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When Shinsuke Nakamura was announced as the WWE's latest hire in 2016, there was a lot of head scratching in the internet community. Why would the WWE hire a thirteen-year veteran foreigner who could barely speak English? The focus in WWE has traditionally been on performers who can do more than just wrestle.
But Nakamura has a unique charisma and style that catapults him past most other performers. His mix of artistry and brutality have led him to stardom in his home country and all over the world. WWE had decided to market Shinsuke Nakamura as-is; No new gimmicks, no ridiculous stereotypes (like the Hirohito fiasco with Kenzo Suzuki in 2005). Just Shinsuke Nakamura as himself.
He created a sensation when he debuted in NXT, quickly gaining the title. When he was drafted to the main roster, many people clamoured that it was too soon.
Here are seven reasons Shinsuke Nakamura is ready for Brock Lesnar.
#7 Like Lesnar, he set a record
When Brock Lesnar became WWE's heavyweight champion at the age of 25, he set a record as the youngest man to hold the title.
Likewise, Shinsuke Nakamura was just 24 when he captured the IWGP heavyweight championship from the Legendary Tanahashi. There is no question he is in Lesnar's league.
#6. The Kinshasa
Well versed in the martial arts thanks to his study of MMA and Vale Tudo, Nakamura has developed the devastating Kinshasa. When Nakamura debuted the move in 2009, it took him all the way to the G1 Climax finals. Lesnar uses the F5, a tricky grappling technique that must be applied in a specific position in the ring.
Nakamura's Kinshasa can be unleashed at any place, at any time, even off the ropes. The power of the Kinshasa has put wrestlers on the shelf before, and if Brock isn't careful he could be next.
#5 His game keeps evolving
Simply put, you don't get over in Japan if your suplex game is weak, and nothing about Nakamura is weak.
From the exploder reverse suplex to the German suplex, Nakamura has a number of different moves in his arsenal that can take Lesnar down. But that's just one option in his arsenal...
#4 His MMA experience
Shinsuke Nakamura competed in MMA early in his career. With a record of three wins and one loss, he is a proven commodity in the mixed martial arts contest.
Brock has more MMA prestige, being a former heavyweight champion, but Shinsuke won't be overwhelmed by Lesnar like some of The Beast's other opponents.
#3 Submissions
How did Brock Lesnar get his first loss in MMA? A submission knee bar by Frank Mir made the Beast Incarnate tap out.
Shinsuke Nakamura knows a plethora of submission holds, like the rolling armbar, triangle choke, forearm choke, keylock, and guillotine choke. If Brock has a weakness, it's the lack of a true submission hold game, and Nakamura can exploit this chink in The Beast's armour.
#2 Striking
Brock Lesnar can throw a mean punch, but he is and remains primarily a grappler at heart. When it comes to striking acumen, Lesnar is light years behind Nakamura.
Well versed in the South American martial art Vale Tudo, Nakamura can strike with any part of his body to devastating effect. If it turns into a slugfest, Nakamura has the advantage.
#1 The love of the people
A famous gladiator once said that it didn't take being the best fighter to be a champion, it took the love of the people. Nakamura certainly has that.
His fans chant along with his violin-heavy theme music and thrill to his theatrical ring entrances. Nakamura is pro wrestling's one true Avante Garde, and the people love him for it. Much more than a simple performer, Nakamura can capture the imagination of the crowd, which is the biggest asset a pro wrestler can have.
