On tonight’s NXT tapings in Florida, WWE announced the signing and debut of former New Japan standout Shinsuke Nakamura. Nakamura will debut at the next NXT TakeOver event from Dallas during WrestleMania weekend where his opponent will be Sami Zayn. Here is the full press release:
Yes, the rumors are true. Shinsuke Nakamura is coming to WWE NXT.
At Wednesday night’s NXT taping at Full Sail University in Orlando, Fla., a video announcing the arrival of the Japanese standout at TakeOver: Dallas, which takes place during WrestleMania 32 Week, played for the live crowd, sending shockwaves through the arena and, moments later, the social media world.
Nakamura, a 14-year veteran of the squared circle, has been a leading star in the New Japan promotion since 2002. Renowned for his striking and submission ability, as well as his unorthodox charisma, Nakamura’s devastating Bomaye knee strike has felled many opponents and his smash mouth style has earned him the nickname The King of Strong Style. A three-time IWGP Champion — the same title once held by the likes of Vader, The Great Muta and AJ Styles — Nakamura is the youngest competitor to win that championship, capturing it for the first time at 23. He has taken on a who’s who of the best grapplers in the world in his career, facing the likes of Finn Bálor, Kevin Owens, Hideo Itami, WWE Performance Center Head Coach Matt Bloom and The Beast Incarnate himself, Brock Lesnar.
Rumors of Nakamura coming to WWE first started in early January, along with gossip about AJ Styles and Bullet Club members Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows returning to America. Reports about Styles became truth during the 2016 Royal Rumble Match when The Phenomenal One entered at No. 3. Now, The King of Strong Style has decreed that he will be stepping between the yellow ropes in the not-so-distant future.
