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Shinsuke Nakamura is currently having a decent run as the Intercontinental Champion on SmackDown Live. In all likelihood, the King of Strong Style will hold the title when SmackDown Live moves to FOX on October 4th. Hell in the Cell, which is the next pay-per-view of WWE, will take place just two days after the FOX debut, and the Intercontinental Championship is expected to be on the line.
Nakamura's recent association with Sami Zayn has made his character interesting, with Zayn being his new mouthpiece. The heel duo has been unstoppable on the Blue Brand, and they have worked well as a team. Zayn helped Nakamura in retaining the Intercontinental Championship at Clash of Champions.
The Japanese star has been impressive since winning the title from Finn Balor at Extreme Rules. The Blue Brand has a stacked roster, and it will be interesting to see who faces Nakamura next.
Let's find out four possible opponents for Nakamura.
#4 Ali
Ali could be next in the line to face Nakamura, and the two men were scheduled to face each other on SmackDown Live this week. However, the match failed to commence after a vicious attack from Sami Zayn and Nakamura. Given the segment from the Blue Brand, the feud could develop in the next few weeks.
Immediately after Nakamura won the title from Finn Balor, the latter started a new feud with The Fiend, while Nakamura also moved to a new rivalry with Ali. Nakamura met Ali a couple of times, including at Smackville. However, Ali failed to dethrone Nakamura, and they ended the feud before SummerSlam.
Considering their past encounters, Ali and Nakamura could produce another exciting rivalry. With their swiftness in the ring, they always delivered outstanding matches. If Ali turns out to be the next challenger, they could lock horns at Hell in a Cell.
#3 Buddy Murphy
Buddy Murphy is searching for a new opponent after a memorable debut on SmackDown Live. If the former Cruiserweight Champion starts a new feud with the Intercontinental Champion, it could be highly beneficial in his short career on the main roster. Murphy is extremely talented in the squared circle, and he is a worthy competitor of facing Nakamura.
The Australian Superstar made an excellent first impression, making his main roster debut a few weeks ago. Although he was part of the Blue Brand for several months, he didn't get the opportunity of performing in the ring. When he got involved in the storyline of Roman Reigns, he made his long-awaited debut against the Big Dog, losing the bout after an incredible performance. Murphy shocked everyone in the following week, pinning the former WWE Champion Daniel Bryan. His last match was in the first round of King of the Ring tournament, which he lost to Ali.
Given his recent performances, the company has big plans for the former Cruiserweight Champion. With his current momentum, Murphy could produce a stupendous rivalry with Nakamura. If he gets a title shot, he might come close to winning his first main roster title.
#2 Aleister Black
Aleister Black is definitely one of the top prospects of the SmackDown Live roster. With an intimidating dark persona, the Dutch Destroyer is a fan favorite. Black could be a great choice to challenge Nakamura for the Intercontinental Championship, and the two Superstars are competent enough of delivering an entertaining feud.
After getting drafted to SmackDown Live, Black had only one noteworthy rivalry. The former NXT Champion began a feud with Cesaro, and they fought each other a few times, including at Extreme Rules.
If they get the opportunity to face each other, they could tear the house down every single time. Black is still undefeated after getting drafted to the main roster earlier this year, and he has the momentum to win his first title.
#1 The Miz
The Miz has a bright possibility of tussling Nakamura again after losing to the latter at Clash of Champions. The A-Lister certainly deserves a rematch, as Sami Zayn influenced the outcome of the last match. Zayn interfered the match multiple times, helping Nakamura to pin The Miz.
The feud began after SummerSlam when The Miz was assaulted by Nakamura and Sami Zayn. Since the A-Lister failed to progress in the King of the Ring tournament, the match was confirmed with the Intercontinental Title on the line.
The Miz could get another opportunity to win the Intercontinental Championship for the ninth time in his career. However, Nakamura and Zayn have been dominant as a team, and The Miz needs new impetus if he wants to look like a serious contender to beat the champion. In order to beat the numbers game of Nakamura and Zayn, The Miz could bring in a new partner of his own.
