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What's the story?
Through the WWE app and social media, the latest tag team (and second of today) was announced by the WWE for the upcoming Mixed Match Challenge. "The Artist" Shinsuke Nakamura will tag with the "Queen Of Black Harts" Natalya.
In case you didn't know...
The WWE Mixed Match Challenge is a single-elimination tournament that pairs a WWE male and female Superstar. This tournament will air on Facebook Watch every Tuesday after SmackDown Live goes off the air starting on January 16th and will last for 12 weeks.
The heart of the matter...
The announcement of Nakamura and Natalya goes along with the previously announced team of Bayley and Elias earlier today. There was a fan vote between Samoa Joe, Elias, and Jason Jordan for Bayley's partner, but due to an injury to Samoa Joe, Elias will enter the tournament.
Check out the official announcement video from the WWE below:
Nakamura and Natalya make up the 10th announced team for the WWE Mixed Match Challenge joining the following teams:
- Alexa Bliss & Braun Strowman
- Charlotte Flair & Bobby Roode
- Sasha Banks & Finn Balor
- Lana & Rusev
- Naomi & Jimmy Uso
- Nia Jax & Apollo Crews
- Asuka & The Miz
- Alicia Fox & Goldust
- Bayley & Elias
Each of the 12 episodes will last approximately 20 minutes with the winning tag team will be awarded $100k for the charity of their choice. The rules will follow typical mixed tag matches in the WWE where the men square off with the men and the women square off with the women.
What's next?
The first episode of the Mixed Match Challenge is just one week away when the series debuts on January 16th on Facebook Watch. You'll be able to watch through your web browser or Facebook app on tablets and smartphones.
Author's take...
On the surface, you may not think much of this team of Nakamura and Natalya; however, this is a pairing of two very accomplished and experienced wrestlers. I wouldn't surprise me to see them advance through a couple of rounds.
I'd go as far as to say if they're able to avoid Asuka and The Miz or Charlotte Flair and Bobby Roode in the bracket, this team could go quite far.
