Former WWE United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura was very excited to learn about former NJPW (New Japan Pro Wrestling) star KUSHIDA signing a contract with WWE.
Company officials have placed KUSHIDA in NXT, which is their third brand, and introduced him to the fans while sitting front row at NXT TakeOver: New York. The talented wrestler has already made his television debut on the yellow brand when the company held NXT TV tapings last week.
Nakamura spoke with Wrestling Inc.’s Scott Fishman at WrestleMania Axxess last week. During the interview, the SmackDown star commented on the signing. This is where he made it known that he thinks WWE signing KUSHIDA is historic for the company and American wrestling.
“KUSHIDA joined NXT, that’s huge for WWE and American wrestling history,” Nakamura said. “Experienced wrestlers around the world have options to where they wrestle, and he chooses WWE / NXT. That’s kind of big for [WWE] and him.”
Outside of the WWE banner, KUSHIDA has found success as he won the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship six times, and the Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Titles two times.
Nakamura was also asked if his decision to join WWE had influenced other Japanese stars to sign with the company.
“I don’t know,” Nakamura said with a smile. “[There are] so many options. WWE has history, that’s the difference. Also, New Japan and CMLL have history. So, we want to wrestle for legacy.”
