I’ve been looking at that header image off and on for a few hours now, and I still can’t process the fact that it’s real.
WWE’s mini-raid of New Japan Pro Wrestling talent took the wrestling world by storm, and the shockwaves continue to come. Now that AJ Styles is on the main roster, the next superstar to make the jump to WWE programming is the King of Strong Style himself, Shinsuke Nakamura. Not long after tearfully departing NJPW, Nakamura got on a plane to Stamford to sign his NXT contract. Video of his U.S. arrival was posted shortly after Fastlane came to a close, which I can’t help but think was an intentional move to placate fans who might have been salty with yet another Roman Reigns victory. Check it out:
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“Talent is the lifeblood of our company, and the signing of Shinsuke Nakamura further demonstrates NXT’s commitment to bringing in the best talent from all over the world,” Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events and Creative said. “His explosive style will make an immediate impact to an already dynamic NXT men’s division.
A 14-year veteran of the squared circle, Nakamura has been a top star for New Japan Pro Wrestling since 2002. He employs a hard-hitting style in the ring, incorporating blistering strikes with submission holds. The crown jewel of his arsenal is a devastating knee strike known as the Bomaye, which has felled many opponents.
At some point, the world turned into my WWE 2K16 save and I don’t know how to feel about it. Vince McMahon knows who Shinsuke Nakamura is, even if he probably pronounces his name like he pronounced Great Sasuke’s name at In Your House: Canadian Stampede (“Whatta maneuver by the Great Sasookay!”). Also, my heart may have left my chest and started soaring around my front yard when NXT coach Matt Bloom called him “Shin-chan.” I don’t care if it’s an intentional Adult Swim reference or not, I’m happy either way.
