After WWE’s acquisition of AJ Styles and Austin Aries, WWE has now put to rest ongoing rumors and have officially signed Japenese wrestling icon Shinsuke Nakamura to an NXT contract.
WWE NXT General Manager William Regal announced at the recent NXT tapings that the WWE-bound wrestler would make his much-anticipated debut on April 1st at the NXT Takeover: Dallas event that is set to tale place during WrestleMania 32 weekend.
Below is WWE’s official statement:
Shinsuke Nakamura Is Coming to NXT
At Wednesday night’s NXT taping at Full Sail University in Orlando, Fla., a video announcing the impending arrival of the Japanese standout played for the live crowd, sending shockwaves through the arena and, moments later, the social media world.
Nakamura, a 14-year veteran of the squared circle, has been a leading star in the New Japan promotion since 2002. Renowned for his striking and submission ability, as well as his unorthodox charisma, Nakamura’s devastating Bomaye knee strike has felled many opponents and his smash mouth style has earned him the nickname The King of Strong Style. A three-time IWGP Champion — the same once title held by the likes of Vader, The Great Muta and AJ Styles— Nakamura is the youngest competitor to win that championship, capturing it for the first time at 23. He has taken on a who’s who of the best grapplers in the world in his career, facing the likes of Finn Bálor, Kevin Owens, Hideo Itami, WWE Performance Center Head Coach Matt Bloom and The Beast Incarnate himself, Brock Lesnar.
Rumors of Nakamura coming to WWE first started in early January, along with gossip aboutAJ Styles and Bullet Club members Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows returning to America. Reports about Styles became truth during the 2016 Royal Rumble Match when The Phenomenal One entered at No. 3. Now, The King of Strong Style has decreed that he will be stepping between the yellow ropes in the not-so-distant future.
What does Shinsuke Nakamura have planned for NXT and The Superstars of Tomorrow? Find out by tuning into NXT, every Wednesday at 8/7 C, only on WWE Network
Just like the preceding stars that came over – AJ styles and Austin Aries – Nakamura’s WWE signing has been long overdue, yet, as they say, better late than never.
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