Shinsuke Nakamura is coming to WWE and debuting at NXT TakeOver: Dallas, but who is he?
Shinsuke Nakamura is coming to WWE—or NXT more specifically—at the beginning of April and the world of professional wrestling is buzzing about his debut. However, those who may not have been keeping up with New Japan Pro Wrestling over the last decade may not be aware who Nakamura is. But they undoubtedly should know because he’s one of the best in the world in terms of pro wrestling.
Nakamura has spent the entirety of his career up to now with NJPW, debuting in 2002 with the promotion and earning the nickname of “Super Rookie” because of his acumen in the ring. After rising to prominence, though, he fought for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship (the company’s biggest title) against a familiar face for WWE fans in Brock Lesnar at the 2006 annual Tokyo Dome Show. He lost and then went on the road traveling around the world to improve his wrestling for almost a year before returning to New Japan.
Though he returned and was successful with the promotion, it was his heel turn in 2009 when he rebranded himself the King of Strong Style (the Japanese style known for it’s stiff, hard-hitting nature). From there, Nakamura’s eccentric personality and style that is a combination of Japanese pop culture and 80s pop culture icons such as Michael Jackson was allowed to shine through. All the while, he was liable to put on some of the best matches of any given year as one of the most widely respected in-ring workers around the world.
Nakamura is supremely gifted as a professional wrestler and, if it weren’t for his loyalty to New Japan and his concern for their well-being after his potential departure, he should have been in WWE a long time ago. In terms of ability in the squared circle and natural charisma, there aren’t many that come close to the King of Strong Style, Shinsuke Nakamura, and WWE fans should be ecstatic to have him on his way to the company.