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The Intercontinental Champion

3 Possible challengers for Shinsuke Nakamura after Survivor Series

Survivor Series is just around the corner, and fans are waiting for one of the biggest pay-per-views of the year. With the addition of NXT, to SmackDown and RAW's traditional annual battle for brand supremacy, Survivor Series is expected to be even more exciting.

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Given three brands will participate at Survivor Series, there will be a couple of Triple Threat matches, including a clash between the mid-card champions. Shinsuke Nakamura is scheduled to wrestle Roderick Strong and AJ Styles in one of those Triple Threat matches, with the aim to prove brand supremacy at Survivor Series. While Nakamura is the reigning Intercontinental Champion, Strong and Styles are NXT North American Champion and the United States Champion respectively. It should be an extraordinary bout, considering all three men are highly dexterous in the squared circle.

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Following Survivor Series on Sunday, it will be interesting to see who steps up to become the next challenger to Shinsuke Nakamura's Intercontinental Championship. In this article, we will examine three possible challengers for Nakamura after Survivor Series.

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#3 Sami Zayn

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Sami Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura
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Sami Zayn's name could surprise a preponderance of readers, considering he has been Nakamura's partner in crime for the past few months, but the possibility can't be ruled out. An interesting storyline could unfold for the Intercontinental Championship, if Zayn turns on Nakamura, and sets his eyes on the title.

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Sami Zayn, a former NXT Champion, hasn't had an effectual run since moving to the main roster. Despite being part of the main roster for quite some time now, Zayn is yet to win a title. Since becoming Nakmura's mouthpiece, Zayn hasn't been performing in the squared circle, but the scenario could alter after a bitter betrayal.

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Nakamura, who is a heel now, had a remarkable run in NXT and throughout the early part of his main roster career as a babyface. Nevertheless, his run hasn't been the same as a heel, even though he won the US Title twice and the Intercontinental Title once. Nakamura may get an opportunity to turn babyface once again, if Sami Zayn has anything to say about it.

#2 Shorty G

Shorty G
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Running high after reaching the final round of this year's King of the Ring tournament, the former Chad Gable has been impressive over the past couple of months, making him a top pick to challenge for Shinsuke Nakamura's Intercontinental Championship. A title shot could allow Shorty G to reach the top of the ladder on the Blue Brand, and it would not be surprising if he manages to win the belt in the future.

Shorty G had a short stint on 205 Live before he moved back to the main roster. He became the dark horse of the King of the Ring Tournament, beating Shelton Benjamin in the first round and Andrade in the second round. In fact, he also pinned Shane McMahon in the Semifinals, before failing to cross the final hurdle against eventual winner Baron Corbin.

Shorty G currently doesn't have a feud, but will represent Team SmackDown at Survivor Series. Nakamura and Shorty G crossed paths in a Blue Brand tag team match just last week. Shorty G is a babyface, and it makes perfect sense for him to challenge Nakamura, for an opportunity to win his first singles title.

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#1 Braun Strowman

'The Monster Among Men'
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Braun Strowman recently moved to SmackDown after spending three years on RAW. Having switched brands, 'The Monster Among Men' had a monumental battle at Crown Jewel, where he faced unbeaten boxer Tyson Fury. Strowman is searching for a new rivalry, and there could be no better choice than going after the reigning Intercontinental Champion.

Along with Shorty G, Strowman is also part of Team SmackDown, competing at Survivor Series. Earning his name as a monster, Strowman has been a dominant force over the course of his main roster career, decimating a number of big names. Strowman chased the Universal Title in the past, but failed to get the job done. He is yet to win a singles title in WWE, even though he is a two-time RAW Tag Team Champion.

Last week, Strowman came face to face with Sami Zayn and Nakamura in the backstage area, raising the possibility of a feud in the future. There is no doubt that Nakamura and Strowman could produce an awe-inspiring rivalry, as the current Intercontinental Champion has backup in Sami Zayn. Zayn has helped Nakamura to key victories in the past. Could he be instrumental in a potential rivalry against Braun Strowman? Sound off in the comments section below.

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Edited by
Michael McClead
 
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