Shinsuke Nakamura Joins AJ Styles and John Cena in the Impending Retirement Buzz

After WWE's recent Supershow at the Sumo Hall in Japan, Shinsuke Nakamura teased fans with a potential swansong message.

Shinsuke Nakamura Joins AJ Styles and John Cena in the Impending Retirement Buzz

Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ Styles (via WWE)

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It is a bittersweet time for professional wrestling fans as legends like John Cena and AJ Styles near the end of their storied careers. Cena is set to officially retire on December 13th later this year, while Styles plans to hang up his boots sometime in 2026. Now, after WWE’s recent supershow in Japan, it appears that Shinsuke Nakamura may soon join that list of icons preparing to say goodbye.

The event at the iconic Sumo Hall featured major stars such as CM Punk, Rhea Ripley, Styles, and Nakamura. During the show, fans witnessed an emotional moment between Styles and Nakamura, as Styles competed in what was his final match in Japan against Kofi Kingston. Meanwhile, Nakamura joined forces with Punk against Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker in a tag team bout.

Following the event, Nakamura took to social media to reflect on the experience and express gratitude toward the fans and his fellow wrestlers.

What a special place Japan is, especially for those of us who wrestle. As AJ said, it’s a place worthy of giving everything you’ve got. Of course, that’s true anywhere in the world… but there’s something sacred here.

Shinsuke Nakamura via X

Nakamura, of course, spent much of his career in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he became one of the promotion’s biggest stars. He held the IWGP Heavyweight Championship three times and captured the Intercontinental Championship a record five times. 

In addition, he won the 2011 G1 Climax and delivered unforgettable matches against top names such as Hiroshi Tanahashi, Brock Lesnar, Kazuchika Okada, and Styles. In the second part of his heartfelt message, the former Royal Rumble winner reflected on his own future and hinted that his in-ring career may soon be nearing its end.

He did too — John Cena, AJ — they’ve all chosen to step away from the ring. It reminds me that my own time might not be far off. But I still have things I must do. I’m still struggling, still fighting, not knowing what tomorrow will bring. All I can do is live this day with everything I have. Thank you. If only… one more time…

Shinsuke Nakamura via X

Adding to the emotional tone, another of Nakamura’s longtime rivals, Hiroshi Tanahashi, is also preparing for retirement from New Japan Pro-Wrestling. During the Japan tour, Nakamura ended his performance by using Tanahashi’s famous catchphrase, “Aishtemasu,” which translates to “I love you.” 

Tanahashi responded with a playful comment, saying, “Huh? I thought I heard something…” With Tanahashi’s final match expected to take place at Wrestle Kingdom 20, fans are eagerly speculating who his opponent will be. Many are hoping it could be one of his classic rivals, such as Nakamura or Styles, stepping into the ring with him one last time.

CM Punk thanks the Japanese audience and honors Shinsuke Nakamura during the WWE’s recent supershow

Shinsuke Nakamura recently made his in-ring return by answering the Open Challenge of former United States Champion Sami Zayn. Although he didn’t pick up the win, his performance reignited speculation among fans that this could signal the start of a renewed push for the Japanese superstar on WWE programming. 

Shinsuke Nakamura and CM Punk
Shinsuke Nakamura and CM Punk (via WWE)

Adding to the excitement, Nakamura even brought back his iconic old theme song, drawing a massive reaction from the crowd. With AJ Styles planning a retirement tour like Cena in 2026, many are wondering if Nakamura might follow a similar path. During WWE’s recent supershow in Japan, Nakamura teamed up with CM Punk to defeat Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, a match that thrilled fans. 

However, many are hoping to eventually see Punk and Nakamura face off one-on-one in what would undoubtedly be a dream encounter. After the match, Punk delivered a heartfelt message to both Nakamura and the Japanese audience. He began by thanking the crowd, calling them one of the best wrestling fanbases in the world.

I wish I could speak fluent Japanese, but I think a lot of you understand English. It is a privilege for me to be able to wrestle in front of what I feel is the greatest wrestling audience in the world, the Japanese wrestling fans.

CM Punk at WWE’s Supershow in Japan

Punk then reflected on his lifelong love for professional wrestling, noting the irony of his journey. He explained that as a child, all he ever wanted was to wrestle in Japan. At the same time, many Japanese wrestlers of that era admired American wrestling culture and wanted to emulate legends like Terry Funk, dreaming of becoming “American cowboys” in the ring.

The former World Heavyweight Champion then concluded his message by expressing his admiration for Nakamura.

So to me, it’s very beautiful that I get to come to Tokyo and I get to share a ring with a legend like Shinsuke Nakamura.

CM Punk at WWE’s Supershow in Japan

In a touching moment, Nakamura translated Punk’s heartfelt speech for the Japanese fans, bridging the cultural gap with genuine emotion. The night then came full circle when Styles made his way to the ring for an emotional farewell, capping off an evening filled with respect, nostalgia, and a celebration of wrestling legacy.

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