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What's the story?
As confirmed by WWE's official website earlier today, winner of the 2018 Men's Royal Rumble match Shinsuke "The Artist" Nakamura will go head-to-head against "The Gold Standard" Shelton Benjamin on tonight's episode of SmackDown Live.
In case you didn't know...
Earlier in the year, former two-time NXT Champion Shinsuke Nakamura earned the biggest win of his WWE career when he pulled off a major upset by winning the 2018 Men's Royal Rumble match.
Nakamura, who last eliminated Roman Reigns in the Rumble match, immediately went on to challenge AJ Styles to a match at WrestleMania 34 with the WWE Title on the line, in a rematch from Wrestle Kingdom 10.
The heart of the matter
The Road to WrestleMania 34 has definitely not been easy for "The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura, who following his massive win over Rusev on last week's edition of SmackDown Live, now has the task of besting former WWE Intercontinental Champion Shelton Benjamin on tonight's episode of SD Live.
Having previously faced off against each other in New Japan Pro Wrestling, Nakamura and Benjamin are certainly no strangers to each other inside the squared circle, however, this will be the very first time the two men will square off in a WWE ring.
Benjamin, who previously defeated Nakamura during the 2013 G1 Climax, will look to knock the Japanese superstar down a peg or two before his clash against AJ Styles at 'Mania 34. But, as noted, Nakamura himself has also previously gained a win over Shelton Benjamin back at Wrestling Dontaku 2013 in order to retain the IWGP Intercontinental Championship.
What's next?
Despite all the obstacles in his way, Shinsuke Nakamura's main goal will be to keep his focus towards the WWE Title and AJ Styles at WrestleMania 34 in New Orleans on the 8 April.
Author's take
Nakamura and Benjamin have previously squared off in two absolute classic matches and if given the proper exposure then these two can certainly blow the roof off the building.
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