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Tag: Shinsuke Nakamura

  • (Photos) Finn Balor Gets His Jacket Ripped, Lana & SDL Stars Hang Out In China

    (Photos) Finn Balor Gets His Jacket Ripped, Lana & SDL Stars Hang Out In China

    – During a WWE Live Event last week in Brisbane, Australia, Monday Night RAW star Finn Balor was attacked by Bray Wyatt prior to their match-up getting officially underway. Shortly after, Balor took to social media and posted the following picture of his signature leather jacket getting ripped during the attack by Wyatt, and he wasn’t very happy about it. The pair will go one-on-on at No Mercy on pay-per-view (PPV):

    – WWE held its first Live Event in China yesterday (Sun. September 17, 2017) as part of the company’s overseas tour. Prior to the show getting underway, SmackDown Live stars Lana, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Natalya got to hang out around the country. Check out some photos here:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BZIyRKShNgk/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BZIdjBPh5hY/

  • SmackDown Viewership Up With Nakamura vs. Orton Main Event

    SmackDown Viewership Up With Nakamura vs. Orton Main Event

    Tuesday’s episode of SmackDown Live featuring Randy Orton vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in the main event to crown a new #1 contender to WWE Champion Jinder Mahal averaged 2.582 million viewers, up from 2.455 million viewers last week.

    By comparison, Monday’s Labor Day edition of RAW drew 2.932 million viewers, down from the previous week’s 3.304 million viewers.

    SmackDown was #5 in viewership, behind American Horror Story, The Haves & Have Nots, Rachel Maddow and Hannity. SmackDown was #2 in the 18-49 demographic on cable this week, behind American Horror Story.

    WWE Chairman Vince McMahon is advertised for next week’s show, so don’t be surprised to see the viewership continue to creep up as we head into Hell in a Cell.

    Catch up on the Top 10 Moments from this week’s SmackDown Live:

  • Kota Ibushi Talks G1, his NJPW Return and More

    Kota Ibushi Talks G1, his NJPW Return and More

    New Japan Pro Wrestling star Kota Ibushi recently spoke to the New Japan English language site NJPW1972.com on a variety of topics including the G1 Climax tournament, his long awaited return to the company and his brutal Kamigoye! move, here are some of the highlights:

    –OK, first let’s talk about you being back in a New Japan ring, and being such a focal part of the G1. It’s been a couple of weeks now, looking back, how was the G1 for you?

    Ibushi: Ultimately I wrestled more in that one month than in the two years before. I was a little wary of that beforehand, doing two years worth of matches in such a short time, but it actually turned out OK.

    –Before the G1 started, you mentioned that New Japan today is a different place from when you were last here. How do you feel about that now?

    Ibushi: I think New Japan started, in about 2014, 2015 advancing to a new level. 2016 I wasn’t around, so coming back in 2017 it really feels like they’ve kicked into this higher gear… although a part of that is a little dangerous, a little frightening.

    –You said about the 2015 G1 that the only word that sprang to mind was ‘tough’. How did this year compare?

    Ibushi: This year was just so much fun. Some of the most pure, genuine fun I’ve had in wrestling. I haven’t felt anything like that recently.

    –Not in WWE?

    Ibushi: Right, not in WWE.

    –Why do you think this time was so enjoyable?

    Ibushi: This time it was about wrestling the way I wanted to wrestle. I always want to make the fans happy when I wrestle, but this time, more than that, I did what I wanted.

    –When we talked to you at your public workout, you said you wanted to debut a new move, but that became you saying you couldn’t do it. Was debuting Kamigoe up in the air for you?

    Ibushi: I actually had the move in mind for a while, so it wasn’t quite a matter of ‘this is the new move’, more that I wanted to see just how much power I could get behind that knee, and I couldn’t know for sure without trying it in a match

    –To a lot of long term New Japan fans, the move and its name will have them thinking of a certain wrestler.

    Ibushi: To tell the truth, I’ve wanted to use a Boma-Ye like move for a long time. I’ve given a lot of thought to using the Boma-Ye.

    –That being the finish for Shinsuke Nakamura, in WWE now.

    Ibushi: With that connection to Nakamura, I’d have liked to have pulled it off soon after he left for America, but I was away at that point..

    –You missed your chance then, and decided to use it on your comeback instead.

    Ibushi: Ever since we first faced each other in 2013, I’d felt I wanted to add something of Shinsuke’s to my moveset. Actually before he went to WWE, I met with Shinsuke. I don’t know whether he was kidding or not, but he told me ‘go ahead, you should totally use the Boma-Ye’. Those word stuck with me. I think it was a test, in a way.

  • Hell In A Cell Main Event: Nakamura vs. Mahal

    Hell In A Cell Main Event: Nakamura vs. Mahal

    Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Randy Orton on this week’s SmackDown Live to earn a championship opportunity against Jinder Mahal at Hell in a Cell.

    Nakamura is getting another shot at WWE Champion Jinder Mahal after coming up short at SummerSlam.

    Based on Shane McMahon’s suspension as a result of his attack on Kevin Owens, don’t be surprised if Vince McMahon announces a match between these two when he returns to TV next week on SmackDown.

    WWE Hell in a Cell 2017 takes place on Sunday, October 8th from Detroit, Michigan.

  • Shinsuke Nakamura Reacts To RKO, Kevin Owens On Not Getting Rematch For Universal Championship

    Shinsuke Nakamura Reacts To RKO, Kevin Owens On Not Getting Rematch For Universal Championship

    Kevin Owens on not getting his rematch for the Universal Championship

    Kevin Owens noted last night on SmackDown that he became Universal Champion one year ago and then started to complain about not having the United States Championship anymore on SmackDown. Owens lost the Universal Championship to Goldberg at WWE Fastlane leading into WrestleMania 33 and never received a rematch for the title.

    https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/902641169649291265

    Shinsuke Nakamura on his debut, getting an RKO 15 years later

    On last night’s episode of SmackDown, Shinsuke Nakamura teamed up with Randy Orton to face WWE Champion Jinder Mahal and Rusev. Orton and Nakamura were victorious and the two celebrated in the ring. Orton then planted Nakamura with an RKO out of nowhere. Randy Orton will face Shinsuke Nakamura next week on SmackDown. The winner of that match will go on to face Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship.

    Nakamura tweeted out today that he made his debut 15 years ago in Japan. He followed it up with a GIF of him getting an RKO last night as SmackDown went off the air.

  • Nakamura Recalls Turning Down An Offer To Fight For UFC

    Nakamura Recalls Turning Down An Offer To Fight For UFC

    Watching Shinsuke Nakamura compete on SmackDown, it’s clear that the Japanese pro wrestling legend is well-versed in MMA based skills. Nakamura mixed his strong-style offense with  submission grappling holds popularized by the fastest growing sport in the world.

    Nakamura, who has compiled a pro MMA record of 3-1, revealed during a recent interview that he was once invited to fight in the UFC.

    “Around 2005, UFC offered me a chance to fight for them,” Nakamura told The Hindustan Times during a recent interview. “But, at that moment, I was under contract with NJPW and I decided to stay in pro-wrestling. It was a good opportunity, but I don’t regret my choice.”

    As the interview continued, Nakamura was then asked if he there is any chance that he would consider making the transition back to the MMA world before he calls it a career.

    As the Japanese legend explained, it would take a lot of preparation and at this stage of his life at age 37, as well as his career, as he is finally working on the big stage in the U.S. via WWE, and because of those reasons, it doesn’t seem likely.

    “You have to understand that I am 37-year old now,” said the former NXT World Champion and current SmackDown Live roster member. “It has been a long time since my last proper MMA training and although I still train in Brazilian jiu-jitsu,” said Nakamura.

    “It [would] take me at least one year to be ready for a proper fight,” Nakamura added. “That is not something I want to do as I am happy in WWE.”

  • WWE SummerSlam Results: Jinder Mahal vs Shinsuke Nakamura For The WWE Championship

    WWE SummerSlam Results: Jinder Mahal vs Shinsuke Nakamura For The WWE Championship

    Mahal controlled the match early but Nakamura turned the tables and challenged Mahal to run at him. Mahal obliged and Nakamura got out of the way and Mahal fell out of the ring as the crowd chanted “3MB!”. WWE cut to the Indian announce team and the Japanese announce team throughout the beginning of the match.

    Nakamura connected with a knee drop as the Barclays Center hummed Nakamura’s theme. Shinsuke shoved his boot in Mahal’s face in the corner. Jinder rolled out of the ring and Nakamura followed him out there. Nakamura punched him in the face against the barricade and then through Mahal into the ring.

    Nakamura was distracted on the ring apron by the Singh Brothers and Mahal took advantage. Jinder stomped on Mahal and then posed in the ring to taunt the crowd. Jinder applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring. Nakamura broke free but Mahal leveled him with an elbow to the face. Jinder elbowed Nakamura in the back of the head and then applied the Chin Lock again.

    Shinsuke broke free and connected with a spin kick to Jinder’s face. Nakamura connected with a kick to Jinder’s chest and then whipped him into the turnbuckle. Nakamura draped Mahal across the top rope and then kneed him in the midsection for a two count. Shinsuke locked in a Triangle submission hold but Mahal quickly got his foot on the ropes to break the hold.

    Jinder blocked Nakamura’s attempt at a Suplex but Nakamura booted him and then planted him face first into the mat. Nakamura went for a running knee but Mahal reversed it into a roll-up for a two count. Jinder connected with a running knee of his own for a two count. Jinder went for the Khallas but Nakamura connected with a kick. Jinder charged at Nakamura in the corner but Shinsuke avoided it and hit the ring post.

    The Singh Brothers got into the ring and Nakamura took them out. Mahal used the distraction and planted Nakamura with the Khallas for the victory.

  • First WWE 2K18 Game Footage, Nakamura’s Theme Surprises People In NYC, Ask The WWE PC (Videos)

    First WWE 2K18 Game Footage, Nakamura’s Theme Surprises People In NYC, Ask The WWE PC (Videos)

    WWE 2K18 Footage

    WWE 2K Creative Director Lynell Jinks revealed game footage from WWE 2K18 in the latest episode of WWE2KDev Spotlight Series. You can check out the footage from the game in the video below. WWE 2K18 comes out later this year on October 17th.

    Shinsuke Nakamura’s theme surprises people in NYC

    CFO$ and violinist Lee England Jr. went to Times Square, Cental Park and the Barclays Center in Brookyln and performed Shinsuke Nakamura’s theme song. The Barclays Center will host SummerSlam on August 20th and Shinsuke Nakamura will face Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship at the PPV.

    WWE debuts “Ask The WWE PC” series

    WWE has debuted a new series in which Superstars at the Performance Center answer questions. The first episode has Superstars discuss the biggest adjustments in their life since arriving to WWE’s Performance Center. Episode one featured Abbey Laith, Brennan Williams, Kassius Ohno, Vanessa Borne, Ruby Riot and Heavy Machinery.

  • WWE Hall Of Famer Blasts ‘Cry Baby’ Vince McMahon For Getting Furious With Shinsuke Nakamura

    WWE Hall Of Famer Blasts ‘Cry Baby’ Vince McMahon For Getting Furious With Shinsuke Nakamura

    As we have previously mentioned, Sports Illustrated reported that Vince McMahon was ‘furious’ with Shinsuke Nakamura for his botched reverse exploder suplex on John Cena in the main event of last week’s episode of SmackDown Live. With his win, Nakamura will take on WWE Champion Jinder Mahal at SummerSlam for the title. WWE Hall Of Famer “Superstar” Billy Graham took to Facebook to blast McMahon over the reports that he was furious with Nakamura, calling him a cry baby and telling him to grow up:

    “Vince McMahon

    “Hey fans, I just read a few hours ago that a story came out today in Sports Illustrated concerning the FURY of one Vince McMahon. Seem that he is furious with the Japanese star Nakamura, for dropping Cena on his head in their match last week. Vince said he “is not so much that mad at at Shinsuke, but that Cena has been the ” FACE ” of the company for a full decade now.” Not for long Vince madman McMahon. Cena is on his way to La La land.

    “I saw Stan Hansen give Bruno the elbow in MSG when he broke Bruno’s neck. Vince Sr. didn’t cry like a baby, he just let Bruno get his neck fixed and keep on wrestling. Vince is living in Disney Land if he thinks Cena is still the ” Face ” of the WWE. Grow up Vince.

    “Hey fans, I am still working on my painting, will get it up for you in a few days. Catch you folks later.

    “Superstar Billy Graham… PS.. God, Vince is such a cry baby !!!”

    You can check out the original Facebook post by clicking this link here.

  • Jim Ross Blogs: Bayley & Scott Dawson Injury, Jinder Mahal vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, WWE UK

    Jim Ross Blogs: Bayley & Scott Dawson Injury, Jinder Mahal vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, WWE UK

    WWE Hall Of Famer and commentator Jim Ross recently took to his JR’s BBQ website to post another entry in his blog. Ross discussed the recent injuries to Bayley and Scott Dawson, Jinder Mahal defending his WWE Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura at SummerSlam, and the WWE’s UK Show. Here are the highlights:

    Injuries to Bayley and Scott Dawson:

    “Never a good time for injures in any endeavor, but it looks as both Bayley and Scott Dawson of Revival will miss SummerSlam with injuries. There’s no good time to be injured, but the key ingredient is how does one [prepare] and execute coming back better than when they were before they were injured? Mental preparation for one’s craft doesn’t have to stop because of a ruptured bicep or separated shoulder. Bayley is as good as there is in the women’s division in WWE, while The Revival boys are one of my favorite tag teams to come along in years and remind me so much of Jim Cornette’s famed, Midnight Express teams.”

    Jinder Mahal vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Championship at SummerSlam:

    “Curious to see how the Jinder Mahal vs Shinsuke Nakamura title bout at SummerSlam evolves. The Two main events for the WWE and the Universal Titles at SummerSlam are compelling regarding the strategy component, in my opinion. It’s certainly an opportunity to enhance the TV personas of multiple talents i.e. ‘Maximize One’s Minutes.’”

    The WWE’s UK Show:

    “I get asked often about the WWE U.K. TV show that has been discussed sporadically over the past several months and I don’t have an update, except to say that the idea is still alive and well. I hope to be included with Nigel McGuinness on the broadcast team if and when it happens.”

    You can read Ross’ full blog post by visiting this link here.

  • Report: Vince McMahon Furious With Shinsuke Nakamura For Botched Spot On SmackDown Live

    Report: Vince McMahon Furious With Shinsuke Nakamura For Botched Spot On SmackDown Live

    A new report has surfaced online that suggest that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon was upset with Shinsuke Nakamura for his botched spot in the #1 contender match with John Cena on last week’s episode of SmackDown Live in Cleveland, OH.

    As seen in the match, Nakamura hit a Back Suplex on Cena in which the former WWE Champion seemed to land pretty harshly on his neck. Fortunately for Cena, he was able to continue the match, which saw Nakamura pick up the victory.

    Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated is reporting that McMahon was furious with the former NXT Champion for the botched spot. With WWE being dependent on the drawing power of the former WWE Champion, it was noted that McMahon’s anger was more in defense of Cena than it was an indictment of Nakamura. According to the report, McMahon has not lost faith in Nakamura, but if Nakamura makes another mistake on a grand stage, then McMahon will have an entirely different opinion of him.

    Nakamura is scheduled to challenge Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship at the upcoming SummerSlam pay-per-view event on August 20th at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

  • AJ Styles Wants To Main Event WrestleMania Against Shinsuke Nakamura

    AJ Styles Wants To Main Event WrestleMania Against Shinsuke Nakamura

    WWE United States Champion AJ Styles participated in a Q&A panel this past weekend at the Wizard World Columbus comic convention and spoke about which Superstars he’d like to work with in the future. Styes said there’s a number of guys looking forward to wrestling, whether it’s Shinsuke Nakamura, Finn Balor or Seth Rollins. He’d also be down for another program with Roman Reigns.

    When pressed about which of those names he most wants to wrestle, Styles said it has to be Nakamura – and he knows when and where that match should take place. The two men have torn the house down before (see below) and Styles said his first match against Nakamura in WWE is worthy of the main event of WrestleMania.

    https://youtu.be/UOkXGgJwmVk

    Courtesy of ScreenGeek.net, Styles said, “I’m picking Shinsuke. Sorry, that’s nothing on Finn Balor. The reason why I say this is because at Wrestlemania, it’s not going to happen with Finn Balor and I. Why? Because he’s on Raw. Shinsuke’s my best chance getting into that Main Event picture at Wrestlemania. That’s why he wins the championship. I hope he wins it so I can get in there and wrestle him at Wrestlemania.”

    Styles is excited that Nakamura is getting a shot at WWE Champion Jinder Mahal at SummerSlam. Whether that match closes the show or not, Styles can’t wait to see the match.

    “This guy has paid his dues. He’s been in Japan for a long time and he’s so charismatic in everything he does. I’m looking forward to the match just like everyone else.”

  • Jim Ross On Jinder Mahal vs. Shinsuke Nakamura At SummerSlam, Weekly WWE UK TV Show

    Jim Ross On Jinder Mahal vs. Shinsuke Nakamura At SummerSlam, Weekly WWE UK TV Show

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has posted a new blog entry over at his official website where he gives his thoughts on various topics. Here are the highlights.

    WWE Championship match between Jinder Mahal and Shinsuke Nakamura at SummerSlam:

    “Curious to see how the Jinder Mahal vs Shinsuke Nakamura title bout at SummerSlam evolves. The Two main events for the WWE and the Universal Titles at SummerSlam are compelling regrding the strategy component IMO. It’s certainly an opportunity to enhance the TV personas of multiple talents i.e. “Maximize One’s Minutes.”

    Bayley and Scott Dawson’s injuries:

    “Never a good time for injures in any endeavor but it looks as if both Bayley and Scott Dawson of Revival will miss SummerSlam with injuries. There’s no good time to be injured but the key ingredient is how does one strategize and execute coming back better than when they were before they were injured? Mental preparation for one’s craft doesn’t have to stop because of a ruptured bicep or separated shoulder. Bayley is as good as there is in the women’s division in WWE while The Revival boys are one of my favorite tag teams to come along in years and remind me so much of Jim Cornette’s famed, Midnight Express teams.”

    Weekly WWE UK TV show:

    “I get asked often about the WWE U.K. TV Show that has been discussed sporadically over the past several months and I don’t have an update except to say that the idea is still alive and well. I hope to be included with Nigel McGuiness on the broadcast team if and when it happens.”

    Ross also talked about NJPW’s G1 Climax and more. You can read the entire blog here.

  • Backstage News On If Shinsuke Namakura Took Heat For Botch With John Cena

    Backstage News On If Shinsuke Namakura Took Heat For Botch With John Cena

    This past Tuesday on SmackDown Live, former New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) star Shinsuke Nakamura defeated 16-time WWE World Champ John Cena in the night’s main event. Just prior to the finish, however, Nakamura hit a suplex on Cena in which “The Leader Of The Cenation” landed right on his head and neck. It looked to be a very nasty bump and fans were immediately wondering if the Japanese star would take heat for what happened once he returned backstage.

    Per a report of Mike Johnson of PWInsider, the incident was considered to be a ‘fluke’ backstage and Nakamura took no heat at all for what happened. Immediately after the match fans could make out a brief conversation between Nakamura and Cena, as Nakamura apologized for what happened and Cena responded by telling him there was no need to apologize. Both men handled the incident with class and it seems as though we can all now move on from it.

    With the win, Nakamura has now earned the opportunity to challenge for the WWE Championship at SummerSlam against current title holder Jinder Mahal.

  • John Cena vs Shinsuke Nakamura Finish Reportedly Changed, Original Plans Revealed

    John Cena vs Shinsuke Nakamura Finish Reportedly Changed, Original Plans Revealed

    WWE.com accidentally posted in their SmackDown Live recap that Baron Corbin interfered in the match between Shinsuke Nakamura and John Cena. That obviously did not happen, as Corbin attacked Nakamura after SmackDown went off the air. Cena then came back down to the ring and hit him with an Attitude Adjustment through the announce table.

    According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the original plan was indeed to have Corbin interfere in the match and go Nakamura. Ultimately, his plan would backfire and he would take out Cena and Nakamura would get the victory. This would then lead to Cena versus Corbin at SummerSlam and Nakamura versus Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship at the PPV as well.

    The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is unsure if it was Cena that wanted Nakamura to win the match clean, or if Vince McMahon simply changed his mind about the finish of the match. Cena is not currently scheduled for a match, however it seems likely that he will face Baron Corbin given the events that took place after SmackDown went off the air on Tuesday.

    Here is what was posted on WWE.com before it was edited:

    “The following week, The Leader of the Cenation squared off against The King of Strong Style in an intense showdown to see who would have the right to challenge The Modern-Day Maharaja for the WWE Title. With the two Superstars going toe-to-toe in the heart-stopping bout, Baron Corbin suddenly interfered. While The Lone Wolf seemed intent on handing Nakamura the defeat, his plan backfired, and he inadvertently helped his nemesis pick up an incredible victory over Cena.”

  • Nakamura Apologizes To Cena For Scary Suplex Spot On Smackdown

    Nakamura Apologizes To Cena For Scary Suplex Spot On Smackdown

    Last night in the SmackDown main-event, John Cena faced Shinsuke Nakamura to determine who will face Jinder Mahal at WWE SummerSlam for the WWE Championship. Nakamura planted Cena with an Exploder Suplex during the match and Cena landed on the back of his head.

    Nakamura went on to connect with the Kinshasa for the pinfall victory and will now face Jinder Mahal at WWE SummerSlam on August 20th. After the match, Nakamura can be seen saying “I’m sorry” to John Cena. Cena responded with “don’t be sorry” and then shook his hand.

    https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/892566241583517696

    Austin Aries comments on the match

    Austin Aries suffered a large orbital socket injury while having a match with Shinsuke Nakamura at an NXT Live event last year. Aries posted the following on Twitter:

    https://twitter.com/AustinAries/status/892569231631544320

    Kevin Owens makes joke about Suplex spot on Twitter

    It was announced last night that Kevin Owens will get another shot at the United States Championship at WWE SummerSlam. Owens will face AJ Styles and SmackDown commissioner Shane McMahon will be the guest referee. Owens took to Twitter this morning to joke about Cena being dropped on the back of his head during his match against Shinsuke Nakamura last night on SmackDown:

    https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/892687762662535170

  • WWE Championship Match Set For SummerSlam, Updated PPV Card

    WWE Championship Match Set For SummerSlam, Updated PPV Card

    John Cena faced off against Shinsuke Nakamura in the main-event of this week’s episode of SmackDown. Jinder Mahal and the Singh Brothers watched the match from a sky box in the arena. Cena had the match in control and planted Nakamura with two Attitude Adjustments in a row.

    Cena went for a third Attitude Adjustment but Nakamura was able to counter it into an Exploder Suplex and Cena landed on the back of his head. Nakamura then geared up in the corner and connected with the Kinshasa for the victory. Nakamura will now face Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship at WWE SummerSlam on August 20th.

    After SmackDown went off the air, Baron Corbin attacked Nakamura from behind. Cena came down to the ring and made the save. Cena hit the Attitude Adjustment on Corbin through the announce table and then shook hands with Nakamura once again.

    Updated WWE SummerSlam Card

    Fatal 4-Way for the WWE Universal Championship

    •  Brock Lesnar (c) vs Roman Reigns vs Samoa Joe vs Braun Strowman

    (if Brock Lesnar loses, he leaves WWE)

    WWE Championship

    • Jinder Mahal (c) vs Shinsuke Nakamura

    SmackDown Women’s Championship

    • Naomi (c) vs Natalya

    RAW Women’s Championship

    • Alexa Bliss (c) vs Bayley

    United States Championship (Special Referee Shane McMahon)

    • AJ Styles (c) vs Kevin Owens

    Cruiserweight Championship 

    Neville (c) vs Akira Tozawa

    Rusev vs Randy Orton

  • Stone Cold Expresses Frustration For WWE’s Booking of Shinsuke Nakamura

    Stone Cold Expresses Frustration For WWE’s Booking of Shinsuke Nakamura

    WWE Hall Of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin and Jim Ross recently took to Austin’s podcast, The Steve Austin Show, to do a bit of fantasy booking within the WWE. One such fantasy match-up that Ross brought up was a program between former WWE Champion AJ Styles and former NXT champ Shinsuke Nakamura:

    “I think Shinsuke Nakamura, we haven’t seen his best yet and I think AJ Styles may be as good of a worker as I’ve seen in years. He may be the best worker in the world right now.” Ross recalled, “you felt something in the crowd at [WWE Money In The Bank] with Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ.

    “The fans that’ve followed their career know they’ve got a great history. And they’ve, I’ve seen it, had one of the best matches I’ve ever seen with Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ. We haven’t seen that yet in Shinsuke, but that WrestleMania match would be a great wrestling match.”

    Austin also liked the idea, dubbing Styles the best worker in the world and believes he could bring out the best in Nakamura:

    “I know that Styles is going to bring the best out of Shinsuke because I don’t think, from what I’ve seen, we’ve seen Shinsuke’s best in [WWE].” Austin added, “I’m sure he will get the best of of that guy. I’m sure they’re great friends from way back or whatever the deal is. But from what I know of AJ, if Shinsuke’s going to really work his ass off, it’s going to be with Styles.”

    “The Texas Rattlesnake” then expressed his disappointment for the way WWE has been booking Nakamura as of late, claiming they’ve been using him as just  “another Joe Blow”:

    “You bring him over and he’s going 30-minute broadways with half the damn roster. Debuted down there in WrestleMania 32, NXT, with Sami Zayn, hell of a match. Hell of a match! A lot of credit to Sami Zayn and Shinsuke, but here’s ‘The King Of Strong Style’ and all-of-a-sudden, he comes in and he’s working Dolph [Ziggler] and it took him a long time to finish off Dolph for ‘The King Of Strong Style’.

    “Do you understand where I’m going with this gimmick? That’s booking though. What is the plan? You’ve got this guy who’s one of those talents that just don’t come around every single day. He’s special. He comes in and you treat him like he’s another Joe Blow.”

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions 

  • Cena vs. Nakamura Next Week, Winner Faces Mahal At SummerSlam

    Cena vs. Nakamura Next Week, Winner Faces Mahal At SummerSlam

    On tonight’s episode of SmackDown, WWE Champion Jinder Mahal made his way to the ring decked out in a blue suit and tie. Mahal came down to the ring alone, as the Singh Brothers were selling their injuries after Sunday’s Punjabi Prison match at WWE Battleground. Mahal claimed that he crushed the legacy of Randy Orton at Battleground and the legend of the modern day Maharaja was born. Mahal stated that just like everyone in the WWE Universe, Randy Orton underestimated him at Battleground. Mahal demanded to know who his opponent at WWE SummerSlam and demanded silence from the crowd as he spoke in Punjabi.

    John Cena came down to the ring and Mahal said that he wasn’t finished. Mahal said that he knows what Cena was going to say that Jinder doesn’t deserve to be WWE Champion. Cena stated that Mahal sucks as a mind reader, and said that he respects the fact that Mahal is in the best shape of his life and that the WWE Championship means so much to him. Cena then gave Mahal a heads up that at SummerSlam, Jinder Mahal is facing “Super Cena”. Cena then vowed to walk out of SummerSlam as a 17 time WWE Champion.

    Cena’s music hit and Cena exited the ring. Smackdown GM Daniel Bryan then came down to the entrance ramp and Bryan congratulated both of them at being victorious at Battleground. Daniel Bryan announced that John Cena doesn’t make the matches and said that on SmackDown, opportunities are earned even if your name is John Cena. Daniel Bryan then made a match for next week’s SmackDown. John Cena will face Shinsuke Namaura next week to determine who will challenge Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship at WWE SummerSlam on August 20th.

  • AJ Styles On Standoff With Nakamura At MITB Being His Idea, Wanting Vince McMahon To See Reaction

    AJ Styles On Standoff With Nakamura At MITB Being His Idea, Wanting Vince McMahon To See Reaction

    AJ Styles recently spoke to Edge and Christian on E&C’s Pod of Awesomeness about his encounter with Shinsuke Nakamura at WWE Money in the Bank last month. During the match, Nakamura and AJ Styles were the only two Superstars in the ring. Styles and Nakamura proceeded to have a stare down and the crowd went crazy for it. It was a moment that felt special, especially for those who have seen Styles and Nakamura work together in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Styles and Nakamura then traded some punches and the match continued.

    Styles revealed on the latest episode of E&C’s Pod of Awesomeness that it was his idea for the stare down to happen during WWE Money in the Bank. Here is what Styes said on the podcast:

    “Well not to toot my own horn here, but that was my idea. Because I wanted to show Vince (McMahon) that there’s something special here. Something that people wanted to see. So let’s wait until we give it to them, and give them something bigger than just you know, a TV match. It was one of those cold chill moments that I got, standing in the middle of the ring looking through the ladder at Nakamura.”

    Photo Credit: WWE.com

    AJ Styles and Nakamura teamed up last week on SmackDown in a losing effort against Baron Corbin and Kevin Owens. However, Nakamura approached AJ Styles backstage earlier during the show and warned Styles that one day he will be coming for the United States Championship.

  • John Cena & Shinsuke Nakamura Team Up After Tuesday’s SmackDown Tapings

    John Cena & Shinsuke Nakamura Team Up After Tuesday’s SmackDown Tapings

    Fans in attendance for Tuesday’s SmackDown Live from Phoenix, Arizona were treated to one heck of a main event after 205 Live went off the air. After returning to WWE television on SmackDown for the first time since WrestleMania, John Cena teamed with Shinsuke Nakamura in the dark match main event of the evening. The dream team defeated Rusev and Baron Corbin.

    Earlier in the evening, Rusev interrupted Cena’s return promo to set up a Flag Match between the two at Battleground on July 23rd. It looks like Corbin vs. Nakamura is also lined up for Battleground after Corbin attacked Nakamura once again this week.

    Check out these photos of John Cena and Shinsuke Nakamura in action together.

  • Shinsuke Nakamura Appears at IMPACT/GFW Fan Fest

    Shinsuke Nakamura Appears at IMPACT/GFW Fan Fest

    Shinsuke Nakamura appeared in a rather unlikely place this past weekend…

    IMPACT Wrestling held a ‘fan fest’ show before their Slammiversary Pay Per View and the ‘King of Strong Style’ was in attendance. You can see the tweet below featuring Shinsuke, Pro Wrestling NOAH star Marufuji, Ishimori and former Team Canada manager Scott D’Amore.

    Although it is patently obvious that Shinsuke was not looking for a new position at the rebranded Global Force Wrestling promotion, it is an odd move for him to make, although a man of his star power is unlikely to see any repercussions from this.

    What do you think? Let us know in the comments

    https://twitter.com/stoughe/status/881230698656526337

  • Why Did Shinsuke Nakamura Miss the WWE House Show in Vancouver?

    Why Did Shinsuke Nakamura Miss the WWE House Show in Vancouver?

    Shinsuke Nakamura was unable to perform at a WWE house show in Vancouver over the weekend. It is being reported that he had trouble getting across the Canadian border.

    Nakamura is still expected to be at the upcoming WWE house show in Everett, Washington, as well as Tuesday’s Smackdown in San Diego. He previously performed in Canada with ROH, and evidently had no problems crossing the border then.

    WWE Vancouver Live Event Results

    • Natalya defeated Charlotte.
    • Kevin owens defeated Rusev and Sami Zayn in a 3-way match for the US Championship.
    • Baron Corbin defeated Tye Dillinger.
    • Becky Lynch and Naomi defeated Carmella and Tamina.
    • Seth Rollins beat Jinder Mahal via DQ.
  • Road Dogg Responds To SmackDown Criticism, Jim Ross On Brock Lesnar Versus Samoa Joe

    Road Dogg Responds To SmackDown Criticism, Jim Ross On Brock Lesnar Versus Samoa Joe

    Road Dogg responds to fan criticism of Shinsuke Nakamura’s entrance not being aired last night on SmackDown

    Former WWE Superstar and now SmackDown producer Road Dogg responded to fan criticism of Shinsuke Nakamura’s entrance not being aired during SmackDown last night. A fan tweeted directly at Road Dogg to voice his displeasure in the decision to not show the entrance. Road Dogg responded with the following:

    Another fan joined the discussion and didn’t buy Road Dogg’s excuse for SmackDown not airing the entrance. Road Dogg also responded to that fan:

    Fans have also been critical of Shinsuke Nakamura’s entrance being altered since joining the main roster. Pyro sounds have been added to Nakamura’s entrance since Nakamura made his WWE main roster debut following the Superstar Shake-Up. The pyro sounds can be heard during Nakamura’s entrance in the video below.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F54g3QFJX3A

    Jim Ross says Brock Lesnar versus Samoa Joe at Great Balls of Fire is going to be a classic

    Jim Ross recently spoke to Busted Open about the upcoming Universal Championship match between Brock Lesnar and Samoa Joe at Great Balls of Fire. In regards to the match, Jim Ross stated the following:

    “I believe those two guys are gonna have a whole hell of a lot to say about their presentation in Dallas. I really do. I also believe that each guy is an alpha male. They’re going to bring each other their best, there’s gonna be locks up that would make some people leave wrestling school. So, I believe Samoa Joe and Brock Lesnar is going to be a classic.”

    Jim Ross also stated in the interview that he still wants to call their match at Great Balls of Fire.

    H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

  • Quote: WWE is Mishandling Jinder Mahal & Shinsuke Nakamura

    Quote: WWE is Mishandling Jinder Mahal & Shinsuke Nakamura

    Former WWE and WCW writer Vince Russo recently joined the Wrestling Inc. podcast to talk about a variety of professional wrestling topics. During the show, Russo commented on how he believes the WWE is ‘mishandling’ WWE Champion Jinder Mahal and SmackDown Live star Shinsuke Nakamura’s respective pushes within the company. You can check out what he had to say here:

    WWE mishandling Jinder Mahal:

    “What a mishandling of Jinder Mahal three weeks as the champion,” Russo said. “And they killed it. They dropped the ball… It’s horrendous what they did to this poor guy in the last three weeks.”

    “This is what they do with all these guys, Raj. Everybody just becomes another name on the roster. If you go back and you look at the Attitude Era show, every single show was built around who the champion was. And that championship and that title. Every show was built around that. That’s the most important thing on the show.”

    Shinsuke Nakamura’s poor push:

    “Yesterday, three weeks after winning the title, this guy was handled just like another wrestler on the show,” Russo commented about this week’s episode of Smackdown. “Bro, the announcers couldn’t have no-sold it any-more. When Shane announced he [Jinder Mahal] had a match with Mojo, the freaking announcers no-sold it. This is your freaking champion!”

    “There’s a basic problem with the WWE, I’ll you what it is and this is what’s happening,” Russo stated. “We used to spend a lot of Monday Night RAW and a lot of SmackDown building characters and developing storylines. So by the time we got to the match, it was a big deal. What happened now is they don’t know how to make characters anymore, there are no storylines. Everybody just wants to fight each other. So when you take away the character building and when you take away the storylines, all you have are matches.”

    “So every week bro, as you’re working towards the pay-per-view, these guys are in the same ring,” Russo explained. “Whether it’s a six-man or a tag or an eight-man, by the time you get the pay-per-view, you’ve seen these guys mix it up like three or four times before and it doesn’t mean anything. And Nakamura, as unique as the guy is, bro, what have they done,” Russo asked. “I saw a vignette of a guy yesterday painting. That’s the character build of Nakamura. I mean, that’s supposed to get me excited about this freaking guy?”

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions