WWE confirmed Friday they have come to terms on the release of Hideo Itami (Kenta Kobayashi). Itami posted a message on Twitter on Jan. 29 that simply said "THANK YOU", and reactions from those around the WWE locker room heavily implied Itami's impending departure. Now 37 years old, Itami signed with WWE in 2014 and spent the better part of three years in NXT. Two major injuries largely derailed the momentum of his career, although he did appear in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 31. Most recently, Itami spent a little over a year as part of the 205 Live roster, with his final two matches coming during Royal Rumble weekend in Phoenix.
According to a story released Wednesday by The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix is closing in on a deal to produce a Hulk Hogan biopic starring Chris Hemsworth in the titular role. The film is set to be directed by Todd Phillips, whose previous credits include The Hangover trilogy of films and Old School, among many other movies. Former WCW executive vice president Eric Bischoff would be a producer on the movie, and Hulk Hogan a consultant and executive producer.