3 signs that Shinsuke Nakamura is leaving WWE
Shinsuke Nakamura has been a part of WWE since 2016, but it seems his time with the Stamford-based promotion is coming to an end.
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Shinsuke Nakamura (via WWE)
Shinsuke Nakamura is one of the most renowned wrestlers worldwide. In Japan, he is regarded as one of the greatest of all time, and him signing with WWE in 2016 generated immense excitement. While his initial years lived up to the hype, his momentum gradually declined over time. However, with his WWE contract set to expire in 2025, he could be on his way out of the company.
In his over eight-year WWE career, The King of Strong Style has battled some of the best the company has to offer. However, something always seemed to be missing, whether under Triple H’s booking or Vince McMahon’s leadership. Despite his undeniable talent, the Japanese superstar never made the expected impact in the main event scene.
Now, after losing the United States Championship to LA Knight, this could mark the beginning of the end for him. Therefore, let’s discuss 3 signs that Shinsuke Nakamura is leaving WWE.
3. Underwhelming title run
Shinsuke Nakamura made his WWE return in November last year with a fresh gimmick, sparking hope for a career resurgence. Shortly after his return, The King of Strong Style wasted no time capturing the United States Championship by defeating LA Knight. However, after winning the title, Nakamura unexpectedly lost the momentum and aura that made his comeback so exciting.
During his nearly 100-day reign as United States Champion, Shinsuke Nakamura defended the title only three times, all against LA Knight. Despite SmackDown boasting a stacked roster, he never had the opportunity to challenge other top stars, limiting his run as champion.
Furthermore, WWE rarely featured The King of Strong Style in prominent segments, relying mostly on vignettes and backstage appearances. This lack of creative direction made him feel like anything but a dominant champion. Despite holding a prestigious title, he was never booked as a true threat. This could indicate that WWE does not view him as a top star, leaving his future in the company uncertain.
2. Lack of connection with the WWE Universe
In over eight years as a WWE Superstar, Shinsuke Nakamura struggled to form a deep connection with the WWE Universe. This was largely due to limited promo time and frequent gimmick changes that often left him feeling like an afterthought. Notably, the only time fans truly rallied behind him was in 2018 during his build-up to the infamous “Dream Match” against AJ Styles.
WWE often prioritizes stars with strong fan support, with LA Knight and Jey Uso being prime examples. However, Nakamura never achieved that level of connection with the audience, which hindered his rise to the top. Despite his in-ring talent, his character never fully resonated with fans, making it difficult for him to stay relevant.
Over the years, WWE’s inconsistent booking further distanced him from the spotlight. This lack of momentum could indicate that WWE no longer sees him as a long-term investment. At 44 years old, Nakamura’s future with the company remains uncertain.
1. Multiple failed attempts
Shinsuke Nakamura made an explosive WWE debut, capturing the NXT Championship in his first year with the company. After transitioning to the main roster, the Japanese icon remained in the WWE Title picture for much of the year. He competed for the prestigious championship on multiple occasions, including high-profile matches at SummerSlam and Hell in a Cell.
Later, Nakamura won the Royal Rumble, earning a WrestleMania showdown with AJ Styles. However, his momentum took a hit when WWE turned him heel, leading to a decline in his booking. Years later, WWE attempted to re-establish him as a babyface, positioning him as a potential challenger for Roman Reigns. However, this push also fell flat due to a lack of compelling storytelling.
In 2023, Nakamura returned with a new gimmick, targeting top stars like Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes. However, he once again struggled to make a lasting impact. His recent run has been hindered by a lack of on-screen presence, pushing him further into the background. This suggests that despite multiple attempts, The King of Strong Style has never quite fit the WWE mold, signaling that the company may finally be ready to move on from him.
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