Hideo Itami and WWE NXT Stars Poised for Call-Ups After TakeOver: WarGames

When all the grudge matches and collisions with the cage are over at WWE NXT TakeOver: WarGames, the countdown to Hideo Itami's debut on the main roster will hit a high gear.

The head-kicking warrior is among the NXT stars most likely to make that jump soon. He's already competed in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania. He's already 36. And it's not as if the Saitama, Japan, native really needs any seasoning at this point.  

The timing is right for Raw and SmackDown to welcome NXT call-ups, too.

Sunday's TakeOver is NXT's last major event of the year. The Royal Rumble, which has historically been used to introduce new talent from time to time, is fast approaching. And the post-WrestleMania period often sees new faces step forward on to the red and blue brands.

Itami, a pair of grating heels, a cruiserweight and a powerhouse team are on the verge of making that jump.

The Iconic Duo

It won't be long before Peyton Royce and Billie Kay bring their mean-girl act to a bigger stage.

The Aussie heels have become one of NXT's entertaining groups. Watching them irk general manager William Regal and laugh at their foes has been a delight.

Royce and Kay have been solid in the ring but have lately elevated their stock via improved character work. 

Royce is one of the four wrestlers competing for the vacant NXT Women's Championship on Sunday. Should WWE go with Kairi Sane, Ember Moon or Nikki Cross as champ instead, that may well be a sign that she and Kay are main-roster bound.

NXT's women's division is set to get crowded after signing a number of new talents. That makes it more likely WWE uses a call-up or two to free up space. On Twitter, Lucha Underground wrestler Vinnie Massaro wondered aloud if The Iconic Duo will be a part of that: "Who gets called up? Billie Kay, Peyton, Ember, anyone else?"

That's a strong possibility at this point. 

Johnny Gargano

Johnny Gargano was all set to engage in a blood feud with his former tag team partner Tommaso Ciampa before injury struck. A torn ACL has Ciampa out of action for a long stretch and will force WWE to put his rivalry with Gargano on hold.

Rather than have Johnny Wrestling wait around for that joint to heal and his allies-turned-enemies story to begin, WWE could push Gargano up to Raw or SmackDown.

He'd make a stellar addition to the cruiserweight division if the company wanted to go that route. His great connection with the crowd could make him a standout underdog babyface elsewhere, as well.

Gargano's extensive independent experience means he doesn't need to stick around the developmental promotion. 

He's not on the TakeOver card on Sunday. He will instead take on Pete Dunne for the United Kingdom Championship in a match set to later air on TV. That sounds like a stopgap plan for the former NXT tag champ before his main roster debut.

The Authors of Pain

Rezar and Akam are still young (23 and 24 respectively). They are still in a work in progress, but they have shown they can hang with the top dogs and produce in big matches. 

Much like it did with Braun Strowman, WWE may decide to fast-track The Author's of Pain's call-up and let them continue to learn on the job.

The Authors of Pain have a lot going for them. They have already been tag champs. The two hosses have looked great against #DIY, The Revival and others. They have a clear, effective gimmick and a Hall of Fame manager.  

At TakeOver: WarGames, they won't be in contention for the tag team titles. The night's signature double-cage match will be a non-title affair. That means Rezar and Akam won't be tied down by championship commitments as 2016 wraps up.

Raw or SmackDown awaits.

Hideo Itami

Itami's absence from the TakeOver: WarGames card may be telling, as the lack of match and storyline could be a sign of his impending exit from NXT.

The former Pro Wrestling Noah has had his best stretch of his tenure with that brand of late. His recent heel turn has him energized, whirring. And he's looked great in matches against men like Kassius Ohno.

The time is now for Itami. He's 36. He's been in the business since 2000.

And backstage rumblings suggest WWE is ready to pull the trigger with him. Dave Scherer of PWInsider wrote on November 7: "The word going around at SmackDown today is that Hideo Itami will become a member of the 205 Live roster."

WWE has made key changes to the cruiserweight division, welcoming both Kalisto and Enzo Amore to boost buzz. Adding Itami to the mix would be huge. That's an upgrade that looks to be on its way.