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On January 7 2019, it was announced that Kushida would be leaving New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Kenny Omega stole many of the headlines as it was also announced he would be leaving but Kushida is a world-class professional wrestler in his own right and is a 6-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, amongst many other accolades.
While rumors are swirling as to whether Omega will sign with WWE, AEW or even shockingly return to NJPW after all, Kushida's own free agency hasn't caused quite the frenzy it perhaps deserves.
It has long been understood that Triple H is a big admirer of Kushida and his work and so the prevailing theory is that Kushida is indeed headed for WWE. Kushida has stated: "I will head overseas to see the world of pro wrestling" and given his high status in NJPW one can only presume this is him hinting at joining the only company that could be considered bigger.
Kushida is admittedly no spring chicken at 35 and so it remains to be seen whether he would be thrust straight into main roster action or forced to prove himself in NXT if he were to make the switch to WWE.
While a surprise Rumble debut would be a dream scenario, Kushida is under contract until the end of January making this impossible. With all these factors in mind, here are 5 Superstars who would make perfect opponents for Kushida if/when he makes his WWE debut:
#5 Kassius Ohno
Brand: NXT
Times shared a ring: 0
Singles matches: 0
While these two have not shared a ring before, it would be surprising if these two weren't able to put on a great match. Kassius Ohno has established himself as the gate-keeper of NXT and typically takes issue with whoever the brand's hot new signee is at any particular moment.
The story here writes itself as Ohno can once again become jealous of the attention and treatment Kushida would receive upon signing and either directly challenge or attack Kushida to set up a match. The feud would quickly give Kushida legitimacy and propel him up the ranks on the black and yellow brand nice and quickly.
#4 Seth Rollins
Brand: RAW
Times shared a ring: 0
Singles matches: 0
Much like Ohno, the set-up for this match takes little imagination. Seth Rollins has become the king of the open challenge in recent times. Ideally, for this match, Rollins would once again be issuing an Intercontinental or even Universal Championship challenge but he doesn't necessarily need a title to make the challenge.
One can only imagine the crowd reaction if Kushida were to accept the challenge. Once more, while the pair is yet to share a ring, Rollins has proven he is able to have a quality match with wrestlers of middling quality and Kushida is definitely way above that standard.
The two exceptional talents would undoubtedly put on a quality show and having Kushida debut against as big a star as Rollins would fire him up the pecking order in the WWE which may well be something Triple H would wish for his prized 35-year-old.
#3 Finn Balor
Brand: RAW
Times shared a ring: 49
Singles matches: 5
Finn Balor is a very different option to the previous two in that he has an enormous amount of experience in terms of matches with Kushida. The duo has shared a ring a whopping 49 times including 2 singles matches for IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title, with Balor coming out on top both times.
Once again this match would see Kushida jump straight to the main roster and while WWE might be reluctant to do this, there seems little point. Balor and Kushida have proven they are more than capable of putting on great matches together and Balor could even talk up his opponent beforehand to legitimize him in the eyes of unfamiliar fans.
From there, the duo could go on to have a mutual respect feud which would undoubtedly be strong or even form an unlikely tag team that would immediately stand out in the below-par tag team ranks on Raw.
#2 Ricochet
Brand: NXT
Times shared a ring: 16
Singles matches: 4
Ricohet and Kushida's match in the final of Best of the Super Junior's XXI is still talked about today and is sighted by many as one of the best in the tournament's history. The match is likely one that could have turned WWE eyes in Ricochet's direction and given his stellar run thus far in NXT, putting the two together once more seems a no-brainer.
To book this match, Ricochet can continue signing open contracts to defend his North American title as we saw him do recently against Tyler Breeze. As good as that match was, it did lack an element of excitement in that few fans truly believed Breeze would win the title.
Kushida, however, could reveal himself to be one of the challengers for Ricochet's title and would bring an exciting unknown factor to the match. Having Kushida win the title would make him a big star in NXT right away and could also allow Ricochet to move into the NXT Championship scene without losing too much momentum.
#1 Shinsuke Nakamura
Brand: SmackDown Live
Times shared a ring: 21
Singles matches: 1
Having two top former-NJPW superstars battle it out in a WWE ring is an exciting proposition for many a wrestling fan. This match would also have the added benefit of placing Kushida into the SmackDown Live roster which seems the most natural fit for him at present.
Shinsuke Nakamura, who recently lost his US Championship to Rusev, can become displeased with his treatment within the company and lament (either himself or with the aid of a manager) how having been Japan's top star he has increasingly become an after-thought following his Royal Rumble success. He can proclaim himself as the best Japan has to offer and challenge anyone in the back to come and prove him wrong.
Once again, the duo would surely put on a great match and while this would be an effective way of quickly selling Kushida as a real threat on the brand it may also lead to Nakamura once again finding the type of performance that made him such a celebrated star during his time in New Japan.
