the same time I'd like for him to make some kind of impact in the WWE Cruiserweight division. I just hope he isn't past his best days and become the great wrestler he once was a decade ago."
[9.0] "Unglaublich schade, wie er vom Verletzungspech verfolgt wird. Hervorragend im Ring, besonders im Bereich Strong Style. Dass jemand gleichzeitig stiff und sauber arbeitet, kommt tatsächlich sehr selten vor - KENTA beherrscht dies nahezu in Perfektion. Leider mit deutlichen Schwächen im Bezug auf Charisma und Micwork, wodurch es "nur" neun statt zehn Punkte werden."
[7.0] "Als Kenta einer der großen seiner Zunft! Als Hideo Itami der Leidtragende von Verletzungspech und leider nur mittelmäßigem Booking nach seiner Verletzung. Er hat definitiv Potential für 9-10 Punkte, sein aktueller Status und das bisher erreichte abseits Japans/NOAH rechtfertigen aber "nur" 7 Punkte."
[6.0] "In Japan ein Top Player, bei WWE fehlt es dem Japaner jedoch an Charakter, denn sowohl seine Ausstrahlung betreffend als auch in seinen Matches fehlt am Ende immer ein kleines bisschen um komplett überzeugen zu können. So ist er selbst bei NXT noch nicht über die Uppercard hinausgekommen und dümpelt meist in der Midcard herum."
[8.0] "Hideo is the guy who we were told was going to be the next big puro star. While the former KENTA was indeed a great worker he just did not have the charisma to get to that next level. When he signed with WWE it was a new opportunity for him but know he has been passed by so many in NXT."
[9.0] "Die Sache mit KENTA/Hideo Itami ist ganz simpel. Er ist ein absolut großartiger Wrestler welchen den Japanese Strongstyle wie kaum ein zweiter beherrscht und zu den besten der Welt gehört. In der WWE ist er aber einfach zu 100% an der falschen stelle. Reines In Ring Work hilft ihm zwar (relativ) weit bei NXT, aber spätestens (wenn er mal da hin kommt) im Main Roster wird er untergehen wie kaum ein zweiter. In Ring können ihm nicht viele das Wasser reichen, aber er hat kein ausreichendes Charisma wie zB Nakamura oder die nötigen Mic Skills um nur ansatzweise was im Main Roster zu reißen. Leider. Er ist für mich so einer welche in die Kategorie "Fehlkauf" gehört. Nicht weil er schlecht oder so, sondern weil er einfach null ins Produkt passt."
[10.0] "KENTA/Hideo has had so many great matches throughout his career - all the way from his first recommended match here from 2002 vs. Tatsuhito Takaiwa to his recent NXT Championship classic vs. Bobby Roode. KENTA might just be THE puro wrestler of the 2000's (2000 - 2009). Killer looking offense - his style is kick, indeed. An all-time great tag worker - the KENTAFuji tags hold up very well & he really was the MVP of most of those. Tremendous FIP, great fiery hot tags etc. Also worth a mention is his tag w/ Shibata - if they had tagged more actively I think they would've gone down as one of the best teams ever. Hideo really is one of my all-time favorites. An all-time great pro wrestler."
[9.0] "While he's probably my favourite wrestler ever, I do recognize his limits. He doesn't have a good in ring psychology and he doesn't sell that much sometimes. Nonetheless he's probably one of the most influential japanese wrestler of the last ten years. His style has been copied and imitated by a lot of american wrestler, especially after his run with ROH (his match with Danielson at Glory By Honor night 2 is one of the best matches ever). Kicks, strikes and submissions; single or tag team, this guy can bring in the ring the it factor, while looking a badass doing it. That being said, his run in WWE has being underwhelming for the most part. I don't think his style matches well with the wwe-style (KENTA without the stiff strikes is not KENTA) and the injuries haven't helped that. We'll see what the future has in store for him, but even if he doesn't succed in WWE, he would still be a legend in Pro-wrestling NOAH and in Japan."
[8.0] "Hideo is just an amazing wrestler, no flaws about his abilities. But, the thing that holds him and will continue hold him back in the WWE is the fact that he can barely speak English."
[8.0] "Itami is excellent in the ring but his flaw as a performer is on the microphone. In order for Itami to take the next step he must improve his mic skills."
[8.0] "If the former KENTA knows what he's doing, then he's spent his months-long injury studying up on his English. Honestly, the language barrier is probably what held him back during his first run as Hideo Itami. It's not that he needs to talk to be charismatic; he's got excellent babyface fire which he exhibited consistently throughout his NOAH run. But I sensed that he never found the same confidence in NXT, and by the time of his return I hope he'll have gotten a bit more comfortable there and a bit more used to the American style. If so, he's going to do just fantastic. Talk about a strong-style worker -- Itami hits enormously hard and he's amazing when it comes to the technical side of things. His appeal may not be as obvious as that of a Nakamura, but I think NXT's fans will eventually realize his true value."
[10.0] "Itami has all of the skills to find great success. Prior to his injury, Itami was just starting to really connect with NXT fans, as he began to shed the bland babyface act and shift more into the killer instinct that has won him fans all over the world. Hopefully he can pick up exactly where he left off upon his return."
[7.0] "I was a huge fan of this guy when he was wrestling on the indies but now that he is in WWE, he's not as good honestly. I feel like he's not had his time to shine as much as the other big standouts they brought in (Owens, Nak, Bálor). His final run as GHC Heavyweight Champion in NOAH was sorta lackluster as he didn't really have that good of a reign compared to his time as GHC Jr Heavyweight Champion. A good athlete who hasn't live up to his potential quite yet."
"9 for his work as KENTA in Noah & ROH. A great wrestler with awesome striking and a cool charisma to him. He's like a junior hv. version of Toshiaki Kawada with some flying moves and if he had his kind of size, he would've been their Ace much earlier and when he was The Ace in '13-'14, he was able to hold NOAH for a while while the promotion was still declining. As Hideo Itami in WWE, he's a 5. His limited English hurts him, didn't think he got fully used to the WWE style yet despite having some good matches under his belt and didn't stood out as quickly and as much like a Balor, Owens or Nakamura before injury. Maybe a heel turn changes that but I hope there are big things for Itami once he returns."
[10.0] "Messerscharfe Strikes, fatale Aufgabegriffe, Ketten über Ketten über Ketten von Kontern, Reversals, Transitions, wagniserregende Dives, klassischen Bodenkampf - you name it, KENTA kann alles. Und er bringt es in einen Matchfluss, der (zumindest mir) zu jedem Zeitpunkt realistisch, logisch und nachvollziehbar erscheint. Kann so ziemlich gegen jeden Pro-Wrestler in jeder Gewichtsklasse ein gutes Match abliefern und ist - sofern die Chemie mit seinem Gegner stimmt - auch zu richtig grandiosen Kämpfen im Stande. Nebenbei einer, dessen Charisma sich nicht in seinen Worten, sondern seinen Mimiken und Gesten manifestiert und der es schafft, ein Publikum für sich zu gewinnen und mitzureißen. Alles in allem klare zehn Punkte für einen Top-Mann, den ich lieber wieder in Japan als bei NXT sehen würde."
[7.0] "I have watched mainly his matches during the NOAH period. He was surely one of the best young wrestlers in NOAH before he left for WWE. He is very good in general, but I don't think he deserves such a high rating score."
[7.0] "Great ring work and its a crying shame he's injured as of late 2015. hope to see him back because i still cant look back on his loss against big show at mania on that big time rumble on the preshow. Hideo was there just a bit tad short of his timing, i cant wait to see him make a comeback at nxt and possibly be in the main title picture. his only downfall his is bad english which i am hoping now with his injury he might be working on that just a little bit..."
[9.0] "Ist der gut! :D Ich bin ein großer Itami/Kenta fan, ich hoffe er erreicht noch mehr in der WWE, möglich ist es, man kann es ja wie früher mit Taka Michinoku machen, wir werden sehen. Auf jeden Fall Ist er im Ring gut, er workt mit jedem ein mindestens durchschnittliches Match und ist ein wahnsinns guter seller! Am mic mittelmäßig aber dafür das sein englisch nicht das beste ist, ist es ok. In Japan ist reden sowieso nicht so wichtig, bei NXT ist das kein Problem für ihn. Charisma hat er auf jeden Fall! Ich hoffe einfach nur das die WWE mit ihm was macht, ich hoffe HHH weiß wie gut dieser Kerl ist, bei mir aktuell auf Platz 10 der besten Wrestler der Welt!"
[10.0] "Ich kann Kenta/Hideo Itami nur 10 Punkte geben, da er von Beginn an überzeugt hat. Als Tag Team mit Marufuji war er einfach nur gut, da gibt es nix auszusetzen. Dann gab es durchgehend professionelles Wrestling bei Noah. Die ROH DVD ist ebenfalls sehr empfehlenswert. Jedes Match ist Bombe. Kenta gegen Daniel Brian, Austin Aries, Low Ki, Mitsuharu Misawa, Katsuhiko Nakajima, Seth Rollins, Marufuji, Dave Richards... sollte man gesehen haben. Eigentlich ist er jetzt schon eine Legende. Ich finde den Neustart bei NXT gut, denn bei Noah ging nicht viel und er ist einfach zu gut um da Wurzeln zu schlagen. Kenta ist einer meiner lieblingswrestlern seit Jahren"
[9.0] "Hat unheimlich fiel Charisma. Seine Fehde gegen Tyler Brezee finde ich klasse. Ich finde es auch gut , dass er bei der Batlle Royal bei Wrestlemania teilnehmen durfte, schade , dass er frueh ausgeschieden ist."
[9.0] "Als Kenta einer meiner absoluten Favoriten. Ich gönne ihm den Sprung in die WWE so sehr, auch wenn ich immer noch skeptisch bin, wo die Reise für ihn innerhalb des Marktführers hingehen wird. Bei NXT wird er bislang gut eingesetzt, allerdings könnte ich mir vorstellen, das er im Main Roster aufgrund seiner kaum vorhandenen Englischkenntnisse auf kurz oder lang untergehen wird. Bitte WWE, gebt den Jungs bei NXT ihr gewohntes Moveset und reduziert sie nicht so wie Hideo Itami auf ein paar Kicks und seinen Single Leg Dropkick-Finisher... !"
[8.0] "Für mich auf einem Level mit Balor... Verdammt gut im Ring, aber es fehlt noch was für den letzten Sprung nach oben. Wird aber auch seinen Weg bei der WWE machen, auch wenn er sicherlich wahrscheinlich wie seine Vorgänger aus Japan nie den ganz Großen Wurf schaffen wird."
[10.0] "Hideo/Kenta ist sowieso einer der besten Wrestler der Welt. In NXT gefällt er mir bis jetzt ganz gut. Aber mal ehrlich, für diesen Typen muss die WWE ordentlich booken und er wird locker ganz oben stehen. 10 Punkte!"
[7.0] "Mit viel Vorschußlorbeeren in die USA gekommen, aber ich kann den Hype um den Mann nicht ganz nachvollziehen. Er hat vielleicht nen Ruf in Japan haben, aber in der WWE fängt er wieder unten an, obwohl er gleich ziemlich gepusht wird. Wird sich wohl als WWE-Quotenjapaner einreihen, die hatten nie richtig Erfolg, am ehesten noch Taka Michinoku und Tajiri. Am Ende bleibt ein japanischer Cruiseweightwrestler, der wohl am besten im Team aufgehoben ist, und irgendwann wieder nach Japan zurückgehen wird, ohne den großen Mainstream-Durchbruch zu erleben."
[7.0] "Macht auf mich einen sehr guten Eindruck und ist bereit für die Hauptshows wie ich finde, auch wenn ich nicht sehr oft NXT schaue. Er arbeitet sehr sauper und ist ja schon eine kleine "Legende" :) Mal sehen was die Zukunft bringt, er kann was Großes werden!"
[10.0] "KENTA (who was trained by the legendary Kenta Kobashi) has competed for Pro Wrestling NOAH since 2000 and has also spent some time with Ring of Honor. It was there that he wrestled the likes of Bryan Danielson, Samoa Joe, the Briscoe Brothers, Nigel McGuinness and Austin Aries. KENTA is known for being of the best strikers in the world."
[6.0] "Ich kann noch nicht viel mehr zu ihm sagen weil ich mir Japan nicht so oft ansehe, aber was ich gesehen habe war saustark von ihm. Ein kleines Kickduell mit Daniel Bryan wäre doch eh ein Zuckerl für die ewig nörgelnde IWC oder? ODER? ;)"
[8.0] "Spektakulärer und vor allem glaubwürdiger Wrestler. Freue mich drauf, ihn in einem WWE-Ring zu sehen, ich glaube irgendwie, das die WWE es mit ihm gar nicht verbocken kann. Mit Danielson hat man ja schon mal einen potentiellen Kandidaten für ein "DAFUQ? "-Match, vielleicht bekommt man Punk ja dazu, nochmal zu kommen, dann können die ein Match darum machen, wer am Ende das Moveset benutzen darf."
[9.0] "Fantastischer Wrestler. Arbeitet absolut sauber im Ring, fightet super stiff und bringt dazu auch noch eine gehörige Portion Charisma mit sich. Schade, dass er so verletzungsanfällig ist."
[9.0] "Glaubhaft und intensiv im Ring, dazu sehr sauber und mit tollem Moveset. KENTA begeistert mich bei fast jedem Kampf und hat für meine Begriffe auch eine große Portion Charisma."
[8.0] "KENTA is the best wrestler in Japan today and while NOAH's absurd focus on booking half hour main events kind of shows some flaws (which it would in most any wrestler) he's done a decent job adapting to it and in sprints, tags and some select big matches he can really show his talent and charisma. Also he's really stiff."
[10.0] "KENTA is an all time favorite to many wrestling fans, well known for his stiff wrestling style. Since winning the Heavyweight title, he's proven he can carry a promotion as it's Ace."
[8.0] "Einer meiner ersten Lieblinge aus Japan, "übernimmt" aber immer mehr Eigenschaften von Marufuji (Non-Selling, Kicks über alles, Overkill von allem). Eigentlich ein sehr guter, weil facettenreicher Wrestler, aber wird mir von Jahr zu Jahr unsymphatischer und ist sicherlich nicht mehr der beste in der Junior Heavyweight-Division."
[10.0] "Für mich auch definitv einer der besten Wrestler der Welt. In Japan ist er ja fast schon eine Legende und das auch verdient. Ich persönlich habe ihn grössten Teils damals bei ROH gesehen. Vor allem gegen Danielson hat er damals so richtig geglänzt und das sagt ja auch was über ihn aus. Ich bewerte hier aber nur seine In-Ring Skills, sein Micwork kann ich leider nicht bewerten."
[10.0] "Ich habe viele Kämpfe von Kenta auf DVDs und auf Youtube gesehen und muss sagen, dass Kenta mich sehr beeindruckt. Er kann unglaublich viel einstecken und durch seine schnelligkeit match seine Matches zu ganz eigenen Atraktionen. Ich hoffe ich bekomme die Chance ihn mal Live zu sehen."
[10.0] "Meiner Meinung nach der beste Light-Heavyweight-Wrestler Japans und zurecht immer wieder im Titelrennen der NOAH Jr. Heavyweights involviert. Wäre er nur etwas größer, hätte er schon längst auch den Heavyweight Title verdient gehabt."
[7.0] "Kein Wunder, dass man sich ständig verletzt, wenn man quasi jede Aktion voll durchzieht, bzw. der Gegner. Viel zu stiff meines Erachtens. Es geht da ein wenig der Grundgedanke des professionellen Wrestling verloren, wo es um die Imagination echter Aktionen geht, nicht um tatsächlich voll durchgezogene Aktionen. Klar, Japan ist härter, intuitiver, deshalb liebt man KENTA ja auch. Er hat ein völlig natürliches Verständnis für Timing im Ring, großartig ihn dabei zu beobachten. Zudem kommt eine gute, bis sehr gute Präsenz, er hat Ausstrahlung. Auch wenn das in Japan keinen so großen Stellenwert hat wie beispielsweise in Nordamerika, wird es ihm zusätzlich sicher nicht geschadet haben auf dem Weg nach oben. Aber wie eingangs erwähnt, wenn er noch so etwas wie eine Karriere haben will, sollte er seinen Körper nicht so oft ans absolute Limit treiben."
[9.0] "imo bester Jr. Heavyweight Japans. Schau eig. jedes Match mit seiner Beteiligung sehr gerne und hatte auch schon einige moderne Klassiker. Leider ist er nicht immer so gut und wirkt oftmals leider auch unmotiviert weswegen es nicht zur vollen Punktzahl reicht."
[8.0] "Ein sehr guter Mann, aber meines Erachtens nicht so gut wie oft behauptet. Ich sehe an KENTA nicht viel mehr als bei anderen junior Heavyweights Noahs."
[10.0] "KENTA ist DIE Zukunft! Technisch ist er komplett. Ringpsychologie kann noch verbessert werden, aber die Mischung aus Technik, Speed und Intensität ist einfach grandios. Unterhält mich in jedem Match."
[10.0] "Einer der härtesten Shooter die ich je gesehen hab! Er mit den Großen durchaus mithalten, wenn ihn nur nicht immer Verletzungen zurückhalten würden. Ansonsten Top!"
[10.0] "KENTA ist der beste Junior Wrestler den ich kenne, einfach nur überzeugend und unterhaltsam im Ring. Sein Stil ist grandios und seine Kicks ziemlich Stiff. Ich kenne kaum ein Match von ihm das langweilig ist."
[10.0] "KENTA ist der Kern und das Goldstück einer Jeden NOAH show... Naja Promo kann ich auch nicht viel drüber sagen aba im Ring hat er eine Präsenz und Charakter wie niemand im Wrestling sonst er ist meiner Meinung nach etwas besser als Maru was Maru jetzt nicht runter machen sollte sondern KENTA ist nur ein schritt weiter meiner Meinung nach und wenn wir schon bei Maru sind als Team sind KENTAfuji sowieso eine Klasse für sich. Im Großen und ganzen ist KENTA der wichtigste Mann bei NOAH und würde Ihn ebenso wie Fuji gerne bei NJPW sehen. er besitzt Technik und Härte vielleicht hat er sogar die Härtesten Kicks im Wrestling die ich kenne, außerdem merkt man das er Wrestling mit Hirn macht XD doofer spruch aber trifft zu Ringpsychologie Selling das alles stimmt bei ihm genau. UND er hat mich vom Mainstream Wrestling weg gebracht wofür ich ihm mehr als nur dankbar bin^^"
[10.0] "Zu seinen Promofähigkeiten kann ich mangels Japanischkenntnissen nicht wirklich viel sagen, aber seine stets fantastischen Matches sind mir die 10 Punkte trotzdem wert."
[9.0] "KENTA ist ein nahezu kompletter Junior Heavyweight. Jedoch fehlt im, wie bei vielen anderen auch, das Gespür für Selling über einen gewissen Zeitraum. Abgesehen davon sprechen seine Erfolge und die Qualitäten seiner Matches für ihn."
[9.0] "Sehr intensiver Wrestler, der leider manchmal auf mich sehr lustlos wirkt. Aber wenn er Bock hat ist mit jedem Gegner ein gutes Match drin. Gerade Matches mit Marufuji haben eigentlich immer MOTY Potential."
[10.0] "Ich hab KENTA mal 8 Punkte gegeben, da er hinter Misawa und Kobashi weit zurück liegt, aber das ist ja auch eine andere Liga. KENTA ist bei den Junior Heavyweights so ziemlich der hotteste überhaupt, ich geb ihm mittlerweile 10."
[10.0] "Kenta ist eine Kommende Puro Legende das zeichnet sich schonn darin aus dar er schonn in Relativ Jungen Jahren zu den besten Workern Japans zählt kriegt deshalb ne 10 von mir."
[10.0] "Stiff wie ein Vorschlaghammer und immer wieder für geniale Matches gut. Mal all die Jahre davor ausser Acht gelassen (und da hat er ebenfalls etliche Top Matches rausgehauen), alleine was der Mann 2009 veranstaltet hat, überschattet die meisten anderen Wrestler unserer Zeit."
[10.0] "KENTA ist einfach nur großartig. Seine Matches sind schnell, aggresiv und poralisierend. Er hat Charisma und seine Ringpsychologie ist sehr gut. KENTA wird hoffentlich bald von der WWE oder TNA verpflichtet, das Zeug dazu hat er allemal."
[8.0] "Eher overrated IMO. Stiffness sprüht dieser Mann nur so aus, ansonsten ist das aber nicht mehr als sehr starkes Wrestling. Der Charakter gefällt mir nicht und das Auftreten auch nicht. Sicherlich waren seine Schlachten gegen Marufuji großartig auch wenn ich denke, dass dort die Hauptpunkte bei Marufuji liegen."
[10.0] "Neben Ibushi und Marufuji für mich der beste Junior in Japan. Die letzten 2 Jahre hat er nochmal gezeigt, das er auch mit Leuten wie Go Shiozaki und Kensuke Sasaki mithalten kann."
[10.0] "Für mich einer der unterhaltsamsten Wrestler überhaupt. Technisch gut, stiff, schnell und beweglich. Einfach ein sehr explosiver Stil, der mir fast noch besser als der von Joe gefällt, da KENTA noch um einiges beweglicher und eleganter wirkt, aber trotzdem immer brutal. Sein GTS sieht deutlich härter aus als der von Punk, tut manchmal sogar beim Zuschauen weh."
[10.0] "Junior Heavyweight Star, der von Jahr zu Jahr besser wird. Gerade in letzter Zeit hatte er bei ROH wieder fantastische Matches und auch in seinem Heimatland macht ihm keiner was vor. Viel Technik, viele Kicks, Schnelligkeit und die gute gesamte Matchqualität sagen eigentlich alles aus. Zukünftige Legende."
[9.0] "KENTA sind fünf Buchstaben, die für Junior Heavyweight Wrestling auf höchstem Niveau stehen. Unheimlich intensive Matchführung, gute Technik und außerordentlich glaubhafte Strikes."
[9.0] "Kenta seine Klasse abzusprechen, wäre falsch, jedoch ist er mMn vor allem in Big Matches etwas zu eintönig geworden. Trotzdem weiterhin einer der besten Juniors dieser Welt."
[10.0] "In der japanischen Neuzeit einer der Stars überhaupt. Er hat alles, was es braucht, um viele Jahre an der Spitze zu sein und zu bleiben, da tolles Gesamtpaket!"
[9.0] "KENTA ist schon sehr weit, dass hat man bei seiner Matchserie gegen Danielson gesehen. Er ist ein klasse Techniker und wirklich schon sehr weit, aber für die Bestnote langts noch nicht, die Titel fehlen einfach. Kann man aber ja jederzeit ändern, mir gefällt er jedenfalls gut!"
[8.0] "KENTA hat ne geilen Stil und kann vorallem als Underdog in Matches glänzen. Von viel ROH Fans overrated, von vielen Purofans underrated.. für mich eine gute 2!"
[10.0] "Der Mann ist ein Garant für hervorragendes Wrestling. Ich habe bisher wohl noch kein Match mit Kenta gesehen, dass mich nicht mitgerissen hätte."
[10.0] "DER Junior Heavyweight in Japan, der sich durch ROH auch schon in den USA einen Namen gemacht hat. In relativ jungem Alter schon sehr erfahren, wird bestimmt bald auf einer Ebene mit Kobashi, Misawa und Kawada stehen."
[10.0] "Hab zwar noch nicht viel von ihm gesehen, aber was ich gesehen habe war absolut genial. Erinnert mich persönlich vom Stil her etwas an CM Punk mit mehr Martial Arts aller RVD"
[10.0] "Wirklich einer der aktuellen Top Männer aus Japan. Es wird langsam Zeit, dass die alte Garde sich würdevoll zurückzieht und Leute wie KENTA ans Ruder lässt. KENTA wird noch einiges reißen. Kein Zweifel."
[10.0] "Von KENTA kriegt man nie genug. Ob es nun das Erste oder das Hundertste Mal ist das man seinen Knee Kick sieht. Es ist jedesmal genial. Ich finde sein Go 2 Sleep sieht wesentlich besser aus als der von CM Punk, warum auch immer. Abgesehen davon einfach ein genialer Techniker mit einem riesigen Repertoire. Meiner Meinung nach einer der ganz großen."
[8.0] "KENTA hätte ich kürzlich noch die 1 gegeben, heute nur noch die 2, da er zwar Topmatches liefert aber grad im Moverepertoire sich nicht weiterentwickelt, und selbst die (geilen) Kickcombos immer die selben sind. Trotzdem ne sehr gute 2 für viele Knallermatches"
[10.0] "Großartig vom Können. Einzig das Charisma lässt finde ich etwas zu wünschen übrig... okay und die grausame Farbkombination von Braun und Gelb ;-)"
[8.0] "Der Mann, den ich gerne ganz oben bei Pro Wrestling NOAH sehen will. Hat eigentlich alles (außer vielleicht ein paar Kilos zu wenig auf der Waage), um ein großer in Japan zu werden."
[10.0] "Ein ganz eigener Charakter... verbindet Strong Style und schnelles Wrestling schon fast ironisch, wenn man bedenkt, dass beide Stile praktisch die Aushängeschilder des japanischen Wrestling sind, bzw. umgekehrt."
[8.0] "Mit den richtigen Gegner zu tollen Matches im Stande. Manchmal aber zu eindimensional auf seine Stifness vertrauend. Wird vor allem von ROHBots abnormal overrated. Dennoch: zu seinen besten Zeiten und v. a. in Japan hat er sehr viele Klassiker gezaubert."
[8.0] "Wahnsinnig intensive und harte Strikes. Super Ausstrahlung. Unvergessen bleibt, als er von Samoa Joe mit einer etwas missglückten Ohrfeige ausgeknockt wurde. Das einzige, was mir bei ihm nicht gefällt, ist das fehlende Underdog-Auftreten in Matches gegen grössere Gegner..."
[10.0] "Ein sehr stimmiges Auftreten und ein sehr intensiver Kampfstil formen KENTA für mich zu einem der besten japanischen Worker unserer Zeit. Seine Matches bei Ring Of Honor sind regelmäßige Sehenswürdigkeiten und auch bei Pro Wrestling NOAH gehören seine Auftritte IMO mit zu den Highlights der Shows."
[8.0] "Knallharte Strikes, durchdachtes Moveset. Einzig am Matchaufbau hapert es bei ihm meiner Meinung nach. Doch KENTA hat noch viele Jahre Zeit zu reifen und zu einem echten Weltklasse Pro-Wrestler zu werden."
