When Shinsuke Nakamura signed with WWE after leaving NJPW in February, fans around the world began to book dream matches for him with superstars in NXT (where he was headed) and the main roster.
A number of potential opponents were mentioned, and since signing we have seen him face off with Sami Zayn (Takeover Dallas), Austin Aries (Takeover: The End) and Samoa Joe (Takeover: Brooklyn II).
Despite these awesome opponents and matches in NXT (especially vs Zayn at Takeover Dallas), there are still a number of superstars we want to see face Shinsuke Nakamura, with all of them serving on the main roster.
Here are 5 Opponents We Want to See Shinsuke Nakamura Face on the WWE’s Main Roster.
#5 Cesaro
Cesaro is one of the most underutilised superstars on the roster, with an incredible in-ring moveset and a natural connection with the crowd. But, he is an upper midcard face, not a heel main eventer that Shinsuke should be facing, so I don’t see Cesaro vs Nakamura happening on anything other than an episode of Raw.
That doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be a sight to see. I wouldn’t have any problem with Nakamura’s debut match on the main roster being against Cesaro on Raw, as it would be brilliant. Given ample time the two would create magic, and the crowd would be incredibly hot like when Nakamura faced Sami Zayn at Takeover Dallas.
Hopefully, a similar atmosphere to that bout would be created here, and an exchange of uppercuts by Cesaro and forearms by Nakamura would be incredible. Obviously, this wouldn’t lead to a feud, but would rather serve as a match to show fans who aren’t familiar with the King of Strong Style, what he is capable of doing in that ring.
#4 AJ Styles
Yes, we already saw Nakamura vs Styles at Wrestle Kingdom 10 earlier this year in January, and it was incredible. Would anyone really complain if we saw them fight in the WWE?
Styles is a top heel right now on Smackdown Live, and even if he isn’t WWE World Champion, this would still be a feud to see. AJ Styles vs Shinsuke Nakamura at Wrestlemania 33 writes itself, and would be a guaranteed classic if it occurred.
The two showed brilliant chemistry when they versed earlier this year, and with the right crowd and the right pay-per-view, these two could produce a masterpiece.
Also, if given a story to tell in the ring through weeks of build-up and given enough time on the card, this could be a bout for the ages. In my opinion, this could main event any pay-per-view, title or no title.
#3 Kevin Owens
The newly crowned Universal Champion is the top heel on Raw right now, and there would be no better way to finish his title reign with an amazing feud with Nakamura during Wrestlemania season. Guaranteed to produce amazing matches, the two could fight at the Royal Rumble, Fastlane and Wrestlemania, with Nakamura finally capturing the gold on the Grandest Stage of Them All.
With both men’s brilliant in-ring work and natural charisma combined, these two could have the rivalry of the year, with all three potential matches guaranteed to steal each show they are on.
Two of the best workers in the world that we never thought we’d see in WWE, facing off for the Universal Title in the main event of Wrestlemania.
That would be insane.
#2 John Cena
This has been pegged as a dream encounter ever since news broke Nakamura had signed with the WWE.
Much like John Cena vs AJ Styles, John Cena vs Shinsuke Nakamura never seemed plausible. But now, it’s reality. The Face that Runs the Place vs The King of Strong Style would be something talked about for years after if it were to occur, especially if it took place on a huge stage such as Wrestlemania.
Neither man would have to turn heel (although I’m sure Cena would be jeered) as the idea of the two facing each other is enough to create an incredible atmosphere. The crowd would be one of the hottest in recent times, and give the two men enough time and build and you’ve got an instant classic on your hands.
Also, Cena is known to bring the best out of his opponents (AJ Styles at Summerslam), and that is because of his sheer star-power. I’m not saying Nakamura doesn’t have enough star-power on his own, but Cena seems to bring an electric atmosphere to matches like no other.
Combine that with Nakamura’s ability to create an exhilarating environment of his own and you have a bout that will be remembered for years to come.
#1 Seth Rollins
Although potential match-ups with Cesaro, Styles, Owens and Cena would all be incredible, nothing could beat a Rollins vs Nakamura dream match. The two men’s styles would really complement each other, and add a world title to the bout and you have something that could be one of my favourite matches of all time.
With the right amount of hype, build-up and time, this could be a bout that could rank up there with John Cena vs CM Punk at Money in the Bank 2011. That might be a little far-fetched, but with two of the best wrestlers in the world facing off in a first time ever dream match, it could happen.
If this feud were to be over the Universal Title and culminate at Wrestlemania 33 or 34, that could be one of the best Wrestlemania matches of all time. Nakamura vs Rollins. There isn’t anything else to say.
Book it WWE.
