Edit filter log

'{{Short description|Japenese professional wrestler}} {{Use American English|date=February 2023}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2023}} {{Infobox professional wrestler |name=Shinsuke Nakamura |image=Shinsuke Nakamura 2024 (cropped).jpg |caption=Nakamura in 2024 |names= {{Plainlist| * Banzai<ref>{{Cite web |title=WrestlingData profile |url=https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=515&newsref=33254 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011061914/https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=515&newsref=33254 |archive-date=October 11, 2023 |access-date=October 7, 2023 |website=WrestlingData.com}}</ref> * King Nakamura * Nakamura * '''Shinsuke Nakamura''' }} |height=6 ft 2 in<ref name=WWE>{{Cite web |title=Shinsuke Nakamura |url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/shinsuke-nakamura |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005130514/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/shinsuke-nakamura |archive-date=October 5, 2016 |access-date=January 4, 2016 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref name=NJPW/> |weight=229 lb<ref name=WWE/><ref name=NJPW/> |birth_name=Shinsuke Nakamura |birth_date={{birth date and age|1980|2|24|mf=yes}} |birth_place=[[Kyōtango|Mineyama]], Kyōto<!-- DO NOT LINK, see [[MOS:GEOLINK]] for further guidance -->, Japan<!-- DO NOT LINK, see [[MOS:GEOLINK]] for further guidance --> |spouse={{marriage|Harumi Maekawa<br/>|September 2007}} |billed=[[Kyoto]], Japan |trainer={{Plainlist| * [[Antonio Inoki]]<ref name=Cage/> * [[Inoki Dojo]]<ref name=Cage>{{Cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |title=Cagematch profile |url=http://cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=56 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304184314/http://cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=56 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=December 9, 2009 |website=Cagematch.net}}</ref> * [[Kotetsu Yamamoto]]<ref name=Cage/> * [[Osamu Kido]]<ref name=Cage/> }} |debut=August 29, 2002<ref name=NJPW/><ref name=PuroCentral/> |retired= }} {{nihongo|'''Shinsuke Nakamura'''|中邑 真輔|Nakamura Shinsuke|born February 24, 1980|lead=yes}} is a Japanese [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. He is signed to [[WWE]], where he performs on the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] [[WWE brand extension|brand]]. Nakamura is known for his time in [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW), where he is a former 3-time [[IWGP Heavyweight Champion]], with his first reign coming at the age of 23 years and 9 months; making Nakamura the youngest IWGP Heavyweight Champion. His other accomplishments within the company include winning the [[G1 Climax#2011|2011 G1 Climax]] and the [[New Japan Cup#2014|2014 New Japan Cup]], and being the final [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship (IGF)|IWGP Third Belt Champion]], the final [[NWF Heavyweight Championship|NWF Heavyweight Champion]], and the longest reigning [[IWGP Intercontinental Champion]] for his first reign (he formerly held the record for most reigns at [[List of IWGP Intercontinental Champions|five]]). He is also a founding member and the original leader of the stable [[Chaos (professional wrestling)|Chaos]]. Prior to his main roster debut in WWE, Nakamura competed in the company's [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT]] brand, where he became a two-time [[NXT Champion]]. In January 2018, Nakamura won the [[Royal Rumble (2018)|2018 Men's Royal Rumble match]], and later won the [[WWE United States Championship]] twice. He won the Intercontinental Championship for the first time in 2019 at [[Extreme Rules (2019)|Extreme Rules]], making him the second wrestler (behind [[Chris Jericho]]) to hold both WWE and IWGP Intercontinental Championships. Nakamura is also a former [[WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship|WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champion]] with [[Cesaro (wrestler)|Cesaro]]. From July 2021 to October of the same year, Nakamura dubbed himself '''King Nakamura''' due to being in possession of the [[King of the Ring]] crown, although he never won the tournament, instead defeating reigning King of the Ring [[Baron Corbin]] in a "Battle for the Crown" match. Overall, Nakamura is a five-time world champion in professional wrestling. == Early life == Shinsuke Nakamura was born in [[Kyōtango|Mineyama]], Kyoto<!-- DO NOT LINK, see [[MOS:GEOLINK]] for further guidance -->,<ref name=Purolove>{{Cite web |title=Purolove profile |url=https://www.purolove.com/njpw/profiles/shinsukenakamura.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422102710/https://www.purolove.com/njpw/profiles/shinsukenakamura.php |archive-date=April 22, 2024 |access-date=December 9, 2009 |website=Purolove.com}}</ref> on February 24, 1980.<ref name=NJPW>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/data/detail_profile.php?f=022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130153243/http://www.njpw.co.jp/data/detail_profile.php?f=022|archive-date=January 30, 2016|title=New Japan Pro-Wrestling profile|access-date=December 24, 2010|language=ja|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]}}</ref><ref name=PuroCentral>{{Cite web |title=Puroresu Central profile |url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/nakamura.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909213759/http://www.puroresucentral.com/nakamura.html |archive-date=September 9, 2024 |access-date=December 9, 2009 |website=Puroresu Central}}</ref> As a child, his favorite wrestler was [[Jushin Liger]].<ref name="UpUpDownDown">{{cite web |date=September 19, 2019 |title=UpUpDownDown interview |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTJaZSfJm7I |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/OTJaZSfJm7I |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |access-date=September 20, 2019 |via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> == Professional wrestling career == === New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2002–2016) === ==== Super Rookie (2002–2005) ==== Nakamura joined NJPW in March 2002 and quickly began making a name for himself as a bright prospect for the company.<ref name=PuroCentral/> Having earned the nickname "Super Rookie", Nakamura impressed both NJPW officials and fans with an excellent combination of strength, speed, and technical skill.<ref name=PuroCentral/> Alongside fellow rookies [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]] and [[Katsuyori Shibata]], Nakamura became known as one of the "new [[The Three Musketeers (professional wrestling)|Three Musketeers]]".<ref>{{cite web |last=Rose |first=Bryan |date=July 4, 2015 |title=NJPW on AXS TV report 7-3-15: Katsuyori Shibata vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-axs-tv-report-7-3-15-katsuyori-shibata-vs-hiroshi-tanahashi-152262 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424020648/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/japan/njpw-axs-tv-report-7-3-15-katsuyori-shibata-vs-hiroshi-tanahashi-152262/ |archive-date=April 24, 2023 |access-date=January 4, 2016 |work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Nakamura began training [[vale tudo]] and, on December 31, he made his [[mixed martial arts]] debut, where he was defeated by [[Daniel Gracie]] via submission to an [[armlock]].<ref name=PuroCentral/> Nakamura's second MMA fight took place on May 2, 2003, when he defeated [[Jan Nortje]] with a [[guillotine choke]].<ref name=PuroCentral/> He followed that up on September 13 with another submission victory over Shane Eitner in his third MMA fight.<ref name=Sherdog>{{Cite web |title=Sherdog profile |url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Shinsuke-Nakamura-6361 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601104414/https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Shinsuke-Nakamura-6361 |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |access-date=December 9, 2009 |website=Sherdog.com}}</ref> On December 9, Nakamura defeated [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]] for the [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]], thus becoming the youngest wrestler in history to win the title.<ref name=PuroCentral/> On January 4, 2004, at [[January 4 Tokyo Dome Show#Wrestling World 2004|Wrestling World 2004]], Nakamura successfully defended the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against the [[NWF Heavyweight Champion]] [[Yoshihiro Takayama]] in a title unification match.<ref name=PuroCentral/> However, Nakamura was forced to vacate the title due to an injury just a month later.<ref name=PuroCentral/> Upon his return, Nakamura received a shot at the title at ''Nexess'' on May 3, now held by [[Bob Sapp]], but lost to the defending champion.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wilson |first=Kevin |date=October 19, 2006 |title=New Japan Nexess |url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/NJReview-Nexess04.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226131412/http://www.puroresucentral.com/NJReview-Nexess04.html |archive-date=December 26, 2014 |access-date=September 21, 2015 |work=Puroresu Central}}</ref> Later that month, Nakamura competed in his last MMA fight, defeating [[Alexey Ignashov]] with a forearm choke on May 22.<ref name=Sherdog/> On December 11, Nakamura and his [[tag team]] partner Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated [[Kensuke Sasaki]] and [[Minoru Suzuki]] in a decision match to win the [[IWGP Tag Team Championship]].<ref name=PuroCentral/> On January 4, 2005, at [[January 4 Tokyo Dome Show#Toukon Festival: Wrestling World 2005|Toukon Festival: Wrestling World 2005]], Nakamura defeated his own tag team partner to win the [[IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship]].<ref name=PuroCentral/> During their tag team title reign, the two left for an excursion to Mexico, where they feuded with [[Los Guerreros del Infierno]] and defended the IWGP Tag Team Championship against [[Rey Bucanero]] and [[Olímpico]].<ref name=PuroCentral/> On October 30, they lost the IWGP Tag Team Championship to [[Cho-Ten]] (Hiroyoshi Tenzan and [[Masahiro Chono]]).<ref name=PuroCentral/> ==== Excursion and return (2006–2009) ==== At [[January 4 Tokyo Dome Show#Toukon Shidou Chapter 1|Toukon Shidou Chapter 1]] on January 4, 2006, Nakamura challenged [[Brock Lesnar]] for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, but lost.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Japan Pro Wrestling news – (December 25, 2005 – January 20, 2006) |url=http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1137877436&subaction=list-archive& |archive-url=https://archive.today/20080209134350/http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1137877436&subaction=list-archive& |archive-date=February 9, 2008 |access-date=November 17, 2024 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> In March 2006, Nakamura announced that he would depart on a learning excursion to further improve his wrestling skills.<ref name=PuroCentral/> He would also travel to Mexico, Brazil and Russia and train with Lesnar at Lesnar's personal gym to gain muscle mass. NJPW President Simon Inoki later suggested that as part of his learning excursion, Nakamura would be loaned to [[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) to gain experience in working large American shows.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 18, 2006 |title=中邑、ＷＷＥ"レンタル移籍"か |url=http://www.daily.co.jp/ring/2006/05/18/0000033063.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060626093640/http://www.daily.co.jp/ring/2006/05/18/0000033063.shtml |archive-date=June 26, 2006 |access-date=November 17, 2024 |work=Daily Sports |language=ja}}</ref> However, it was mostly speculation and never came to pass as Nakamura was urgently needed back in New Japan due to Lesnar's departure.<ref name="PuroCentral" /> On September 24, Nakamura made his long-awaited return to New Japan, joining Masahiro Chono's [[Black New Japan]] faction, which had the goal of reforming New Japan with Chono as the president and Nakamura as the "[[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Ace|ace]]".<ref name=PuroCentral/><ref>{{cite web |date=October 29, 2006 |title=(Results) New Japan, 10/29/06 |url=http://www.puroresufan.com/index.php?subaction=showcomments&id=1162120267&archive=&start_from=&ucat=& |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20061119033008/http://www.puroresufan.com/index.php?subaction=showcomments&id=1162120267&archive=&start_from=&ucat=& |archive-date=November 19, 2006 |access-date=May 12, 2011 |work= |publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> Nakamura had greatly improved his muscular mass during his overseas training and also debuted a new finisher, called the Landslide.<ref name=PuroCentral/> On December 10, Nakamura was unable to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship from then-champion Tanahashi and was again unsuccessful on January 4, 2007, at the [[Wrestle Kingdom I|Wrestle Kingdom in Tokyo Dome]] show, where he lost to [[Toshiaki Kawada]].<ref name=PuroCentral/> Nakamura entered the [[G1 Climax#2007|2007 G1 Climax]] tournament, where he reached the semi-finals before dislocating his shoulder.<ref name=PuroCentral/> The injury sidelined Nakamura for months, but he made his return on November 11 and took over the leadership of Black New Japan from Chono and reformed the faction under the new name [[RISE (professional wrestling)|RISE]]. The faction originally consisted of himself, [[Minoru Tanaka (wrestler)|Minoru]], [[Milano Collection A.T.]], [[Hirooki Goto]], [[Matt Bloom|Giant Bernard]], [[Travis Tomko]] and [[Finn Bálor|Prince Devitt]].<ref name=PuroCentral/> [[Low Ki]] was later added to the stable after Milano was injured, having impressed Nakamura during an appearance when he was still with [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling|Impact! Wrestling]] (formerly TNA). On December 9, Nakamura defeated [[Togi Makabe]] to earn an IWGP Heavyweight Championship match at the following month's Tokyo Dome show.<ref name=PuroCentral/> On January 4, 2008, Nakamura defeated his rival Tanahashi in the main event of [[Wrestle Kingdom II in Tokyo Dome]], winning the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the second time.<ref name=PuroCentral/> On February 17, Nakamura defeated [[Kurt Angle]] to win the [[Inoki Genome Federation|IGF]] [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship (IGF)|version]] of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, unifying it with his own NJPW version of the title.<ref name=PuroCentral/> He lost the IWGP Heavyweight Championship to [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW) representative [[Keiji Mutoh]] in [[Osaka]] on April 27.<ref name=PuroCentral/> On September 5, Nakamura and RISE stablemate Hirooki Goto unsuccessfully challenged Togi Makabe and [[Toru Yano]] for the IWGP Tag Team Championship. Immediately after the match, the duo were attacked by Giant Bernard, [[Rick Fuller]] and the returning Low Ki, who had just left RISE to join Makabe's [[Great Bash Heel|GBH]] faction.<ref name=PuroCentral/> On February 15, 2009, Nakamura faced Tanahashi for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, but he failed to regain the title.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 15, 2009 |title=(Results) New Japan, 2/15/09 |url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=413 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421112248/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=413 |archive-date=April 21, 2009 |access-date=April 27, 2010 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> ==== King of Strong Style (2009–2012) ==== {{Main article|Chaos (professional wrestling)}} In April 2009, Nakamura [[Turn (professional wrestling)|turned]] into a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villain]], siding with the former members of GBH (especially Toru Yano) in a [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] against Togi Makabe and [[Tomoaki Honma]]. This new group was soon named [[Chaos (professional wrestling)|Chaos]] with Nakamura as their leader.<ref name=PuroCentral/> Nakamura began to work a much rougher style, using a lot of knees and continuing to use a straight right hand as a frequent move in addition to the ''[[Professional wrestling attacks#Knee strike|Bomaye]]'' (renamed ''Kinshasa'' in WWE), his new [[Finisher (professional wrestling)|finisher]]. It was the ''Bomaye'' that took him to the finals of the [[G1 Climax#2009|2009 G1 Climax]], where he lost to Makabe.<ref name=PuroCentral/> Prior to the final, Nakamura had gone undefeated, winning each match with the ''Bomaye''. The move was also credited for fracturing IWGP Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi's orbital bone in the semi-finals of the G1, which forced Tanahashi to vacate the title later that month.<ref name=PuroCentral/> [[File:Shinsuke Nakamura.jpg|thumb|upright|Nakamura in November 2011]] On September 27, Nakamura avenged his G1 loss and defeated Makabe in a decision match to win the IWGP Heavyweight title for a third time.<ref name=PuroCentral/> Upon winning the title, Nakamura drew the ire of [[Antonio Inoki]] by announcing his plan of wanting to restore the "[[Strong-style|Strong Style]]" of New Japan by capturing the original IWGP Heavyweight Championship belt from Inoki to replace the fourth generation title belt held by Nakamura.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 1, 2009 |title=New Japan vs. IGF imminent?, Liger in NOAH tournament, Tenzan has surgery |url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1052 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227013025/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1052 |archive-date=February 27, 2012 |access-date=April 27, 2010 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> On October 12, Nakamura successfully defended the title against [[Shinjiro Otani]].<ref>{{cite web |date=October 12, 2009 |title=(Results) New Japan, 10/12/09 |url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1074 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227013047/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1074 |archive-date=February 27, 2012 |access-date=April 27, 2010 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> On November 8, at [[Destruction '09]], Nakamura successfully defended the title against previous champion Hiroshi Tanahashi.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 8, 2009 |title=(Results) New Japan, 11/8/09 |url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1146 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227013054/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1146 |archive-date=February 27, 2012 |access-date=April 27, 2010 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> On December 5, Nakamura retained the title by defeating [[Yuji Nagata]].<ref>{{cite web |date=December 5, 2009 |title=(Results) New Japan, 12/5/09 & first 1/4 matches announced! |url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1218 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227012604/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1218 |archive-date=February 27, 2012 |access-date=April 27, 2010 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> On January 4, 2010, at [[Wrestle Kingdom IV in Tokyo Dome]], Nakamura successfully defended the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Yoshihiro Takayama in a rematch of their 2004 Tokyo Dome title unification bout.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 4, 2010 |title=January 4 New Japan Tokyo Dome report - legends, promotional wars |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/11848/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101209/http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/11848/ |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |access-date=January 4, 2010 |work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer]]}}</ref> Nakamura was then challenged by [[Manabu Nakanishi]], whom he would pin on February 14 at New Japan's ISM show in Sumo Hall, making his fifth defense.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 14, 2010 |title=(Results) New Japan, 2/14/10 |url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1401 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227012815/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1401 |archive-date=February 27, 2012 |access-date=March 8, 2010 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> On April 4, Nakamura made his sixth successful title defense against the [[New Japan Cup#2010|2010 New Japan Cup]] winner and former teammate Hirooki Goto and afterwards accepted Togi Makabe's challenge for the title.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 4, 2010 |title=(Results) New Japan, 4/4/10 & Super J Tag Tournament lineup |url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1486 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227012953/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1486 |archive-date=February 27, 2012 |access-date=April 5, 2010 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> On May 3, at [[Wrestling Dontaku 2010]], Nakamura lost the IWGP Heavyweight Championship to Makabe.<ref>{{cite web |author=Flores |first=Manuel |date=May 3, 2010 |title=Jushin Liger, nuevo campeón mundial medio del CMLL – Nakamura pierde el título IWGP |url=http://superluchas.com/jushin-liger-nuevo-campeon-mundial-medio-del-cmll-nakamura-pierde-el-titulo-iwgp/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925231015/http://superluchas.com/jushin-liger-nuevo-campeon-mundial-medio-del-cmll-nakamura-pierde-el-titulo-iwgp/ |archive-date=September 25, 2015 |access-date=May 3, 2010 |publisher=[[Super Luchas]] |language=es}}</ref> Following the loss, Nakamura was sidelined with a shoulder injury until he returned on June 19 at [[Dominion 6.19]], defeating [[Daniel Puder]]. [[Atsushi Sawada]] and Simon Inoki of IGF appeared at the show and seemed to eye up Nakamura after the match.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 17, 2010 |title=Partial 6.19 Osaka card announced; GBH vs. NOAH, Hair vs. Hair, more! |url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1574 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312035933/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1574 |archive-date=March 12, 2012 |access-date=May 21, 2010 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=June 19, 2010 |title=(Results) New Japan "Dominion 6.19" |url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1659 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312040148/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1659 |archive-date=March 12, 2012 |access-date=June 19, 2010 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> On July 19, Nakamura lost to Makabe in a rematch for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 19, 2010 |title=(Results) New Japan, 7/19/10 |url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1785 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312040334/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1785 |archive-date=March 12, 2012 |access-date=July 20, 2010 |work= |publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> The following month, Nakamura entered the [[G1 Climax#2010|2010 G1 Climax]], where he won four out of his seven-round robin stage matches, including one over eventual winner [[Satoshi Kojima]], leading his block heading to the final day, where he wrestled [[Pro Wrestling Noah]]'s [[Go Shiozaki]] to a 30-minute time limit draw and thus missed the finals of the tournament by a single point.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 14, 2010 |title=(Results) New Japan, 8/14/10 |url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1950 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312040632/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1950 |archive-date=March 12, 2012 |access-date=August 15, 2010 |work= |publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=August 15, 2010 |title=(Results) New Japan, 8/15/10 |url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1973 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312040709/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1973 |archive-date=March 12, 2012 |access-date=August 15, 2010 |work= |publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> The draw with Shiozaki led to a no time limit match at a Pro Wrestling Noah show on August 22, where Nakamura was defeated.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 22, 2010 |title=NJ in NOAH results; Kanemoto & Tiger win belts, Nakamura loses |url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312040823/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2007 |archive-date=March 12, 2012 |access-date=August 22, 2010 |work= |publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> Despite losing to Goto in a number one contender's match on October 11, Nakamura was hand-picked by new IWGP Heavyweight Champion Satoshi Kojima as his first challenger.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 12, 2010 |title=Arguments over next challenger, G1 Tag cards |url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2179 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406073028/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2179 |archive-date=April 6, 2019 |access-date=December 11, 2010 |work= |publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> The title match took place on December 11, which Nakamura lost.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 11, 2010 |title=(Results) New Japan, 12/11/10 & Liger wins another title in USA |url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2408 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328193350/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2408 |archive-date=March 28, 2020 |access-date=December 11, 2010 |work= |publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> On January 4, 2011, Nakamura avenged his loss to Go Shiozaki by defeating him in a singles match at [[Wrestle Kingdom V in Tokyo Dome]].<ref>{{cite web |title= |script-title=ja:レッスルキングダムV ｉｎ 東京ドーム |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=132 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322014446/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=132 |archive-date=March 22, 2012 |access-date=January 4, 2011 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> On May 3, Nakamura failed in his attempt to regain the IWGP Heavyweight Championship from Hiroshi Tanahashi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=173|script-title=ja:レスリングどんたく 2011|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=May 3, 2011|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508211138/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=173|archive-date=May 8, 2011}}</ref> From late May to early June, Nakamura worked a tour with Mexican promotion [[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]] (CMLL), whom New Japan had a working agreement with.<ref>{{cite web |author= |date=May 30, 2011 |title=Throwback video: Shinsuke Nakamura in Mexico |url=https://superluchas.com/video-del-recuerdo-shinsuke-nakamura-en-mexico/ |archive-url=https://archive.ph/0yIKa |archive-date=November 17, 2024 |access-date=November 17, 2024 |publisher=[[Super Luchas]] |language=es}}</ref> On August 1, Nakamura entered the [[G1 Climax#2011|2011 G1 Climax]] and after winning seven out of his nine-round robin stage matches finished first in his block to advance to the finals of the tournament. On August 14, Nakamura defeated [[Tetsuya Naito]] to win the 2011 G1 Climax and earn another shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.<ref name="G1Climax2011">{{cite web |date=August 14, 2011 |title=ブシロード Presents G1 Climax XXI ～The Invincible Fighter～ |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=322 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404114310/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=322 |archive-date=April 4, 2012 |access-date=August 14, 2011 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> Nakamura went on to challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship on September 19, but he failed to recapture the title from Tanahashi.<ref>{{cite web |title=G1 Climax Special 2011 |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=394 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720022734/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=394 |archive-date=July 20, 2012 |access-date=September 19, 2011 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> In the [[World Tag League (NJPW)#2011|2011 G1 Tag League]], Nakamura teamed with Toru Yano as the Chaos Top Team, winning all five of their group stage matches, advancing to the semi-finals of the tournament with a clean sheet.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 4, 2011 |title=(Results) New Japan, 11/4/11 |url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=3235 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411072753/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=3235 |archive-date=April 11, 2022 |access-date=November 4, 2011 |work= |publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> On November 6, Nakamura and Yano were eliminated from the tournament in the semi-finals by the team of [[Lance Hoyt|Lance Archer]] and [[Minoru Suzuki]].<ref>{{cite web |title=G1 Tag League 2011 |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=467 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616212812/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=467 |archive-date=June 16, 2012 |access-date=November 6, 2011 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> On January 4, 2012, at [[Wrestle Kingdom VI in Tokyo Dome]], the Chaos Top Team was defeated by Pro Wrestling Noah representatives Go Shiozaki and [[Naomichi Marufuji]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=470|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour. レッスルキングダムVI in 東京ドーム|access-date=January 4, 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108044116/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=470|archive-date=January 8, 2012}}</ref> ==== IWGP Intercontinental Champion (2012–2016) ==== [[File:Shinsuke Nakamura NJPW.JPG|thumb|left|upright|Nakamura in September 2013, during his second reign as the [[IWGP Intercontinental Championship|IWGP Intercontinental Champion]]]] On July 22, Nakamura defeated Hirooki Goto to win the [[IWGP Intercontinental Championship]] for the first time.<ref name=KizunaRoad>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=593|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour Kizuna Road|access-date=July 22, 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730073154/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=593|archive-date=July 30, 2012}}</ref> In August's [[G1 Climax#2012|2012 G1 Climax tournament]], Nakamura wrestled in the same block as fellow Chaos member and recent IWGP Heavyweight Champion [[Kazuchika Okada]]. The two stablemates faced each other on August 5, with Nakamura picking up the win, effectively solidifying his spot as the leader of Chaos.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 5, 2012 |title=カードファイト!! ヴァンガード Presents NJPW 40th anniversary Tour G1 Climax 22 ～The One And Only～ |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=600 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108220204/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=600 |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |access-date=August 12, 2012 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> After four wins and three losses, Nakamura lost to Hiroyoshi Tenzan in the final day of the tournament and was eliminated from the finals, failing to defend his crown.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 12, 2012 |title=カードファイト!! ヴァンガード Presents NJPW 40th anniversary Tour G1 Climax 22 ～The One And Only～ |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=605 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121125041428/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=605 |archive-date=November 25, 2012 |access-date=August 12, 2012 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> On August 26, Nakamura traveled to the United States to make his first successful defense of the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, defeating Oliver John at a Sacramento Wrestling Federation (SWF) event in [[Gridley, California]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Gee Schoon Tong |first=Chris |date=August 27, 2012 |title=8/26 SWF results Northern California: Alex Shelley & A.J. Kirsch challenge for IWGP Jr. Tag Titles, New Japan's IC Title defended, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_64632.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922224305/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_64632.shtml |archive-date=September 22, 2013 |access-date=August 27, 2012 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8055|title=【アメリカ遠征速報!!】中邑がIC王座初防衛!! 新ベルトも披露!! Ａ・シェリーをKushidaが救出!!|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|date=August 28, 2012|access-date=August 28, 2012|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830162744/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8055|archive-date=August 30, 2012}}</ref> The following day, Nakamura threw the [[ceremonial first pitch]] at a [[Major League Baseball]] game between the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] and [[Tampa Bay Rays]] in [[Arlington, Texas]].<ref>{{cite web |date=August 28, 2012 |title= |script-title=ja:アメリカ遠征中の中邑真輔が、テキサス・レンジャーズ公式戦の始球式に登場!! |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8057 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830162755/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8057 |archive-date=August 30, 2012 |access-date=August 29, 2012 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> On October 8, at [[King of Pro-Wrestling (2012)|King of Pro-Wrestling]], Nakamura successfully defended the title in a rematch against Hirooki Goto.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=619|title=NJPW 40ｔｈ anniversary King of Pro-Wrestling|access-date=October 8, 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014185115/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=619|archive-date=October 14, 2012}}</ref> On November 11, at [[Power Struggle (2012)|Power Struggle]], Nakamura made his third successful defense against [[Karl Anderson]].<ref>{{cite web |title=NJPW 40th anniversary Power Struggle |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=625 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130207062542/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=625 |archive-date=February 7, 2013 |access-date=November 11, 2012 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> From November 20 to December 1, Nakamura took part in the round-robin portion of the [[World Tag League (NJPW)#2012|2012 World Tag League]], alongside stablemate [[Tomohiro Ishii]] under the tag team name Chaos Invincible. The team finished with a record of three wins, which included a win over stablemates Kazuchika Okada and [[Nobuo Yoshihashi|Yoshi-Hashi]] as well as three losses, failing to advance from their block.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 16, 2012 |title=11月20日(火)開幕!!『World Tag League 2012』の対戦カード決定!! TDC大会、愛知大会には桜庭＆柴田が特別参戦！ |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8507 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621160048/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8507 |archive-date=June 21, 2013 |access-date=December 1, 2012 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=NJPW 40ｔｈ anniversary Tour World Tag League 2012 |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=649 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621162750/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=649 |archive-date=June 21, 2013 |access-date=December 1, 2012 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> On January 4, 2013, at [[Wrestle Kingdom 7 in Tokyo Dome]], Nakamura defeated [[Kazushi Sakuraba]] for his fourth successful defense of the IWGP Intercontinental Championship.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wrestle Kingdom 7 ～Evolution～ in 東京ドーム |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=657 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012155257/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=657 |archive-date=October 12, 2013 |access-date=January 4, 2013 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> From January 18 to 19, Nakamura took part in the [[Fantastica Mania 2013]] weekend, co-promoted by New Japan and CMLL. In the main event of the second night, Nakamura made his fifth successful defense of the title against [[Andrade Cien Almas|La Sombra]].<ref>{{cite web |title=NJPW Presents CMLL Fantastica Mania 2013 |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=681 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012052644/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=681 |archive-date=October 12, 2013 |access-date=January 19, 2013 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> In early 2013, Nakamura became involved in Chaos' rivalry with New Japan's other top villainous stable, [[Suzuki-gun]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Road to The New Beginning |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=683&c=5116 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511033305/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=683&c=5116 |archive-date=May 11, 2013 |access-date=May 3, 2013 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> At New Japan's 41st anniversary event on March 3, Nakamura defeated Suzuki-gun's Lance Archer for his sixth successful defense.<ref>{{cite web |title= |script-title=ja:旗揚げ記念日 |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=691 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709033133/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=691 |archive-date=July 9, 2013 |access-date=March 3, 2013 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> On April 5, Nakamura and Ishii unsuccessfully challenged [[Killer Elite Squad|KES]] (Archer and [[David Hart Smith|Davey Boy Smith Jr.]]) for the IWGP Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web |title=Road to Invasion Attack |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=705 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628082246/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=705 |archive-date=June 28, 2013 |access-date=April 5, 2013 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> Two days later at [[Invasion Attack (2013)|Invasion Attack]], Nakamura successfully defended the IWGP Intercontinental Championship against Smith, avenging the previous loss from the first round of the New Japan Cup.<ref>{{cite web |title=Invasion Attack |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=706 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003033954/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=706 |archive-date=October 3, 2013 |access-date=April 7, 2013 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> On May 3, at [[Wrestling Dontaku 2013]], Nakamura defeated Suzuki-gun's newest member [[Shelton Benjamin|Shelton X Benjamin]] for his eighth successful defense of the championship.<ref>{{cite web |title= |script-title=ja:レスリングどんたく 2013 |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=708 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622061212/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=708 |archive-date=June 22, 2013 |access-date=May 3, 2013 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> On May 11, Nakamura left for another tour with Mexican promotion CMLL.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 12, 2013 |title= |script-title=ja:中邑強行「メキシコで防衛戦」 |url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/142004/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016044252/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/142004/ |archive-date=October 16, 2013 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |work=[[Tokyo Sports]] |language=ja}}</ref> His first match back in Mexico took place the following day when he teamed with [[El Felino]] and [[Negro Casas]] in a [[six-man tag team]] [[two out of three falls match]] at [[Arena Coliseo]], losing to [[Máscara Dorada]], [[Rush (wrestler)|Rush]] and [[Titán (wrestler)|Titán]].<ref>{{cite web |date=May 13, 2013 |title=イヤァオ！メヒコ！中邑真輔、刺激を求めてCMLL参戦！ |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9503 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013060149/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9503 |archive-date=October 13, 2013 |access-date=May 13, 2013 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> Nakamura quickly started a rivalry with La Sombra and after suffering two [[pin (professional wrestling)|pinfall]] defeats in six-man tag team matches on April 17 and 24 accepted his challenge for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, setting up a Fantastica Mania 2013 rematch between the two.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 20, 2013 |title= |script-title=ja:メヒコで抗争激化！ 中邑真輔選手5月24日（金）アレナメヒコ金曜定期戦試合結果 |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9534 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608041048/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9534 |archive-date=June 8, 2013 |access-date=May 27, 2013 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=May 27, 2013 |title= |script-title=ja:５月３１日メキシコ現地にて、ラ・ソンブラが中邑真輔のインターコンチ王座に再挑戦!! |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9596 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518082606/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9596 |archive-date=May 18, 2015 |access-date=May 27, 2013 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> On May 31, Nakamura lost the IWGP Intercontinental Championship to La Sombra, ending his reign at 313 days and eight successful title defenses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cmll.com/02_resultados/super_viernes/super_viernes_cmll.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525183157/http://www.cmll.com/02_resultados/super_viernes/super_viernes_cmll.htm |title=Resultados Arena México Viernes 31 de Mayo '13 |last=Salazar López |first=Alexis A. |archive-date=May 25, 2013 |date=June 1, 2013 |access-date=June 1, 2013 |work=[[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]] |language=es |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=June 1, 2013 |title= |script-title=ja:ラ・ソンブラが新インターコンチネンタル王者に！ 中邑がメキシコで王座陥落！ |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9633 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104073137/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9633 |archive-date=November 4, 2013 |access-date=June 1, 2013 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> Nakamura wrestled his final match of the tour on June 9, losing to Rush.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cmll.com/02_resultados/dom_coliseo/dom_coliseo.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622080658/http://cmll.com/02_resultados/dom_coliseo/dom_coliseo.htm |title=Resultados Arena Coliseo Domingo 9 de Junio '13 |last=Salazar López |first=Alexis A. |archive-date=June 22, 2013 |date=June 10, 2013 |access-date=June 10, 2013 |work=[[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]] |language=es |url-status=dead }}</ref> Nakamura returned to New Japan on June 22 at [[Dominion 6.22]], where he and Tomohiro Ishii lost to [[Minoru Suzuki]] and Shelton X Benjamin, who [[Pin (professional wrestling)|pinned]] Nakamura for the win.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dominion 6.22 |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=729 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626002935/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=729 |archive-date=June 26, 2014 |access-date=June 22, 2013 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> On July 20, Nakamura regained the IWGP Intercontinental Championship from La Sombra, becoming the first multi-time holder of the title.<ref name="KizunaRoad2013">{{cite web |title=吉野家Presents Kizuna Road 2013 |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=738 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019143723/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=738 |archive-date=October 19, 2013 |access-date=July 20, 2013 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> From August 1 to 11, Nakamura took part in the [[G1 Climax#2013|2013 G1 Climax]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9857 |title=ブ『G1 Climax 23』出場メンバー発表!! 飯伏幸太、石井智宏が初出場!! 柴田勝頼が9年ぶりエントリー!! |date=July 5, 2013 |access-date=August 11, 2013 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706145439/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9857 |archive-date=July 6, 2013 }}</ref> Finishing with a record of five wins and four losses, Nakamura narrowly failed to advance to the finals after losing to Benjamin on the final day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=747 |title=ブシモ Presents G1 Climax 23 |access-date=August 11, 2013 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816170459/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=747 |archive-date=August 16, 2013 }}</ref> On September 29, at [[Destruction (2013)|Destruction]], Nakamura defeated Benjamin to make the first successful defense of his second reign as the IWGP Intercontinental Champion.<ref>{{cite web |title=Destruction |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=759 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104030855/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=759 |archive-date=November 4, 2013 |access-date=September 29, 2013 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> His second successful defense took place on October 14 at [[King of Pro-Wrestling (2013)|King of Pro-Wrestling]], when he defeated Pro Wrestling Noah representative Naomichi Marufuji.<ref>{{cite web |title=King of Pro-Wrestling |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=762 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116235948/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=762 |archive-date=November 16, 2013 |access-date=October 14, 2013 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> On November 9, at [[Power Struggle (2013)|Power Struggle]], Nakamura made his third successful title defense against Minoru Suzuki in a match which had the added stipulation that Nakamura would have had to join Suzuki-gun had he lost the title. Post-match, Nakamura nominated Hiroshi Tanahashi as his next challenger, setting up the first title match between the two longtime rivals in over two years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Power Struggle |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=772 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019171601/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=772 |archive-date=October 19, 2013 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> From November 23 to December 7, Nakamura and Ishii took part in the [[World Tag League (NJPW)#2013|2013 World Tag League]], where they finished with a record of three wins and three losses, with a loss against Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma on the final day costing them a spot in the semi-finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=792 |title=World Tag League 2013 |access-date=December 7, 2013 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212005338/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=792 |archive-date=December 12, 2013 }}</ref> [[File:Shinsuke Nakamura at BCW East Meets West.jpg|thumb|left|Nakamura as the [[IWGP Intercontinental Championship|IWGP Intercontinental Champion]] in May 2014]] On January 4, 2014, Nakamura lost the IWGP Intercontinental Championship to Tanahashi in the main event of [[Wrestle Kingdom 8 in Tokyo Dome]],<ref>{{cite web |title=バディファイトPresents Wrestle Kingdom 8 in 東京ドーム |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=781 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006092712/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=781 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |access-date=January 4, 2014 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> and lost a rematch on February 9 at [[The New Beginning in Hiroshima]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The New Beginning in Hiroshima |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=810 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140609022010/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=810 |archive-date=June 9, 2014 |access-date=February 9, 2014 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> In March, Nakamura took part in the [[New Japan Cup#2014|2014 New Japan Cup]], which he won, defeating [[Fale Simitaitoko|Bad Luck Fale]] in the finals on March 23 and challenging Tanahashi to another rematch for the title.<ref name=NJC2014>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=821 |title=New Japan Cup 2014 |access-date=March 23, 2014 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323135538/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=821 |archive-date=March 23, 2014 }}</ref> On April 6, at [[Invasion Attack 2014]], Nakamura defeated Tanahashi to win the IWGP Intercontinental Championship for the third time.<ref name="InvasionAttack2014">{{cite web |title=Invasion Attack 2014 |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=827 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006093831/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=827 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |access-date=April 6, 2014 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> The following month, Nakamura took part in NJPW's North American tour, defeating [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) wrestler [[Kevin Owens|Kevin Steen]] in an interpromotional match on May 17 at [[War of the Worlds (2014 wrestling)|War of the Worlds]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=May 17, 2014 |title=Caldwell's ROH iPPV results 5/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of War of the Worlds - ROH Title & IWGP Title main events, new ROH tag champs, Steen vs. Nakamura, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_78455.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006100109/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_78455.shtml |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |access-date=May 17, 2014 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref> On May 25, at [[Back to the Yokohama Arena]], Nakamura made the first successful defense of his third reign as the IWGP Intercontinental Champion against Daniel Gracie.<ref>{{cite web |title=Back to the Yokohama Arena |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=842 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006071830/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=842 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |access-date=May 25, 2014 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=Japanese}}</ref> On June 21, at [[Dominion 6.21]], Nakamura lost the title to Bad Luck Fale in his second defense.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=853 |title=Dominion 6.21 |access-date=June 21, 2014 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140624013755/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=853 |archive-date=June 24, 2014 }}</ref> In the [[G1 Climax#2014|2014 G1 Climax]], Nakamura won his block with eight wins and two losses, advancing to the finals on August 10,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=871 |title=バディファイトPresents G1 Climax 24 |access-date=August 8, 2014 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808093933/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=871 |archive-date=August 8, 2014 }}</ref> where he lost to Chaos stablemate Kazuchika Okada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=872 |title=バディファイトPresents G1 Climax 24 |access-date=August 10, 2014 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812223238/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=872 |archive-date=August 12, 2014 }}</ref> On September 21, at [[Destruction in Kobe (2014)|Destruction in Kobe]], Nakamura regained the IWGP Intercontinental Championship from Bad Luck Fale.<ref name="DestructioninKobe">{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=886 |title=Destruction in Kobe |access-date=September 21, 2014 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924040927/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=886 |archive-date=September 24, 2014 }}</ref> He made his first successful title defense on November 8 at [[Power Struggle (2014)|Power Struggle]] against Katsuyori Shibata.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=898 |title=Power Struggle |access-date=November 8, 2014 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111183551/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=898 |archive-date=November 11, 2014 }}</ref> From November 23 to December 5, Nakamura took part in the [[World Tag League (NJPW)#2014|2014 World Tag League]] alongside Tomohiro Ishii.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=12707 |title=『World Tag League 2014』出場チーム＆公式戦が決定！ 棚橋はヨシタツとタッグ結成！ 桜庭、AJ、柴田、ROH、NWAも参戦! |date=November 11, 2014 |access-date=December 5, 2014 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112222204/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=12707 |archive-date=November 12, 2014 }}</ref> The team finished second in their block with a record of four wins and three losses, narrowly missing the finals of the tournament due to losing to Hirooki Goto and Katsuyori Shibata on the final day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=912 |title=World Tag League 2014 |access-date=December 5, 2014 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210130824/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=912 |archive-date=December 10, 2014 }}</ref> On January 4, 2015, at [[Wrestle Kingdom 9|Wrestle Kingdom 9 in Tokyo Dome]], Nakamura made his second successful defense of the IWGP Intercontinental Championship against [[Kota Ibushi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=902 |title=Wrestle Kingdom 9 in 東京ドーム |access-date=January 4, 2015 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104154549/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=902 |archive-date=January 4, 2015 }}</ref> His third defense took place on February 14 at [[The New Beginning in Sendai]], where Nakamura defeated Yuji Nagata.<ref>{{cite web |title=The New Beginning in Sendai |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=935 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626130650/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=935 |archive-date=June 26, 2015 |access-date=February 14, 2015 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> On May 3, Nakamura's fourth title reign ended after losing to Goto at [[Wrestling Dontaku 2015]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=968 |title=レスリングどんたく 2015 |access-date=May 3, 2015 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504225146/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=968 |archive-date=May 4, 2015 }}</ref> and he lost his rematch for the title on July 5 at [[Dominion 7.5 in Osaka-jo Hall]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=990 |title=Dominion 7.5 in Osaka-jo Hall |access-date=July 5, 2015 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706044456/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=990 |archive-date=July 6, 2015 }}</ref> From July 23 to August 15, Nakamura took part in the round-robin stage of the [[G1 Climax#2015|2015 G1 Climax]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/80-features-and-tv-reviews/43611-the-big-audio-nightmares-guide-to-the-annual-new-japan-g1-climax|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722020322/http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/80-features-and-tv-reviews/43611-the-big-audio-nightmares-guide-to-the-annual-new-japan-g1-climax|archive-date=July 22, 2015|title=The Big Audio Nightmare's Guide to the annual New Japan G1 Climax|last=Sempervive|first=Mike|date=July 18, 2015|access-date=August 14, 2015|work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Despite missing one match due to an elbow injury,<ref>{{cite web |date=July 28, 2015 |title=【G125】【お詫びとお知らせ】7月28日（火）大分・別府大会を中邑真輔選手が欠場、エルガン選手とのリーグ戦は不戦敗に |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=14538 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151103104841/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=14538 |archive-date=November 3, 2015 |access-date=August 15, 2015 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> Nakamura won his block and advanced to the finals by defeating reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion and Chaos stablemate Kazuchika Okada in his last round-robin match, giving him a record of seven wins and two losses.<ref>{{cite web |title=バディファイトPresents G1 Climax 25 |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825040125/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1010 |archive-date=August 25, 2015 |access-date=August 14, 2015 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> On August 16, Nakamura was defeated in the finals of the tournament by Hiroshi Tanahashi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1012 |title=バディファイトPresents G1 Climax 25 |access-date=August 16, 2015 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150818150147/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1012 |archive-date=August 18, 2015 }}</ref> On September 27, at [[Destruction in Kobe (2015)|Destruction in Kobe]], Nakamura defeated Hirooki Goto to win the IWGP Intercontinental Championship for the fifth time; this would remain the record for most reigns until [[Tetsuya Naito]] became a six-time champion in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 27, 2015 |title=Show results - 9/27 NJPW "Destruction in Kobe" Event: Major title change in the main event, ReDragon vs. Time Splitters, A.J. Styles's Bullet Club in action, more big matches |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_87726.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011165903/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_87726.shtml |archive-date=October 11, 2015 |access-date=September 27, 2015 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref> He made his first successful title defense on November 7 at [[Power Struggle (2015)|Power Struggle]] against Karl Anderson.<ref>{{cite web |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=November 6, 2015 |title=NJPW Power Struggle live results 2015: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Karl Anderson for IC title |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-power-struggle-live-results-2015-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-karl-anderson-ic-title-201186 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117032505/http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-power-struggle-live-results-2015-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-karl-anderson-ic-title-201186 |archive-date=November 17, 2015 |access-date=November 7, 2015 |work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> He made his second successful defense on January 4, 2016, by defeating [[A.J. Styles]] at [[Wrestle Kingdom 10 in Tokyo Dome]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=January 3, 2016 |title=Wrestle Kingdom 10 live results: Kazuchika Okada vs Hiroshi Tanahashi |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/wrestle-kingdom-10-live-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-hiroshi-tanahashi-204791 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160620030241/http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/wrestle-kingdom-10-live-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-hiroshi-tanahashi-204791 |archive-date=June 20, 2016 |access-date=January 4, 2016 |work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Hours after the event, it was reported that Nakamura had given his notice to NJPW on the morning of January 4, announcing that he was leaving the promotion for WWE.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rose |first=Bryan |date=January 4, 2016 |title=NJPW stars Nakamura, AJ Styles, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson headed to WWE |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/njpw-stars-nakamura-aj-styles-luke-gallows-and-karl-anderson-headed-wwe-204971 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160714042531/http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/njpw-stars-nakamura-aj-styles-luke-gallows-and-karl-anderson-headed-wwe-204971 |archive-date=July 14, 2016 |access-date=January 4, 2016 |work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Nakamura remained under NJPW contract and was expected to finish off his contracted dates with the promotion before leaving.<ref>{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=January 5, 2016 |title=Bullet Club/Nakamura-WWE update |url=http://pwinsider.com/article/98824/bullet-clubnakamurawwe-update.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310191538/http://pwinsider.com/article/98824/bullet-clubnakamurawwe-update.html |archive-date=March 10, 2016 |access-date=January 6, 2016 |work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=January 5, 2016 |title=Daily Update: Styles, Nakamura, Bullet Club to WWE, Rousey to host SNL |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/daily-update-styles-nakamura-bullet-club-wwe-rousey-host-snl-204986 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230814192258/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/daily-updates/daily-update-styles-nakamura-bullet-club-wwe-rousey-host-snl-204986/ |archive-date=August 14, 2023 |access-date=January 6, 2016 |work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> On January 12, NJPW confirmed Nakamura's upcoming departure, announcing he would also be stripped of the IWGP Intercontinental Championship.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 12, 2016 |title= |script-title=ja:中邑真輔選手、退団のお知らせ |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=15657 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203182739/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=15657 |archive-date=February 3, 2016 |access-date=January 12, 2016 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> Nakamura handed in the title on January 25, officially ending his fifth reign.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 25, 2016 |title= |script-title=ja:中邑が新日退団会見「新たな刺激、環境、舞台を求めて挑戦し続ける」 |url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/498568/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130071659/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/498568/ |archive-date=January 30, 2016 |access-date=January 25, 2016 |work=[[Tokyo Sports]] |language=ja}}</ref> Nakamura wrestled his last match under his NJPW contract on January 30, where he, Kazuchika Okada and Tomohiro Ishii defeated Hirooki Goto, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Katsuyori Shibata.<ref>{{cite web |title=Road to the New Beginning |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1081 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724081256/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1081 |archive-date=July 24, 2016 |access-date=January 30, 2016 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> Before Nakamura's departure from NJPW, ROH had announced that he would be appearing at their [[ROH 14th Anniversary Show|14th Anniversary Show]] in [[Las Vegas]] as part of ROH's cross-promotion deal with NJPW, but ROH was forced to pull him from the event due to Nakamura signing an exclusive WWE contract.<ref>{{cite web |date= |title=Nakamura out for Vegas |url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/nakamura-out-vegas |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306112148/http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/nakamura-out-vegas |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |access-date=May 21, 2016 |work=[[Ring of Honor]]}}</ref> === Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2008) === On January 28, 2008, Nakamura defeated [[Elix Skipper]] in a match taped for ''[[Impact Xplosion|TNA Xplosion]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shinsuke Nakamura vs Elix Skipper - TNA Xplosion - January 28, 2008 |url=https://www.fite.tv/video/shinsuke-nakamura-vs-elix-skipper-xp/2ox8m/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715090604/https://www.fite.tv/video/shinsuke-nakamura-vs-elix-skipper-xp/2ox8m/ |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |access-date=January 19, 2020 |work=[[Impact Wrestling]] on [[FITE TV]]}}</ref> === WWE (2016–present) === ==== NXT Champion (2016–2017) ==== [[File:2016-04-01 22-13-16 ILCE-6000 6588 DxO (26500431824).jpg|thumb|right|Nakamura and [[Sami Zayn]] after their match at [[NXT TakeOver: Dallas]]]] On January 6, 2016, Nakamura confirmed in an interview with ''[[Tokyo Sports]]'' that he would be leaving NJPW at the end of the month and signing with [[WWE]].<ref>{{cite web |date=January 7, 2016 |title= |script-title=ja:インターコンチ王者・中邑が新日プロ退団！WWE入り |url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/491361/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309111142/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/491361/ |archive-date=March 9, 2016 |access-date=January 7, 2016 |work=[[Tokyo Sports]] |language=ja}}</ref> On January 27, WWE officially announced that Nakamura would be taking part in the [[NXT TakeOver: Dallas]] event.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Melok |first1=Bobby |date=January 27, 2016 |title=Shinsuke Nakamura is coming to NXT |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/shinsuke-nakamura-coming-to-nxt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308081021/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/shinsuke-nakamura-coming-to-nxt |archive-date=March 8, 2016 |access-date=January 27, 2016 |work= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On January 31, Nakamura was confirmed to have finished his NJPW commitments and was said to be reporting to the [[WWE Performance Center]] for training and handling logistical matters regarding his move to the company.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Mike |date=January 31, 2016 |title=Shinsuke Nakamura-WWE update |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/99416/shinsuke-nakamurawwe-update.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618130034/http://www.pwinsider.com/article/99416/shinsuke-nakamurawwe-update.html |archive-date=June 18, 2016 |access-date=February 1, 2016 |work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> On February 2, Nakamura arrived in [[Pittsburgh|Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]] to undergo pre-contract signing medical tests.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 4, 2016 |title= |script-title=ja:中邑が初激白した「WWE挑戦の目的」 |url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/502246/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207212708/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/502246/ |archive-date=February 7, 2016 |access-date=February 6, 2016 |work=[[Tokyo Sports]] |language=ja}}</ref> On February 22, WWE held a press conference in Tokyo, Japan to officially announce the signing of Nakamura to [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Melok |first1=Bobby |date=February 21, 2016 |title=Shinsuke Nakamura signs with WWE NXT |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/article/shinsuke-nakamura-signs-wwe-nxt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003151215/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/article/shinsuke-nakamura-signs-wwe-nxt |archive-date=October 3, 2016 |access-date=February 21, 2016 |work= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=February 21, 2016 |title=WWE/Nakamura press conference; Ibushi announcement; NJPW Cup Tournament |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/wwenakamura-press-conference-ibushi-announcement-njpw-cup-tournament-208011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703070712/http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/wwenakamura-press-conference-ibushi-announcement-njpw-cup-tournament-208011 |archive-date=July 3, 2016 |access-date=February 22, 2016 |work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> On April 1, Nakamura defeated [[Sami Zayn]] in his debut match at NXT TakeOver: Dallas in a critically acclaimed match.<ref>{{cite web |last=Clapp |first=John |date=April 1, 2016 |title=Shinsuke Nakamura def. Sami Zayn |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/nxt-takeover-dallas-2016-04-01/article/sami-zayn-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508010342/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/nxt-takeover-dallas-2016-04-01/article/sami-zayn-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-date=May 8, 2016 |access-date=April 1, 2016 |work= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the April 13 episode of ''[[WWE NXT (TV series)|NXT]]'', Nakamura defeated [[Tye Dillinger]] in his NXT television debut.<ref>{{cite web |last=James |first=Justin |date=April 14, 2016 |title=4/13 WWE NXT Results – James's Report on Shinsuke Nakamura Wed. Night debut, Austin Aries, Gargano & Ciampa, Bayley post-title loss, Tessa Blanchard, more |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/13/413-wwe-nxt-results-jamess-report-shinsuke-nakamura-wed-night-debut-austin-aries-gargano-ciampa-bayley-post-title-loss-tessa-blanchard/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807133402/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/13/413-wwe-nxt-results-jamess-report-shinsuke-nakamura-wed-night-debut-austin-aries-gargano-ciampa-bayley-post-title-loss-tessa-blanchard/ |archive-date=August 7, 2016 |access-date=June 3, 2016 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref> On the May 25 episode of ''NXT'', [[Austin Aries]] declared his intention to become the next [[NXT Championship|NXT Champion]], prompting a response from Nakamura, and NXT general manager [[William Regal]] scheduled a match between the two on June 8 at [[NXT TakeOver: The End]],<ref>{{cite web |last=James |first=Justin |date=May 25, 2016 |title=5/25 WWE NXT Results – James's Report on Aries-Nakamura promo, #1 contender Women's main event, TMDK vs. Gargano & Ciampa, more |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/25/525-wwe-nxt-results-jamess-report-aries-nakamura-promo-1-contender-womens-main-event-tmdk-vs-gargano-ciampa/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727193140/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/25/525-wwe-nxt-results-jamess-report-aries-nakamura-promo-1-contender-womens-main-event-tmdk-vs-gargano-ciampa/ |archive-date=July 27, 2016 |access-date=May 25, 2016 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref> which Nakamura won.<ref>{{cite web |last=Melok |first=Bobby |date=June 8, 2016 |title=Shinsuke Nakamura def. Austin Aries |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/nxt-takeover-end-2016-06-08/article/shinsuke-nakamura-austin-aries-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612100331/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/nxt-takeover-end-2016-06-08/article/shinsuke-nakamura-austin-aries-results |archive-date=June 12, 2016 |access-date=November 17, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the June 15 episode of ''NXT'', Nakamura challenged former NXT Champion [[Finn Bálor]] to a match that was accepted and won by Nakamura on the July 13 episode of ''NXT''.<ref>{{cite web |last=James |first=Justin |date=June 16, 2016 |title=6/15 WWE NXT TV Results – James's Report on "Takeover" fall-out, Balor-Nakamura set-up, TM61, Ellering, Blanchard, more |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/15/615-wwe-nxt-tv-results-jamess-report-takeover-fall-balor-nakamura-set-tm61-ellering-blanchard/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619173257/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/15/615-wwe-nxt-tv-results-jamess-report-takeover-fall-balor-nakamura-set-tm61-ellering-blanchard/ |archive-date=June 19, 2016 |access-date=November 20, 2016 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=James |first=Justin |date=July 14, 2016 |title=7/13 WWE NXT TV Results – James's Report on Balor vs. Nakumara: The Match |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/13/713-wwe-nxt-results-jamess-report-balor-vs-nakumara-match/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720010619/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/13/713-wwe-nxt-results-jamess-report-balor-vs-nakumara-match/ |archive-date=July 20, 2016 |access-date=November 20, 2016 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref> At [[NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II]] on August 20, Nakamura defeated [[Samoa Joe]] to win his first NXT Championship.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Melok |first1=Bobby |date=August 20, 2016 |title=Shinsuke Nakamura def. NXT Champion Samoa Joe |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/nxt-takeover-brooklyn-ii/article/samoa-joe-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823123143/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/nxt-takeover-brooklyn-ii/article/samoa-joe-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-date=August 23, 2016 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |work= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On November 19, at [[NXT TakeOver: Toronto (2016)|NXT TakeOver: Toronto]], Nakamura lost the title to Joe in his first defense, marking his first televised loss in NXT.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pappolla |first=Ryan |date=November 19, 2016 |title=Samoa Joe def. Shinsuke Nakamura to win the NXT Championship |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/nxt-takeover-toronto-2016-11-19/article/samoa-joe-def-shinsuke-nakamura-nxt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122063814/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/nxt-takeover-toronto-2016-11-19/article/samoa-joe-def-shinsuke-nakamura-nxt |archive-date=November 22, 2016 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |work= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the December 28 episode of ''NXT'' from Osaka, Japan, Nakamura would regain the NXT Championship from Joe.<ref>{{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Scott |date=December 7, 2016 |title=Shinsuke Nakamura def. Samoa Joe to win the NXT Championship |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2016-12-07/article/shinsuke-nakamura-def-samoa-joe-to-win-the-nxt-championship |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306040044/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2016-12-07/article/shinsuke-nakamura-def-samoa-joe-to-win-the-nxt-championship |archive-date=March 6, 2017 |access-date=March 5, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the January 4, 2017, episode of ''NXT'', he successfully defended the championship against Joe in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Steel cages|steel cage match]], ending their feud.<ref>{{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Scott |date=January 4, 2017 |title=NXT Champion Shinsuke Nakamura def. Samoa Joe (Steel Cage Match) |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2016-12-14/article/nxt-champion-shinsuke-nakamura-def-samoa-joe-steel-cage-match |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211170554/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2016-12-14/article/nxt-champion-shinsuke-nakamura-def-samoa-joe-steel-cage-match |archive-date=February 11, 2017 |access-date=March 5, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[NXT TakeOver: San Antonio]] on January 28, Nakamura lost the NXT Championship to [[Bobby Roode]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Pappolla |first=Ryan |date=January 28, 2017 |title=Bobby Roode def. Shinsuke Nakamura to win the NXT Championship |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/nxt-takeover-san-antonio-2017-01-28/article/bobby-roode-def-shinsuke-nakamura |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129112834/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/nxt-takeover-san-antonio-2017-01-28/article/bobby-roode-def-shinsuke-nakamura |archive-date=January 29, 2017 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |work= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> In his return match on March 8, Nakamura defeated [[T. J. Perkins]] and was put into a rematch to face Roode for the NXT Championship at [[NXT TakeOver: Orlando]] on April 1,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coyle |first=Sean |date=March 9, 2017 |title=Nakamura returns, will challenge for NXT championship at TakeOver: Orlando |url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/18862099/wwe-nxt-shinsuke-nakamura-returns-challenge-nxt-championship-takeover-orlando |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323014058/https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/18862099/wwe-nxt-shinsuke-nakamura-returns-challenge-nxt-championship-takeover-orlando |archive-date=March 23, 2017 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=[[ESPN]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Coyle |first=Sean |date=March 16, 2017 |title=Bobby Roode edges past Kassius Ohno to retain NXT title, gets Shinsuke Nakamura in Orlando |url=http://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/18922602/wwe-nxt-bobby-roode-kassius-ohno-throw-main-event-roode-advances-face-shinsuke-nakamura-nxt-takeover-orlando |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330051125/http://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/18922602/wwe-nxt-bobby-roode-kassius-ohno-throw-main-event-roode-advances-face-shinsuke-nakamura-nxt-takeover-orlando |archive-date=March 30, 2017 |access-date=March 19, 2017 |website=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> but he was unsuccessful in reclaiming the championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=April 1, 2017 |title=NXT Champion Bobby Roode def. Shinsuke Nakamura |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/nxt-takeover-orlando-2017-04-01/article/bobby-roode-def-shinsuke-nakamura |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404223438/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/nxt-takeover-orlando-2017-04-01/article/bobby-roode-def-shinsuke-nakamura |archive-date=April 4, 2017 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the April 12 episode of ''NXT'', Nakamura made his final NXT appearance, bidding farewell to the [[Full Sail University]] crowd.<ref>{{cite web |last=Clapp |first=John |date=April 12, 2017 |title=Shinsuke Nakamura bid farewell to NXT |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2017-04-12/article/shinsuke-nakamura-bid-farewell |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519023312/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2017-04-12/article/shinsuke-nakamura-bid-farewell |archive-date=May 19, 2017 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |work= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> ==== WWE Championship pursuits (2017–2018) ==== On the April 4 episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown Live]]'', Nakamura made his main roster debut, interrupting [[The Miz]] and [[Maryse Ouellet|Maryse]] following their promo mocking [[John Cena]] and [[Nikki Bella]]. However, a feud never materialized as Miz and Maryse would move to [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] in the [[2017 Superstar Shakeup|Superstar Shakeup]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=April 4, 2017 |title=Keller's WWE Smackdown Report 4/4: WrestleMania 33 fallout including celebration interview with Orton, rematches, Miz & Maryse, and some NXT call-ups! |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/04/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-44-wrestlemania-33-fallout-including-celebration-interview-orton-rematches-miz-maryse-call-cena-nikki/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407213014/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/04/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-44-wrestlemania-33-fallout-including-celebration-interview-orton-rematches-miz-maryse-call-cena-nikki/ |archive-date=April 7, 2017 |access-date=April 5, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref> He would eventually have his first feud with [[Dolph Ziggler]], culminating in a match at [[Backlash (2017)|Backlash]] on May 21, where Nakamura won in his main roster in-ring debut.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=May 21, 2017 |title=Shinsuke Nakamura def. Dolph Ziggler |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2017/shinsuke-nakamura-dolph-ziggler-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525165641/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2017/shinsuke-nakamura-dolph-ziggler-results |archive-date=May 25, 2017 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Nakamura was then announced as a competitor in the [[Money in the Bank ladder match]] at [[Money in the Bank (2017)|Money in the Bank]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=May 23, 2017 |title=United States Champion Kevin Owens, AJ Styles, Baron Corbin, Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler and Shinsuke Nakamura (Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match) |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2017/money-in-the-bank-ladder-match |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811035501/http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2017/money-in-the-bank-ladder-match |archive-date=August 11, 2017 |access-date=May 23, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At the event on June 18, while Nakamura made his entrance, [[Baron Corbin]] attacked him with both a ladder and a camera. He was checked on by medical staff and carried out of the arena, but he later returned during the match and attacked all other participants, only to lose the match as Corbin retrieved the briefcase.<ref>{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=June 18, 2017 |title=Baron Corbin wins the 2017 Money in the Bank contract |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2017/money-in-the-bank-ladder-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206005317/https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2017/money-in-the-bank-ladder-match-results |archive-date=February 6, 2018 |access-date=June 18, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[Battleground (2017)|Battleground]] on July 23, Nakamura defeated Corbin by disqualification after Corbin attacked him with a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Low blow|low blow]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=July 23, 2017 |title=Shinsuke Nakamura def. Baron Corbin via Disqualification |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2017/shinsuke-nakamura-baron-corbin-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730162717/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2017/shinsuke-nakamura-baron-corbin-results |archive-date=July 30, 2017 |access-date=July 23, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Two nights later on ''SmackDown Live'', Nakamura defeated Corbin in a rematch, ending their feud.<ref>{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=July 25, 2017 |title=Keller's WWE Smackdown Report 7/25: Surprise return, Owens gloats and Styles wants rematch, Nakamura vs. Corbin |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/07/25/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-725-surprise-return-owens-gloats-styles-wants-rematch-nakamura-vs-corbin/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730025342/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/07/25/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-725-surprise-return-owens-gloats-styles-wants-rematch-nakamura-vs-corbin/ |archive-date=July 30, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref> On the August 1 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Nakamura defeated [[John Cena]] to earn a [[WWE Championship]] match against [[Jinder Mahal]] on August 20 at [[SummerSlam (2017)|SummerSlam]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=August 1, 2017 |title=Keller's WWE Smackdown Report 8/1: John Cena vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a first-time dream match, Owens challenges Styles for U.S. Title |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/01/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-81-john-cena-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-first-time-dream-match-owens-challenges-styles-u-s-title/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812000319/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/01/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-81-john-cena-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-first-time-dream-match-owens-challenges-styles-u-s-title/ |archive-date=August 12, 2017 |access-date=August 1, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=August 1, 2017 |title=WWE Champion Jinder Mahal vs. Shinsuke Nakamura |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2017/jinder-mahal-shinsuke-nakamura |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821002853/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2017/jinder-mahal-shinsuke-nakamura |archive-date=August 21, 2017 |access-date=August 1, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> which he lost after interference from [[The Singh Brothers]], marking his first pinfall loss on the main roster.<ref>{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=August 20, 2017 |title=WWE Champion Jinder Mahal def. Shinsuke Nakamura |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2017/jinder-mahal-shinsuke-nakamura-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824210922/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2017/jinder-mahal-shinsuke-nakamura-match-results |archive-date=August 24, 2017 |access-date=August 21, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Nakamura defeated [[Randy Orton]] on the September 5 episode of ''SmackDown Live'' to earn a rematch for the WWE Championship at [[Hell in a Cell (2017)|Hell in a Cell]] on October 8,<ref>{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=September 5, 2017 |title=Keller's WWE Smackdown Report 9/5: Nakamura vs. Orton to earn WWE Title match at Hell in a Cell, Carmella vs. Natalya, big Shane-Owens angle |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/09/05/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-95-nakamura-vs-orton-earn-wwe-title-match-hell-cell-carmella-vs-natalya-big-shane-owens-angle/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906091138/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/09/05/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-95-nakamura-vs-orton-earn-wwe-title-match-hell-cell-carmella-vs-natalya-big-shane-owens-angle/ |archive-date=September 6, 2017 |access-date=September 5, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Melok |first=Bobby |date=September 5, 2017 |title=WWE Champion Jinder Mahal vs. Shinsuke Nakamura |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2017/jinder-mahal-shinsuke-nakamura |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010101546/http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2017/jinder-mahal-shinsuke-nakamura |archive-date=October 10, 2017 |access-date=September 5, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> but was again defeated.<ref>{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=October 8, 2017 |title=WWE Champion Jinder Mahal def. Shinsuke Nakamura |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2017/jinder-mahal-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025154510/http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2017/jinder-mahal-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-date=October 25, 2017 |access-date=October 8, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On November 19, at [[Survivor Series (2017)|Survivor Series]], Nakamura competed as part of Team SmackDown in the [[Survivor Series (2017)#Survivor Series elimination matches|5-on-5 Survivor Series elimination match]], but was the first man eliminated by [[Braun Strowman]], and his team lost to [[Raw (WWE brand)|Team Raw]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Wortman |first=James |date=November 19, 2017 |title=Team Raw def. Team SmackDown in a Men's 5-on-5 Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Tag Team Match |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2017/men-5-on-5-traditional-survivor-series-elimination-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222233632/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2017/men-5-on-5-traditional-survivor-series-elimination-match-results |archive-date=December 22, 2017 |access-date=November 19, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[Clash of Champions (2017)|Clash of Champions]] on December 17, Nakamura and Orton lost to [[Kevin Owens]] and Sami Zayn, who retained their jobs with [[Bryan Danielson|Daniel Bryan]] and [[Shane McMahon]] serving as special guest referees.<ref>{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=December 17, 2017 |title=Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn def. Shinsuke Nakamura & Randy Orton |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/2017/randy-orton-shinsuke-nakamura-kevin-owens-sami-zayn-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228194649/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/2017/randy-orton-shinsuke-nakamura-kevin-owens-sami-zayn-results |archive-date=December 28, 2017 |access-date=December 17, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> [[File:Nakamura attacks Styles WM34 crop.jpg|thumb|Nakamura attacking Styles after their match at [[WrestleMania 34]]]] At the [[Royal Rumble (2018)|Royal Rumble]] on January 28, 2018, Nakamura entered the [[Royal Rumble match]] at number 14, which he won after last eliminating [[Roman Reigns]].<ref name=2018RoyalRumble>{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=January 28, 2018 |title=Shinsuke Nakamura won the 2018 Men's Royal Rumble Match |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2018/30-man-royal-rumble-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208131744/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2018/30-man-royal-rumble-match-results |archive-date=February 8, 2018 |access-date=January 28, 2018 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Immediately afterwards, Nakamura announced that he would challenge [[AJ Styles]] for the WWE Championship at [[WrestleMania 34]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=January 29, 2018 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-34/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201085833/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-34/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |access-date=January 29, 2018 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At the event on April 8, Nakamura lost to Styles; after the match, Nakamura turned [[heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] by attacking Styles with a low blow followed by a ''Kinshasa''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=April 8, 2018 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles def. Shinsuke Nakamura |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-34/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512092304/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-34/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-date=May 12, 2018 |access-date=April 8, 2018 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the following episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Nakamura said in an interview that he got "too emotional" and was "sorry" for attacking Styles, but when asked to explain more, he sarcastically said "Sorry, no speak English". Later that night, Nakamura cemented his heel turn by attacking Styles and Daniel Bryan, low blowing Styles twice and striking Bryan in the back of the head with a ''Kinshasa''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 10, 2018 |title=4/10 Powell's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan, Paige named new general manager, New Day vs. The Usos for a Smackdown Tag Title shot at the Greatest Royal Rumble |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/10/4-10-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-aj-styles-responds-to-shinsuke-nakamura-low-blowing-him-shane-mcmahon-and-daniel-bryans-management-future-first-edition-after-wrestlemania-34/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526163300/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/10/4-10-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-aj-styles-responds-to-shinsuke-nakamura-low-blowing-him-shane-mcmahon-and-daniel-bryans-management-future-first-edition-after-wrestlemania-34/ |archive-date=May 26, 2018 |access-date=April 10, 2018 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Over the following weeks, Nakamura continued to low blow Styles<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 17, 2018 |title=4/17 Powell's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: The WWE Superstar Shakeup Night Two |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/17/4-17-powells-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-the-wwe-superstar-shakeup-night-two/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616044748/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/17/4-17-powells-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-the-wwe-superstar-shakeup-night-two/ |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=April 17, 2018 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=April 24, 2018 |title=4/24 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: Daniel Bryan on Miz TV, Carmella and Charlotte contract signing, Asuka and Becky Lynch vs. Peyton Royce and Billie Kay, Jimmy Uso vs. Erick Rowan |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/24/4-24-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-daniel-bryan-on-miz-tv-carmella-and-charlotte-contract-signing-asuka-and-becky-lynch-vs-peyton-royce-and-billie-kay-jimmy-uso-vs-erick-rowa/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425115843/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/24/4-24-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-daniel-bryan-on-miz-tv-carmella-and-charlotte-contract-signing-asuka-and-becky-lynch-vs-peyton-royce-and-billie-kay-jimmy-uso-vs-erick-rowa/ |archive-date=April 25, 2018 |access-date=April 24, 2018 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> and received a rematch for the WWE Championship at the [[Greatest Royal Rumble]] on April 27,<ref>{{cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=April 27, 2018 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718234531/http://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura |archive-date=July 18, 2018 |access-date=April 17, 2018 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> where Nakamura and Styles fought to a double count-out, with Styles retaining the title.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Melok |first=Bobby |date=April 27, 2018 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura ended in a Double Count-out |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612171518/https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Another rematch between the two was made for [[Backlash (2018)|Backlash]] with a [[Hardcore wrestling|no disqualification]] stipulation added on the May 1 episode of ''SmackDown Live''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Currier |first=Joseph |date=April 27, 2018 |title=AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura set for WWE Backlash |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-set-wwe-backlash-256661 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812112817/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-set-wwe-backlash-256661 |archive-date=August 12, 2023 |access-date=September 7, 2022 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=May 1, 2018 |title=5/1 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: Final push for WWE Backlash, Miz TV with Jeff Hardy, Charlotte, Asuka, and Becky Lynch vs. Carmella, Peyton Royce, Billie Kay |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/05/01/5-1-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-final-push-for-wwe-backlash-miz-tv-with-jeff-hardy-charlotte-asuka-and-becky-lynch-vs-carmella-peyton-royce-billie-kay/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626083131/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/05/01/5-1-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-final-push-for-wwe-backlash-miz-tv-with-jeff-hardy-charlotte-asuka-and-becky-lynch-vs-carmella-peyton-royce-billie-kay/ |archive-date=June 26, 2018 |access-date=September 7, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At the event on May 6, Nakamura and Styles fought to a no contest after low blowing each other, with Styles again retaining the title.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=May 6, 2018 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura ended in a No Contest |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2018/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507221404/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2018/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-date=May 7, 2018 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Looking for a decisive winner, SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon announced one more rematch between the two at [[Money in the Bank (2018)|Money in the Bank]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=May 14, 2018 |title=Shane McMahon books AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Championship at MITB |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/104420-shane-mcmahon-books-styles-nakamura-mitb-ppv/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526184133/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/104420-shane-mcmahon-books-styles-nakamura-mitb-ppv/ |archive-date=May 26, 2018 |access-date=September 7, 2022 |website= |publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> Nakamura was granted the right to choose the stipulation for the match after defeating Styles on the May 15 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', which he revealed the following week to be a [[professional wrestling match types#Last Man/Woman Standing match|Last Man Standing match]] after attacking Styles with a ''Kinshasa'' and [[knockout|giving him a 10-count]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=May 15, 2018 |title=5/15 Powell's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the right to pick the stipulation for their match at MITB, Andrade Almas and Zelina Vega debut, New Day vs. Sheamus and Cesaro for a spot in the MITB match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/05/15/5-15-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-for-the-right-to-pick-the-stipulation-for-their-match-at-mitb-andrade-almas-and-zelina-vega-debut-new-day-vs-sheam/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516175105/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/05/15/5-15-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-for-the-right-to-pick-the-stipulation-for-their-match-at-mitb-andrade-almas-and-zelina-vega-debut-new-day-vs-sheam/ |archive-date=May 16, 2018 |access-date=September 7, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nemer |first=Roy |date=May 22, 2018 |title=WWE Smackdown Results – 5/22/18 (Second Chance Match, MITB Qualifier and MizTV) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/105070-may-22-2018-second-chance-mitb-worcester/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141209/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/105070-may-22-2018-second-chance-mitb-worcester/ |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |access-date=September 7, 2022 |website= |publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> At the event on June 17, Nakamura failed to win the title, ending their feud.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=June 17, 2018 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles def. Shinsuke Nakamura (Last Man Standing Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2018/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518155006/https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2018/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-date=May 18, 2019 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> He then suffered a minor injury after a [[police dog]] bit his left leg.<ref>{{cite web |author=Theisen |first=Lauren |date=June 27, 2018 |title=Dog Bites Man, Who Happens To Be WWE's Shinsuke Nakamura |url=https://deadspin.com/dog-bites-man-who-happens-to-be-wwes-shinsuke-nakamura-1827190545 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628024613/https://deadspin.com/dog-bites-man-who-happens-to-be-wwes-shinsuke-nakamura-1827190545 |archive-date=June 28, 2018 |access-date=July 3, 2018 |work=[[Deadspin]]}}</ref> ==== United States Champion (2018–2019) ==== At [[Extreme Rules (2018)|Extreme Rules]] on July 15, Nakamura defeated [[Jeff Hardy]] by executing a low blow and ''Kinshasa'' to win the [[WWE United States Championship]], his first title on the main roster.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=July 15, 2018 |title=Shinsuke Nakamura def. Jeff Hardy to become the new United States Champion; Randy Orton attacked Hardy after the match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2018/jeff-hardy-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724100322/https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2018/jeff-hardy-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-date=July 24, 2018 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On August 19, Nakamura successfully defended the title against Hardy at [[SummerSlam (2018)|SummerSlam]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pappolla |first=Ryan |date=August 19, 2018 |title=United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura def. Jeff Hardy |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/summerslam-2018/shinsuke-nakamura-jeff-hardy-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820074749/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/summerslam-2018/shinsuke-nakamura-jeff-hardy-results |archive-date=August 20, 2018 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> After refusing to defend the WWE United States Championship at the [[Hell in a Cell (2018)|Hell in a Cell]] pay-per-view on September 16, general manager [[Saraya Bevis|Paige]] ordered Nakamura to defend the championship on the September 18 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', which he did successfully against [[Rusev (wrestler)|Rusev]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=September 17, 2018 |title=Shinsuke Nakamura to battle Rusev in a United States Title Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/shinsuke-nakamura-rusev |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918114428/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/shinsuke-nakamura-rusev |archive-date=September 18, 2018 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=September 18, 2018 |title=9/18 Barnett’s WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: AJ Styles vs. Andrade Almas in a non-title match, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Rusev for the U.S. Championship, Miz TV with a mystery guest |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/09/18/9-18-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-aj-styles-vs-andrade-almas-in-a-non-title-match-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-rusev-for-the-u-s-championship-miz-tv-with-a-mystery-guest/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919033456/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/09/18/9-18-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-aj-styles-vs-andrade-almas-in-a-non-title-match-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-rusev-for-the-u-s-championship-miz-tv-with-a-mystery-guest/ |archive-date=September 19, 2018 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At [[List of WWE SmackDown special episodes|''SmackDown 1000'']], Nakamura lost to the returning [[Rey Mysterio]] in a qualifying match for the [[WWE World Cup]] at [[Crown Jewel (2018)|Crown Jewel]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pappolla |first=Ryan |date=October 16, 2018 |title=Rey Mysterio def. Shinsuke Nakamura to qualify for the WWE World Cup |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/smackdown-1000-2018-10-16/article/rey-mysterio-def-shinsuke-nakamura |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222173659/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/smackdown-1000-2018-10-16/article/rey-mysterio-def-shinsuke-nakamura |archive-date=December 22, 2018 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On November 2, he successfully defended the title against Rusev at Crown Jewel.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wortman |first1=James |date=November 2, 2018 |title=United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura def. Rusev |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2018/shinsuke-nakamura-rusev-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103091931/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2018/shinsuke-nakamura-rusev-results |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |access-date=November 2, 2018 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[Survivor Series (2018)|Survivor Series]] on November 18, Nakamura lost to Raw's [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|WWE Intercontinental Champion]] [[Seth Rollins]] in an interbrand Champion vs Champion match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wortman |first=James |date=November 18, 2018 |title=Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins def. United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2018/seth-rollins-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119092114/https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2018/seth-rollins-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-date=November 19, 2018 |access-date=September 7, 2022 |website= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the December 25 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Nakamura lost the United States Championship to Rusev, ending his reign at 156 days.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Powell |first1=Jason |date=December 25, 2018 |title=Powell's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Rusev for the U.S. Title, Samoa Joe vs. Jeff Hardy, Andrade Almas vs. Mustafa Ali, Miz TV with Shane McMahon |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/12/25/12-25-powells-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-rusev-for-the-u-s-%E2%80%88title-samoa-joe-vs-jeff-hardy-andrade-almas-vs-mustafa-ali-miz%E2%80%88tv-with-shane-mcmahon/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226104737/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/12/25/12-25-powells-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-rusev-for-the-u-s-%E2%80%88title-samoa-joe-vs-jeff-hardy-andrade-almas-vs-mustafa-ali-miz%E2%80%88tv-with-shane-mcmahon/ |archive-date=December 26, 2018 |access-date=December 25, 2018 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On January 27, 2019, at the [[Royal Rumble (2019)|Royal Rumble]], Nakamura defeated Rusev to win his second United States Championship.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wortman |first1=James |date=January 27, 2019 |title=Shinsuke Nakamura def. Rusev to become the new United States Champion (Kickoff Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2019/rusev-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128135323/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2019/rusev-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-date=January 28, 2019 |access-date=January 27, 2019 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Later that night, he participated in the Royal Rumble match, entering at #3, but was eliminated by [[Mustafa Ali (wrestler)|Mustafa Ali]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=January 27, 2019 |title=Seth Rollins won the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2019/2019-mens-royal-rumble-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128191022/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2019/2019-mens-royal-rumble-match-results |archive-date=January 28, 2019 |access-date=January 27, 2019 |work= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Two days later on ''SmackDown Live'', Nakamura lost the title to [[R-Truth]]. Rusev then confronted Truth and pushed him into a title match, but Truth retained the title. After the match, Nakamura joined forces with Rusev into attacking Truth, starting an alliance between the two.<ref>{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=January 29, 2019 |title=1/29 WWE Smackdown Results: Keller's report on Royal Rumble fallout, Becky Lynch comes out after Ronda Rousey confrontation at Raw, Bryan, Miz & Shane, more |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/01/29/1-29-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-royal-rumble-fallout-becky-lynch-comes-out-after-ronda-rousey-confrontation-at-raw-bryan-miz-shane-more/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428052422/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/01/29/1-29-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-royal-rumble-fallout-becky-lynch-comes-out-after-ronda-rousey-confrontation-at-raw-bryan-miz-shane-more/ |archive-date=April 28, 2019 |access-date=February 10, 2019 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref> At the [[Fastlane (2019)|Fastlane]] pre-show on March 2, Nakamura and Rusev were defeated by [[The New Day (professional wrestling)|The New Day]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=March 10, 2019 |title=The New Day def. Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2019/big-e-xavier-woods-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-rusev-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327092541/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2019/big-e-xavier-woods-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-rusev-results |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania 35]] on April 7, Nakamura and Rusev competed in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|fatal four-way tag team match]] for the [[WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship|SmackDown Tag Team Championship]], but lost.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Melok |first=Bobby |date=April 7, 2019 |title=The Usos def. Aleister Black & Ricochet, The Bar and Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-35/the-usos-vs-ricochet-aleister-black-vs-the-bar-vs-shinsuke |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408024044/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-35/the-usos-vs-ricochet-aleister-black-vs-the-bar-vs-shinsuke |archive-date=April 8, 2019 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> ==== The Artist Collective (2019–2021) ==== On July 14, at the [[Extreme Rules (2019)|Extreme Rules]] pre-show, Nakamura defeated [[Intercontinental Championship (WWE)|Intercontinental Champion]] [[Finn Bálor]] to win the title for the first time in his career.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=July 14, 2019 |title=Shinsuke Nakamura def. Finn Bálor to become the new Intercontinental Champion |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/extreme-rules-2019/finn-balor-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714235053/https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/extreme-rules-2019/finn-balor-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-date=July 14, 2019 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> This win made him the second man, after [[Chris Jericho]], to have held both the IWGP and WWE Intercontinental Championship, as well as the first Asian-born wrestler to win the title. On July 27, he retained his title against [[Ali (wrestler)|Ali]] at [[WWE Smackville|Smackville]].<ref>{{cite web |last=MacDonald |first=Josiah |date=July 18, 2019 |title=WWE Smackville live results: Kingston vs. Joe vs. Ziggler |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/wwe-smackville-live-results-kingston-vs-joe-vs-ziggler-288866 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728030818/https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/wwe-smackville-live-results-kingston-vs-joe-vs-ziggler-288866 |archive-date=July 28, 2019 |access-date=July 19, 2019 |work=[[Wrestling Observer]]}}</ref> He then started an alliance with [[Sami Zayn]], defeating [[The Miz]] with his help at [[Clash of Champions (2019)|Clash of Champions]] on September 15 to retain the title.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=September 15, 2019 |title=Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura def. The Miz |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/2019/shinsuke-nakamura-vs-the-miz-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920061316/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/2019/shinsuke-nakamura-vs-the-miz-results |archive-date=September 20, 2019 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[Crown Jewel (2019)|Crown Jewel]] on October 31, Nakamura was a member of [[Ric Flair|Team Flair]], losing to [[Hulk Hogan|Team Hogan]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Melok |first=Bobby |date=October 31, 2019 |title=Team Hogan def. Team Flair |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2019/team-hogan-vs-team-flair-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311071740/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2019/team-hogan-vs-team-flair-results |archive-date=March 11, 2020 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[Survivor Series (2019)|Survivor Series]] on November 24, Nakamura lost to [[NXT North American Championship|NXT North American Champion]] [[Roderick Strong]] in an inter-brand triple threat match also involving Raw's United States Champion AJ Styles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Laboon |first=Jeff |date=November 24, 2019 |title=NXT North American Champion Roderick Strong def. United States Champion AJ Styles and Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivor-series/2019/aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-roderick-strong-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207161943/https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivor-series/2019/aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-roderick-strong-results |archive-date=December 7, 2019 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the November 29 episode of ''SmackDown'', Nakamura and Zayn formed an alliance with [[Claudio Castagnoli|Cesaro]], thus forming a stable known as The Artist Collective. That same night, Nakamura and Cesaro failed to win the SmackDown Tag Team Championship from The New Day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=November 29, 2019 |title=SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day def. Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2019-11-29/article/smackdown-tag-team-champions-the-new-day-def-intercontinental |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227105459/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2019-11-29/article/smackdown-tag-team-champions-the-new-day-def-intercontinental |archive-date=February 27, 2020 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[Royal Rumble (2020)|Royal Rumble]] on January 26, 2020, Nakamura entered the Royal Rumble match at #11, but was eliminated by [[Brock Lesnar]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=January 26, 2020 |title=Drew McIntyre won the 30-man Royal Rumble Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2020/2020-mens-royal-rumble-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127071700/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2020/2020-mens-royal-rumble-match-results |archive-date=January 27, 2020 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the January 31 episode of ''SmackDown'', Nakamura lost the Intercontinental Championship to [[Braun Strowman]], ending his reign at 201 days.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=January 31, 2020 |title=1/31 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns and The Usos vs. King Corbin, Robert Roode, and Dolph Ziggler, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Braun Strowman for the Intercontinental Championship, four-way for a shot at the Smackdown Tag Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/01/31/1-31-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-and-the-usos-vs-king-corbin-robert-roode-and-dolph-ziggler-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-braun-strowman-for-the-intercontinental-c/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015152639/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/01/31/1-31-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-and-the-usos-vs-king-corbin-robert-roode-and-dolph-ziggler-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-braun-strowman-for-the-intercontinental-c/ |archive-date=October 15, 2020 |access-date=September 7, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At [[Elimination Chamber (2020)|Elimination Chamber]] on March 8, Zayn, along with Nakamura and Cesaro, defeated Strowman in 3-on-1 handicap match for the title; Zayn won by pinning Strowman.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |date=March 8, 2020 |title=Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro def. Braun Strowman; Zayn became the new Intercontinental Champion |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2020/braun-strowman-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-cesaro-sami-zayn-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727190827/https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2020/braun-strowman-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-cesaro-sami-zayn-results |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |access-date=March 8, 2020 |work= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Nakamura began teaming with Cesaro more frequently as they feuded with New Day for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=June 12, 2020 |title=6/12 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan in the tournament final to become new Intercontinental Champion, Braun Strowman and Heavy Machinery vs. The Miz, John Morrison, and Dolph Ziggler, final hype for WWE Backlash |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/06/12/6-12-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-aj-styles-vs-daniel-bryan-in-the-tournament-final-to-become-new-intercontinental-champion-braun-strowman-and-heavy-machinery-vs-the-miz/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101060012/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/06/12/6-12-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-aj-styles-vs-daniel-bryan-in-the-tournament-final-to-become-new-intercontinental-champion-braun-strowman-and-heavy-machinery-vs-the-miz/ |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=July 10, 2020 |title=7/10 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of the Big E and Kofi Kingston vs. Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro for the Smackdown Tag Titles, WWE Women's Tag Champions Sasha Banks and Bayley vs. Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross in a non-title match, Jeff Hardy on Miz TV |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/07/10/7-10-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-big-e-and-kofi-kingston-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-and-cesaro-for-the-smackdown-tag-titles-wwe-womens-tag-champions-sasha-banks-and-bayle/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130144422/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/07/10/7-10-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-big-e-and-kofi-kingston-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-and-cesaro-for-the-smackdown-tag-titles-wwe-womens-tag-champions-sasha-banks-and-bayle/ |archive-date=November 30, 2020 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On July 19, at [[The Horror Show at Extreme Rules]], Nakamura and Cesaro defeated [[Kofi Kingston]] and [[Big E (wrestler)|Big E]] in a [[tables match]] to capture the titles.<ref>{{cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=July 19, 2020 |title=Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura def. The New Day to become the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions (Tables Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/cesaro-shinsuke-nakamura-def-the-new-day-to-become-the-new-smackdown-tag-team |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721134958/https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/cesaro-shinsuke-nakamura-def-the-new-day-to-become-the-new-smackdown-tag-team |archive-date=July 21, 2020 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the October 9 episode of ''SmackDown'', they lost the titles to Kingston and [[Xavier Woods]].<ref name="SmackDown10092020">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 9, 2020 |title=10/9 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of the 2020 WWE Draft night one, Bayley vs. Sasha Banks for the Smackdown Women's Championship, The Fiend vs. Kevin Owens, Big E vs. Sheamus in a Falls Count Anywhere match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/10/09/10-9-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-2020-wwe-draft-night-one-bayley-vs-sasha-banks-for-the-smackdown-womens-championship-the-fiend-vs-kevin-owens-big-e-vs-sheamus/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010033435/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/10/09/10-9-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-2020-wwe-draft-night-one-bayley-vs-sasha-banks-for-the-smackdown-womens-championship-the-fiend-vs-kevin-owens-big-e-vs-sheamus/ |archive-date=October 10, 2020 |access-date=October 9, 2020 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> ==== Championship pursuits (2021–2022) ==== On the January 8, 2021, episode of ''SmackDown'', Nakamura competed in a gauntlet match to determine the challenger for the [[WWE Universal Championship]] at the [[Royal Rumble (2021)|Royal Rumble]], defeating [[Rey Mysterio]], [[Baron Corbin|King Corbin]], and [[Bryan Danielson|Daniel Bryan]], the latter of whom he proceeded to shake hands with following Bryan's loss, before he lost to [[Adam Pearce]] after being assaulted by champion [[Roman Reigns]] and [[The Usos|Jey Uso]], turning [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] for the first time since 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=January 8, 2021 |title=1/8 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell’s review of Daniel Bryan vs. King Corbin vs. Sami Zayn vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Rey Mysterio in a gauntlet match for a shot at the WWE Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble, Big E vs. Apollo Crews for the IC Championship, The Street Profits vs. Bobby Roode and Dolph Ziggler for the Smackdown Tag Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/01/08/1-8-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-daniel-bryan-vs-king-corbin-vs-sami-zayn-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-rey-mysterio-in-a-gauntlet-match-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-championship-at/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128213600/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/01/08/1-8-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-daniel-bryan-vs-king-corbin-vs-sami-zayn-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-rey-mysterio-in-a-gauntlet-match-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-championship-at/ |archive-date=January 28, 2021 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> The following week, Nakamura cemented his face turn by insulting [[Jey Uso]] before defeating him in a match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=January 15, 2021 |title=1/15 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of the Roman Reigns vs. Adam Pearce contract signing for the WWE Universal Title match at the Royal Rumble, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Jey Uso, Rey Mysterio vs. King Corbin |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/01/15/1-15-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-roman-reigns-vs-adam-pearce-contract-signing-for-the-wwe-universal-title-match-at-the-royal-rumble-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-jey-uso-rey/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122004636/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/01/15/1-15-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-roman-reigns-vs-adam-pearce-contract-signing-for-the-wwe-universal-title-match-at-the-royal-rumble-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-jey-uso-rey/ |archive-date=January 22, 2021 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At Royal Rumble on January 31, Nakamura entered at #7, but was eliminated by King Corbin.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clapp |first=John |date=January 31, 2021 |title=Edge won the 2021 Royal Rumble Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/01-31-2021/mens-royal-rumble-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205035113/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/01-31-2021/mens-royal-rumble-match-results |archive-date=February 5, 2021 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the May 14 episode of ''SmackDown'', after losing to Corbin, Nakamura attacked him before stealing his crown, starting a feud between the two.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=May 14, 2021 |title=5/14 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax vs. Tamina and Natalya for the WWE Women's Tag Titles, Rey Mysterio vs. Dolph Ziggler, the final push for WrestleMania Backlash |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/05/14/5-14-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-shayna-baszler-and-nia-jax-vs-tamina-and-natalya-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-titles-rey-mysterio-vs-dolph-ziggler-the-final-push-for-wrest/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118141458/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/05/14/5-14-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-shayna-baszler-and-nia-jax-vs-tamina-and-natalya-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-titles-rey-mysterio-vs-dolph-ziggler-the-final-push-for-wrest/ |archive-date=November 18, 2021 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> The next week, [[Rick Boogs]] became an ally of Nakamura, playing the guitar for him during his entrance.<ref>{{cite web |author= |date=May 21, 2021 |title=SmackDown results, May 21, 2021: SmackDown's Fatal 4-Way Fades to Black |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2021-05-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606070317/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2021-05-21 |archive-date=June 6, 2021 |access-date=May 31, 2021 |work= |publisher=[[WWE]] |quote=As he prepared to dish out retribution on Shinsuke Nakamura in a one-on-on encounter for stealing his crown last week, King Corbin was suddenly interrupted by new Superstar Rick Boogs, who preceded to play the theme song for The King of Strong Style’s entrance.}}</ref> On the June 18 episode of ''SmackDown'', Nakamura defeated Corbin in a "Battle for the Crown" match to become the new King.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=June 18, 2021 |title=6/18 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. Rey Mysterio in a Hell in a Cell match for the WWE Universal Championship, Big E and Kevin Owens vs. Apollo Crews and Commander Azeez, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. King Corbin in a battle for the crown, Angelo Dawkins vs. Otis |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/06/18/6-18-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-rey-mysterio-in-a-hell-in-a-cell-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-big-e-and-kevin-owens-vs-apollo-crews-and-comm/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028113536/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/06/18/6-18-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-rey-mysterio-in-a-hell-in-a-cell-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-big-e-and-kevin-owens-vs-apollo-crews-and-comm/ |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Now known as "King Nakamura", he defeated Corbin on the July 9 episode of ''SmackDown'' to to qualify for the Money in the Bank ladder match at the [[Money in the Bank (2021)|titular event]] on July 18,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=July 9, 2021 |title=7/9 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Barnett's review of Seth Rollins vs. Cesaro, and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin in Money in the Bank ladder match qualifiers, final Smackdown from the ThunderDome set |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/07/09/7-9-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-seth-rollins-vs-cesaro-and-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-baron-corbin-in-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match-qualifiers-final-smackdown-from-the-thun/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831035109/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/07/09/7-9-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-seth-rollins-vs-cesaro-and-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-baron-corbin-in-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match-qualifiers-final-smackdown-from-the-thun/ |archive-date=August 31, 2021 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> which was won by Big E.<ref>{{cite web |last=Clapp |first=John |date=July 18, 2021 |title=Big E won the Money in the Bank Ladder Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/07-18-2021/mens-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110033914/https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/07-18-2021/mens-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match-results |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=July 26, 2021 |website= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the August 13 episode of ''SmackDown'', Nakamura defeated [[Apollo Crews]] to win his second Intercontinental Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bath |first=Dave |date=August 13, 2021 |title=WWE SmackDown live results: Reigns and Cena go face-to-face |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-smackdown-live-results-reigns-and-cena-go-face-face-349916 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108005423/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-smackdown-live-results-reigns-and-cena-go-face-face-349916 |archive-date=January 8, 2022 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> He defeated Crews in a rematch on the September 24 episode of ''SmackDown'' to retain the title in his only successful defense.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=September 24, 2021 |title=9/24 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Barnett's review of King Nakamura vs. Apollo Crews for the Intercontinental Championship, Liv Morgan vs. Zelina Vega, "Happy Talk" hosted by Happy Corbin, the final push for Extreme Rules |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/09/24/9-24-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-king-nakamura-vs-apollo-crews-for-the-intercontinental-championship-liv-morgan-vs-zelina-vega-happy-talk-hosted-by-happy-corbin-t/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210064153/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/09/24/9-24-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-king-nakamura-vs-apollo-crews-for-the-intercontinental-championship-liv-morgan-vs-zelina-vega-happy-talk-hosted-by-happy-corbin-t/ |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |access-date=September 7, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the October 8 episode of ''SmackDown'', just prior to the start of the [[King of the Ring (2021)|King of the Ring]] tournament that night, Nakamura relinquished the crown.<ref name="SmackDown10082021">{{cite web |last1=Powell |first1=Jason |date=October 8, 2021 |title=10/08 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Rey Mysterio vs. Sami Zayn in a King of the Ring tournament match, Liv Morgan vs. Carmella in a Queens Crown tournament match, contract signing for Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair vs. Sasha Banks at WWE Crown Jewel |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/08/10-08-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-rey-mysterio-vs-sami-zayn-in-a-king-of-the-ring-tournament-match-liv-morgan-vs-carmella-in-a-queens-crown-tournament-match-contract-si/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009065302/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/08/10-08-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-rey-mysterio-vs-sami-zayn-in-a-king-of-the-ring-tournament-match-liv-morgan-vs-carmella-in-a-queens-crown-tournament-match-contract-si/ |archive-date=October 9, 2021 |access-date=October 9, 2021 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At [[Survivor Series (2021)|Survivor Series]] on November 21, Nakamura defeated United States Champion [[Damian Priest]] by disqualification in a champion vs. champion match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bryant |first=Nathan |date=November 21, 2021 |title=Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura def. United States Champion Damian Priest via disqualification |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivor-series/survivor-series-2021/damian-priest-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122030228/https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivor-series/survivor-series-2021/damian-priest-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-date=November 22, 2021 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the February 18, 2022 (taped February 11)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Guzzo |first=Gisberto |date=February 12, 2022 |title=WWE SmackDown Spoilers For 2/18/22 (Taped On 2/11/22) |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/wwe-smackdown-spoilers-21822-taped-21122 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908092653/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/wwe-smackdown-spoilers-21822-taped-21122 |archive-date=September 8, 2022 |access-date=September 7, 2022 |website=Fightful}}</ref> episode of ''SmackDown'', Nakamura lost the title to Sami Zayn, ending his reign at 189 days.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=February 18, 2022 |title=2/18 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns and Goldberg meeting face to face, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Sami Zayn for the Intercontinental Championship, the contract signing for Ronda Rousey and Naomi vs. Charlotte Flair and Sonya Deville at Elimination Chamber |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/02/18/2-18-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-and-goldberg-meeting-face-to-face-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-sami-zayn-for-the-intercontinental-championship-the-contract-signing/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702024917/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/02/18/2-18-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-and-goldberg-meeting-face-to-face-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-sami-zayn-for-the-intercontinental-championship-the-contract-signing/ |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |access-date=September 7, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At Night 1 of [[WrestleMania 38]] on April 2, Boogs and Nakamura faced [[The Usos]] for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship in a losing effort.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bryant |first=Nathan |date=April 2, 2022 |title=The Usos def. Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs to retain the SmackDown Tag Team Titles |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-38/the-usos-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-rick-boogs-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403021028/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-38/the-usos-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-rick-boogs-results |archive-date=April 3, 2022 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the June 3 episode of ''SmackDown'', he teamed with [[Matt Riddle|Riddle]] against the Usos for the titles, but lost.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=June 3, 2022 |title=6/3 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Barnett's review of The Usos vs. Shinsuke Nakamura and Riddle for the Unified WWE Tag Titles, Raquel Rodriguez vs. Aliyah vs. Shayna Baszler vs. Natalya vs. Shotzi vs. Xia Li in a Six Pack Challenge for a shot at the Smackdown Women's Title, Riddick Moss returns |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/06/03/6-3-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-the-usos-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-and-riddle-for-the-unified-wwe-tag-titles-raquel-rodriguez-vs-aliyah-vs-shayna-baszler-vs-natalya-vs-sh/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604104227/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/06/03/6-3-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-the-usos-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-and-riddle-for-the-unified-wwe-tag-titles-raquel-rodriguez-vs-aliyah-vs-shayna-baszler-vs-natalya-vs-sh/ |archive-date=June 4, 2022 |access-date=September 7, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the August 12 episode of ''SmackDown'', he failed to win the Intercontinental Championship from [[Gunther (wrestler)|Gunther]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 12, 2022 |title=8/12 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Gunther vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the Intercontinental Championship, Liv Morgan and Shayna Baszler contract signing for WWE Clash at the Castle, Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah vs. Xia Li and Shotzi in a WWE Women's Tag Title tournament match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/12/8-12-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-gunther-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-for-the-intercontinental-championship-liv-morgan-and-shayna-baszler-contract-signing-for-wwe-clash-at-the-ca/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826030324/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/12/8-12-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-gunther-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-for-the-intercontinental-championship-liv-morgan-and-shayna-baszler-contract-signing-for-wwe-clash-at-the-ca/ |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |access-date=September 8, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On October 18, Nakamura made his first [[WWE NXT|NXT]] appearance in over five years as [[Tony D'Angelo]]'s hand-picked opponent against [[Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo]], whom he defeated.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Bryan |date=October 18, 2022 |title=Shinsuke Nakamura appears on WWE NXT |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/shinsuke-nakamura-appears-on-wwe-nxt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030141530/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/shinsuke-nakamura-appears-on-wwe-nxt |archive-date=October 30, 2022 |access-date=October 30, 2022 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> ====Various feuds (2023–present)==== After six months away from WWE programming, Nakamura made his return on the April 14, 2023, episode of ''SmackDown'', defeating [[Riddick Moss|Madcap Moss]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bath |first=Dave |date=April 14, 2023 |title=WWE SmackDown live results: Shinsuke Nakamura returns |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-smackdown-live-results-shinsuke-nakamura-returns/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813144949/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-smackdown-live-results-shinsuke-nakamura-returns/ |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |access-date=April 15, 2023 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> As part of the [[2023 WWE Draft]], Nakamura was drafted to the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] [[WWE brand extension|brand]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=April 28, 2023 |title=4/28 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Barnett's review of the WWE Draft night one, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn vs. Jimmy and Jey Uso for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles, Zelina Vega vs. Sonya Deville |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/04/28/4-28-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-the-wwe-draft-night-one-kevin-owens-and-sami-zayn-vs-jimmy-and-jey-uso-for-the-undisputed-wwe-tag-team-titles-zelina-vega-vs-sony/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505235229/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/04/28/4-28-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-the-wwe-draft-night-one-kevin-owens-and-sami-zayn-vs-jimmy-and-jey-uso-for-the-undisputed-wwe-tag-team-titles-zelina-vega-vs-sony/ |archive-date=May 5, 2023 |access-date=April 28, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the August 7 episode of ''Raw,'' Nakamura, [[Cody Rhodes]] and [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2023-present)|World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Seth Rollins|Seth "Freakin" Rollins]] defeated [[The Judgment Day]] ([[Finn Bálor]], [[Damian Priest]] and [[Dominik Mysterio|"Dirty" Dominik Mysterio]]). After the match, Nakamura attacked Rollins, turning [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] for the first time since 2021 and starting a feud between the two.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 7, 2023 |title=WWE Raw results (8/7): Powell's live review of the SummerSlam fallout edition |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/07/wwe-raw-results-8-4-powells-live-review-of-the-summerslam-fallout-edition/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810225215/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/07/wwe-raw-results-8-4-powells-live-review-of-the-summerslam-fallout-edition/ |archive-date=August 10, 2023 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 14, 2023 |title=WWE Raw results (8/14): Powell's live review of Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus with Zoey Stark barred from ringside, Shinsuke Nakamura follow-up from his turn on Seth Rollins |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/14/wwe-raw-results-8-14-powells-live-review-of-becky-lynch-vs-trish-stratus-with-zoey-stark-barred-from-ringside-shinsuke-nakamura-follow-up-from-his-turn-on-seth-rollins/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816162304/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/14/wwe-raw-results-8-14-powells-live-review-of-becky-lynch-vs-trish-stratus-with-zoey-stark-barred-from-ringside-shinsuke-nakamura-follow-up-from-his-turn-on-seth-rollins/ |archive-date=August 16, 2023 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Nakamura ultimately failed to win the World Heavyweight Championship from Rollins on September 2 at [[Payback (2023)|Payback]] and at [[Fastlane (2023)|Fastlane]] on October 7 in a [[Last Man Standing match]], ending their feud in the process.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=September 2, 2023 |title=WWE Payback results: Powell's review of Seth Rollins vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the World Heavyweight Title, Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez for the Women's World Title, LA Knight vs. The Miz |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/02/wwe-payback-results-powells-review-of-seth-rollins-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-for-the-world-heavyweight-title-rhea-ripley-vs-raquel-rodriguez-for-the-womens-world-title-la-knight-vs-the-miz/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903191213/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/02/wwe-payback-results-powells-review-of-seth-rollins-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-for-the-world-heavyweight-title-rhea-ripley-vs-raquel-rodriguez-for-the-womens-world-title-la-knight-vs-the-miz/ |archive-date=September 3, 2023 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 7, 2023 |title=WWE Fastlane results: Powell's review of Seth Rollins vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a Last Man Standing match for the World Heavyweight Title, John Cena and LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/07/wwe-fastlane-results-powells-review-of-seth-rollins-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-in-a-last-man-standing-match-for-the-world-heavyweight-title-john-cena-and-la-knight-vs-solo-sikoa-and-jimmy-uso/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008193457/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/07/wwe-fastlane-results-powells-review-of-seth-rollins-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-in-a-last-man-standing-match-for-the-world-heavyweight-title-john-cena-and-la-knight-vs-solo-sikoa-and-jimmy-uso/ |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Nakamura then began appearing in pre-filmed promos, challenging an unspecified wrestler.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 23, 2023 |title=WWE Raw results (10/23): Powell’s live review of Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn, Becky Lynch vs. Indi Hartwell for the NXT Women’s Title, Damian Priest vs. Jey Uso, Logan Paul’s appearance |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/23/wwe-raw-results-10-23-powells-live-review-of-drew-mcintyre-vs-sami-zayn-becky-lynch-vs-indi-hartwell-for-the-nxt-womens-title-damian-priest-vs-jey-uso-logan-pauls-appearance/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304221203/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/23/wwe-raw-results-10-23-powells-live-review-of-drew-mcintyre-vs-sami-zayn-becky-lynch-vs-indi-hartwell-for-the-nxt-womens-title-damian-priest-vs-jey-uso-logan-pauls-appearance/ |archive-date=March 4, 2024 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 30, 2023 |title=WWE Raw results (10/30): Powell’s live review of Seth Rollins vs. JD McDonagh in a non-title match, Dominik Mysterio vs. Ricochet in a non-title match, DIY vs. Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/30/wwe-raw-results-10-30-powells-live-review-of-seth-rollins-vs-jd-mcdonagh-in-a-non-title-match-dominik-mysterio-vs-ricochet-in-a-non-title-match-diy-vs-ludwig-kaiser-and-giovanni-vinci/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103205524/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/30/wwe-raw-results-10-30-powells-live-review-of-seth-rollins-vs-jd-mcdonagh-in-a-non-title-match-dominik-mysterio-vs-ricochet-in-a-non-title-match-diy-vs-ludwig-kaiser-and-giovanni-vinci/ |archive-date=November 3, 2023 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> He subsequently began a feud with Rhodes after spraying his face with mist on the November 27 episode of ''Raw''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=November 27, 2023 |title=WWE Raw results (11/27): Powell’s live review of the returns of CM Punk and Randy Orton, Chelsea Green and Piper Niven vs. Tegan Nox and Natalya for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/11/27/wwe-raw-results-11-27-powells-live-review-of-the-returns-of-cm-punk-and-randy-orton-chelsea-green-and-piper-niven-vs-tegan-nox-and-natalya-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-team-titles/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129224043/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/11/27/wwe-raw-results-11-27-powells-live-review-of-the-returns-of-cm-punk-and-randy-orton-chelsea-green-and-piper-niven-vs-tegan-nox-and-natalya-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-team-titles/ |archive-date=November 29, 2023 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the December 11 episode of ''Raw'', Rhodes defeated Nakamura by disqualification as Nakamura once again utilized the mist to blind Rhodes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=December 11, 2023 |title=WWE Raw results (12/11): Powell’s live review of CM Punk’s brand choice, Cody Rhodes vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Drew McIntyre vs. Jey Uso, Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley vs. Maxxine Dupri in a non-title match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/12/11/wwe-raw-results-12-11-powells-live-review-of-cm-punks-brand-choice-cody-rhodes-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-drew-mcintyre-vs-jey-uso-womens-world-champion-rhea-ripley-vs-maxxine-dupri-in-a/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215155157/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/12/11/wwe-raw-results-12-11-powells-live-review-of-cm-punks-brand-choice-cody-rhodes-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-drew-mcintyre-vs-jey-uso-womens-world-champion-rhea-ripley-vs-maxxine-dupri-in-a/ |archive-date=December 15, 2023 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Nakamura continued to torment Rhodes through promos,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=December 18, 2023 |title=WWE Raw results (12/18): Powell's live review of Damian Priest and Finn Balor vs. Julius Creed and Brutus Creed for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles, Gunther vs. The Miz for the Intercontinental Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/12/18/wwe-raw-results-12-18-powells-live-review-of-damian-priest-and-finn-balor-vs-julius-creed-and-brutus-creed-for-the-undisputed-wwe-tag-team-titles-gunther-vs-the-miz-for-the-intercontinental-ti/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420111322/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/12/18/wwe-raw-results-12-18-powells-live-review-of-damian-priest-and-finn-balor-vs-julius-creed-and-brutus-creed-for-the-undisputed-wwe-tag-team-titles-gunther-vs-the-miz-for-the-intercontinental-ti/ |archive-date=April 20, 2024 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=January 1, 2024 |title=WWE Raw results (1/1): Powell's live review of Day 1 with Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre for the World Heavyweight Championship, Rhea Ripley vs. Ivy Nile for the Women's World Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Nia Jax |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/01/wwe-raw-results-1-1-powells-live-review-of-day-1-with-seth-rollins-vs-drew-mcintyre-for-the-world-heavyweight-championship-rhea-ripley-vs-ivy-nile-for-the-womens-world-championship-becky-ly/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102045039/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/01/wwe-raw-results-1-1-powells-live-review-of-day-1-with-seth-rollins-vs-drew-mcintyre-for-the-world-heavyweight-championship-rhea-ripley-vs-ivy-nile-for-the-womens-world-championship-becky-ly/ |archive-date=January 2, 2024 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> leading to a Street Fight match on the January 8, 2024 episode of ''Raw'', where Nakamura lost to Rhodes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=January 8, 2024 |title=WWE Raw results (1/8): Powell's live review of CM Punk's appearance, Cody Rhodes vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Kayden Carter and Katana Chance vs. Piper Niven and Chelsea Green for the WWE Women's Tag Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/08/wwe-raw-results-1-8-powells-live-review-of-cm-punks-appearance-cody-rhodes-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-kayden-carter-and-katana-chance-vs-piper-niven-and-chelsea-green-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-tit/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130021454/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/08/wwe-raw-results-1-8-powells-live-review-of-cm-punks-appearance-cody-rhodes-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-kayden-carter-and-katana-chance-vs-piper-niven-and-chelsea-green-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-tit/ |archive-date=January 30, 2024 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On January 27, at the [[Royal Rumble (2024)|Royal Rumble]], Nakamura entered at #6, before he was eliminated by eventual winner Rhodes.<ref>{{cite web |last= |first= |date=January 28, 2024 |title=Royal Rumble Match stats 2024 |url=https://www.wwe.com/amp/shows/royalrumble/2024/royal-rumble-match-stats-2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129075247/https://www.wwe.com/amp/shows/royalrumble/2024/royal-rumble-match-stats-2024 |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |work= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the February 5 episode of ''Raw'', Nakamura lost to Rhodes in a Bull Rope match, ending their feud.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=February 5, 2024 |title=WWE Raw results (2/5): Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a Bull Rope match, Kabuki Warriors vs. Kayden Carter and Katana Chance for the WWE Women's Tag Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/02/05/wwe-raw-results-2-5-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-in-a-bull-rope-match-kabuki-warriors-vs-kayden-carter-and-katana-chance-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-titles/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210215121/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/02/05/wwe-raw-results-2-5-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-in-a-bull-rope-match-kabuki-warriors-vs-kayden-carter-and-katana-chance-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-titles/ |archive-date=February 10, 2024 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> As part of the [[2024 WWE Draft|2024 Draft]], Nakamura was drafted back to the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown brand]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/29/wwe-raw-results-4-29-powells-live-review-of-the-wwe-draft-night-two-sami-zayn-vs-bronson-reed-for-the-intercontinental-title-appearances-by-womens-world-champion-becky-lynch-and-u-s-champio/|title=WWE Raw results (4/29): Powell's live review of the WWE Draft night two, Sami Zayn vs. Bronson Reed for the Intercontinental Title, appearances by Women's World Champion Becky Lynch and U.S. Champion Logan Paul|date=April 29, 2024|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430002408/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/29/wwe-raw-results-4-29-powells-live-review-of-the-wwe-draft-night-two-sami-zayn-vs-bronson-reed-for-the-intercontinental-title-appearances-by-womens-world-champion-becky-lynch-and-u-s-champio/|archive-date=April 30, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> During that time, he would mostly compete in live events, until making his on-screen return after seven months on the November 15 episode of ''SmackDown'', by attacking [[WWE United States Championship|United States Champion]] [[LA Knight]] after his title match against [[Humberto Carrillo|Berto]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=November 15, 2024 |title=WWE Smackdown results (11/15): Barnett’s review of Motor City Machine Guns vs. The Street Profits for the WWE Tag Team Titles, Nia Jax vs. Naomi for the WWE Women’s Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/11/15/wwe-smackdown-results-11-15-barnetts-review-of-motor-city-machine-guns-vs-the-street-profits-for-the-wwe-tag-team-titles-nia-jax-vs-naomi-for-the-wwe-womens-championship/ |archive-url=https://archive.ph/x00oJ |archive-date=November 18, 2024 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> === Pro Wrestling Noah (2023, 2025) === On October 30, 2022, [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] announced that Nakamura (while under WWE contract) would be [[Keiji Muto|The Great Muta]]'s opponent for the [[Noah The New Year 2023|Noah The New Year]] show on January 1, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Bryan |date=October 30, 2022 |title=WWE's Shinsuke Nakamura to face The Great Muta at NOAH The New Year 2023 |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/japan/wwes-shinsuke-nakamura-to-face-the-great-muta-at-noah-the-new-year-2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110031331/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/japan/wwes-shinsuke-nakamura-to-face-the-great-muta-at-noah-the-new-year-2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2022 |access-date=October 30, 2022 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> At the event, Nakamura defeated Muta, his long-time idol, in a dramatic finish.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1, 2023 |title=中邑真輔、グレート・ムタへディープキス…毒霧を吸い込み逆転勝利…「奇跡をありがとう」 |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20230101-OHT1T51089.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103030208/https://hochi.news/articles/20230101-OHT1T51089.html |archive-date=January 3, 2023 |access-date=November 16, 2024 |website=スポーツ報知 |language=ja}}</ref> In December, the match was awarded the Best Bout Award (2023) by Tokyo Sports, recognizing it as one of the most outstanding matches of the year in Japan.<ref name=2023MVP>{{Cite web |date=December 13, 2023 |title=【プロレス大賞】中邑真輔が振り返るムタとの歴史的ベストバウト「芸術を残せた」「キャリアの分岐点」 |url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/285723 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325223740/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/285723 |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |access-date=November 16, 2024 |website=東スポWEB |language=ja}}</ref> On October 14, 2024, during a Pro Wrestling Noah event at Korakuen Hall, Keiji Muto announced that [[Ulka Sasaki]] would face Shinsuke Nakamura on January 1, 2025 at [[Nippon Budokan]], as part of the Noah The New Year 2025 show.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 14, 2024 |title=【ノア】WWE中邑真輔が来年１・１日本武道館に参戦！ 佐々木憂流迦とシングル決定「ノア、久しぶりだな」 |url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/320210 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241105170013/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/320210 |archive-date=November 5, 2024 |access-date=November 16, 2024 |website=東スポWEB |language=ja}}</ref> == In other media == Along with fellow NJPW wrestler [[Kazuchika Okada]], Nakamura is featured in the Japanese music video directed by fashion designer, DJ and record producer [[Nigo]] for [[Pharrell Williams]]' song "[[Happy (Pharrell Williams song)|Happy]]", released in May 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=11486|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502032024/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=11486|archive-date=May 2, 2014|script-title=ja:あのファレル・ウィリアムスの大ヒットシングル『ハッピー』日本版ミュージックビデオに、中邑真輔＆オカダ・カズチカが出演！|date=April 30, 2014|access-date=April 30, 2014|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> On May 27, 2014, Nakamura published an autobiography titled ''King of Strong Style: 1980–2014''.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 27, 2014 |title=【いよいよ本日より!!】5月27日（火）発売! 中邑真輔"自伝" 『King of Strong Style 1980-2014』!! |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=11458 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417170928/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=11458 |archive-date=April 17, 2016 |access-date=May 27, 2014 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> An English language version of the book was released by [[Viz Media]] on August 7, 2018.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 8, 2018 |title=Vizz Media Steps Into the World of Professional Wrestling for the Release of King of Strong Style: 1980-2014 |url=https://www.viz.com/news/newsroom/v/1006549 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140216/https://www.viz.com/news/newsroom/v/1006549 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |access-date=February 8, 2018 |work=[[Viz Media]]}}</ref> Nakamura made his first video game appearance as a playable character in ''[[King of Colosseum II]]'' in 2004,<ref>{{cite web |date=September 9, 2004 |title=King of Colosseum II |url=https://www.giantbomb.com/king-of-colosseum-ii/3030-22260/characters/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313003150/https://www.giantbomb.com/king-of-colosseum-ii/3030-22260/characters/ |archive-date=March 13, 2022 |access-date=January 14, 2018 |publisher=[[Giant Bomb]]}}</ref> Nakamura has been added in fourteen WWE games: WWE Tap Mania, WWE Mayhem, WWE Universe, WWE Undefeated, WWE Champions, ''[[WWE SuperCard]]'', ''[[WWE 2K17]]'', ''[[WWE 2K18]]'', ''[[WWE 2K19]]'', ''[[WWE 2K20]]'', ''[[WWE 2K Battlegrounds]]'', ''[[WWE 2K22]]'', ''[[WWE 2K23]]'', and ''[[WWE 2K24]]'' Nakamura's theme was sampled on [[Lil Uzi Vert]]'s song "Nakamura" (named after him), which appeared on Uzi's 2023 album ''[[Pink Tape (Lil Uzi Vert album)|Pink Tape]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=Skylar |date=June 30, 2023 |title=Lil Uzi Vert Samples Shinsuke Nakamura's 'The Rising Sun' Theme Song On New Song 'Nakamura' |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/lil-uzi-vert-samples-shinsuke-nakamura-s-rising-sun-theme-song-new-song-nakamura |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630141501/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/lil-uzi-vert-samples-shinsuke-nakamura-s-rising-sun-theme-song-new-song-nakamura |archive-date=June 30, 2023 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Fightful}}</ref> == Personal life == Nakamura resides in [[Orlando, Florida]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=March 27, 2016 |title=Nakamura-WWE update |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/100867/nakamurawwe-update.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331073626/http://www.pwinsider.com/article/100867/nakamurawwe-update.html |archive-date=March 31, 2016 |access-date=March 29, 2016 |work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> He has been an avid surfer since 2003.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 10, 2017 |title=Go surfing with Shinsuke Nakamura as he prepares for SummerSlam |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEeJJjinNyo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102015543/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEeJJjinNyo |archive-date=January 2, 2021 |access-date=November 17, 2024 |via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He married Harumi Maekawa in September 2007. Nakamura also practices [[Brazilian jiu-jitsu]] and [[Shitō-ryū|Shito-ryu karate]]. == Championships and accomplishments == [[File:Shinsuke Nakamura IWGP Intercontinental Champion.JPG|thumb|upright|Nakamura is a five-time and longest reigning [[IWGP Intercontinental Championship|IWGP Intercontinental Champion]]...]] [[File:Shinsuke_Nakamura_-_2019-08-18_-_01.jpg |thumb|upright|...a two-time [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Champion]]...]] [[File:Nakamura US Champion.png|thumb|upright|...and a two-time [[WWE United States Championship|United States Champion]].]] * '''''[[The Baltimore Sun]]''''' ** WWE Match of the Year (2016) {{small|vs. [[Sami Zayn]] at [[NXT TakeOver: Dallas]]}}<ref name="Baltimore2016">{{cite web |last=Oster |first=Aaron |date=December 31, 2016 |title=WWE 2016 end-of-year awards |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bal-wwe-2016-end-of-year-awards-20161231-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615224900/https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bal-wwe-2016-end-of-year-awards-20161231-story.html |archive-date=June 15, 2021 |access-date=September 26, 2020 |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref> * '''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]''' ** [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship (IGF)|IWGP 3rd Belt Championship]]{{efn|After winning the IGF's version of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, also known as the IWGP 3rd Belt Championship, the title was unified with the NJPW sanctioned IWGP Heavyweight Championship, which Nakamura also held at the time.}} ([[IWGP Heavyweight Championship (IGF)#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=PuroCentral/> ** [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Heavyweight Champions|3 times]])<ref name=Purolove/> ** [[IWGP Intercontinental Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Intercontinental Champions|5 times]])<ref name=KizunaRoad/><ref name=KizunaRoad2013/><ref name=InvasionAttack2014/><ref name=DestructioninKobe/><ref name="DestructioninKobe2015">{{cite web |title=Destruction in Kobe |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1037 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117070019/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1037 |archive-date=November 17, 2015 |access-date=September 27, 2015 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> ** [[IWGP Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – with [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]]<ref name=PuroCentral/> ** [[IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship]] ([[IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=PuroCentral/> ** [[NWF Heavyweight Championship]]{{efn|After winning the NWF Heavyweight Championship, the title was unified with the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, which Nakamura also held at the time.}} ([[NWF Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=PuroCentral/> ** 10,000,000 Yen Tag Tournament (2004) – with [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]]<ref name=PuroCentral/> ** [[G1 Climax]] ([[G1 Climax#2011|2011]])<ref name=G1Climax2011/> ** [[G1 Tag League]] ([[G1 Tag League#2006|2006]]) – with [[Masahiro Chono]]<ref name=Purolove/> ** National District Tournament (2006) – with [[Koji Kanemoto]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/result/2006/1113_1117/1117_01.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206060437/http://www.njpw.co.jp/result/2006/1113_1117/1117_01.html|script-title=ja:11月17日(金)東京ドームシティ・ジオポリス|archive-date=February 6, 2007|access-date=May 23, 2013|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> ** [[New Japan Cup]] ([[New Japan Cup#2014|2014]])<ref name=NJC2014/> ** Teisen Hall Cup Six Man Tag Team Tournament (2003) – with [[Hiro Saito]] and [[Tatsutoshi Goto]]<ref name=PuroCentral/> ** Yuko Six Man Tag Team Tournament (2004) – with [[Dolgorsürengiin Serjbüdee|Blue Wolf]] and [[Katsuhiko Nakajima]]<ref name=PuroCentral/> ** Heavyweight Tag MVP Award (2005) <small>with Hiroshi Tanahashi</small><ref>{{cite web |title=2005 New Japan Awards |url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2005-awards.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924083305/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2005-awards.html |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |access-date=April 28, 2011 |work= |publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> ** New Wave Award (2003)<ref>{{cite web |title=2003 New Japan Awards |url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2003-awards.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924083305/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2003-awards.html |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |access-date=April 28, 2011 |work= |publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> ** Tag Team Best Bout (2004) <small>with Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. [[Katsuyori Shibata]] and Masahiro Chono on October 24</small><ref name="NJPWAwards2004">{{cite web |title=2004 New Japan Awards |url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2004-awards.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924083305/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2004-awards.html |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |access-date=April 28, 2011 |work= |publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> ** Technique Award (2004)<ref name=NJPWAwards2004/> * '''''[[Nikkan Sports]]''''' ** Match of the Year Award (2009) <small>vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi on November 8</small> ** Match of the Year Award (2014) <small>vs. [[Kazuchika Okada]] on August 10</small> ** Outstanding Performance Award (2003) ** Technique Award (2012) * '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]''''' ** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Most Popular Wrestler of the Year|Most Popular Wrestler of the Year]] (2016) ** Ranked No. 5 of the best 500 singles wrestlers in the ''[[PWI 500]]'' in 2015<ref>{{cite web |title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2015 |url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2015.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222155343/http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2015.html |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |access-date=October 5, 2015 |work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref> * '''''[[Tokyo Sports]]''''' ** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Best Bout Award|Best Bout Award]] (2013) <small>vs. [[Kota Ibushi]] on August 4</small><ref>{{cite web |date=December 10, 2013 |title= |script-title=ja:オカダ・カズチカが２年連続「プロレス大賞」ＭＶＰ！２５年ぶりの快挙 |url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/212526/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209221035/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/212526/ |archive-date=February 9, 2014 |access-date=December 9, 2013 |work=[[Tokyo Sports]] |language=ja}}</ref> ** Best Bout Award (2014) <small>vs. Kazuchika Okada on August 10</small><ref>{{cite web |date=December 9, 2014 |title=オカダＶＳ中邑「プロレス大賞ベストバウト」は新日８・１０西武ドーム「Ｇ１決勝戦」 |url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/343115/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217075004/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/343115/ |archive-date=December 17, 2014 |access-date=December 9, 2014 |work=[[Tokyo Sports]] |language=ja}}</ref> ** Best Bout Award (2023) {{small|vs. [[The Great Muta]] on [[Keiji Muto Grand Final Pro-Wrestling "Last" Love]]}}<ref name=2023MVP/> ** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Newcomer Award|Rookie of the Year Award]] (2003)<ref>{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |title=Rookie of the Year |url=http://cagematch.de/?id=97&nr=14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106142219/http://cagematch.de/?id=97&nr=14 |archive-date=November 6, 2011 |access-date=January 21, 2010 |website=Cagematch.net}}</ref> ** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Technique Award|Technique Award]] (2012)<ref>{{cite web |date=December 11, 2012 |title= |script-title=ja:「２０１２年度プロレス大賞」受賞者 |url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/61838/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102184906/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/61838/ |archive-date=November 2, 2014 |access-date=December 10, 2012 |work=[[Tokyo Sports]] |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=December 11, 2012 |title=【最年少タイ!!】オカダが『プロレス大賞』MVPを「あたりまえ」の初受賞!! ベストバウトはオカダvs棚橋！中邑は技能賞!! |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8661 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019171840/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8661 |archive-date=October 19, 2013 |access-date=December 10, 2012 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref> * '''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]''''' ** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Charismatic|Most Charismatic]] (2014, 2015)<ref name=WONAwards2015>{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 25, 2016|title=January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue|journal=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=Campbell, California|issn=1083-9593|pages=16, 27}}</ref><ref name=WONAwards2014>{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 26, 2015|title=Jan. 26, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2014 awards issue w/ results & Dave's commentary, Conor McGregor, and much more|journal=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=Campbell, California|issn=1083-9593|pages=1, 11}}</ref> ** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Pro Wrestling Match of the Year|Pro Wrestling Match of the Year]] (2015) {{small|vs. Kota Ibushi on January 4}}<ref name=WONAwards2015/> ** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award (Wrestler of the Year)|Wrestler of the Year]] (2014)<ref name=WONAwards2014/> ** [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame]] (Class of 2015)<ref name=2015HallofFame>{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=November 9, 2015|title=November 9, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Hall of Fame Issue|journal=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=Campbell, California|issn=1083-9593|page=1}}</ref> * '''[[WWE]]''' ** [[NXT Championship]] ([[List of NXT Champions|2 times]])<ref>{{cite web |title=NXT Championship |url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/nxt-championship |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313224632/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/nxt-championship |archive-date=March 13, 2022 |access-date=August 20, 2016 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> ** [[WWE Intercontinental Championship]] ([[List of WWE Intercontinental Champions|2 times]])<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=Intercontinental Championship |url=https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/intercontinental-championship |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203022546/https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/intercontinental-championship |archive-date=December 3, 2022 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> ** [[WWE United States Championship]] ([[List of WWE United States Champions|2 times]])<ref>{{cite web |title=United States Championship |url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122115433/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/ |archive-date=November 22, 2022 |access-date=May 25, 2020 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> ** [[WWE Tag Team Championship|WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of WWE Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – with [[Cesaro (wrestler)|Cesaro]]<ref>{{cite web |title=SmackDown Tag Team Championship |url=https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/smackdown-tag-team-championship |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011025734/https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/smackdown-tag-team-championship |archive-date=October 11, 2020 |access-date=February 27, 2020 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> ** [[Royal Rumble match|Men's Royal Rumble]] ([[Royal Rumble (2018)|2018]])<ref name=2018RoyalRumble/> ** [[NXT Year-End Award]] (2 times) *** Male Competitor of the Year ([[NXT Year-End Award#2016 NXT Year-End Awards|2016]])<ref name="TakeOverSanAntonio">{{cite web |last=Witner |first=Arya |date=January 28, 2017 |title=NXT TakeOver San Antonio live results: Nakamura vs. Roode |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/nxt-takeover-san-antonio-live-results-nakamura-vs-roode-229171 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623113403/http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/nxt-takeover-san-antonio-live-results-nakamura-vs-roode-229171 |archive-date=June 23, 2018 |access-date=January 28, 2017 |work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> *** Overall Competitor of the Year (2016)<ref name=TakeOverSanAntonio/> == Mixed martial arts record == {{MMArecordbox |draws= |nc=1 |ko-wins= |ko-losses= |sub-wins=3 |sub-losses=1 |dec-wins= |dec-losses= |dq-wins= |dq-losses= |other-wins= |other-losses= }} {{MMA record start}} |- |{{yes2}} Win |align=center|{{nowrap|3–1 (1)}} |{{sort|Ignashov|[[Alexey Ignashov]]}} |Submission (forearm choke) |[[K-1 MMA ROMANEX]] |{{dts|2004|May|22|format=mdy}} |align=center|2 |align=center|1:51 |{{sort|Saitama|Saitama, Japan}} | |- |{{nocontest}}NC |align=center|2–1 (1) |{{sort|Ignashov|[[Alexey Ignashov]]}} |NC (overturned) |[[K-1 PREMIUM 2003 Dynamite!!]] |{{dts|2003|December|31|format=mdy}} |align=center|3 |align=center|1:19 |{{sort|Nagoya|[[Nagoya, Japan]]}} | |- |{{yes2}} Win |align=center|2–1 |{{sort|Eitner|Shane Eitner}} |Submission (americana) |[[Jungle Fight 1]] |{{dts|2003|September|13|format=mdy}} |align=center|1 |align=center|4:29 |{{sort|Manaus|[[Manaus, Brazil]]}} | |- |{{yes2}} Win |align=center|1–1 |{{sort|Nortje|[[Jan Nortje]]}} |Submission (guillotine choke) |[[NJPW Ultimate Crush]] |{{dts|2003|May|2|format=mdy}} |align=center|2 |align=center|3:12 |{{sort|Tokyo|Tokyo, Japan}} | |- |{{no2}} Loss |align=center|0–1 |{{sort|Gracie|[[Daniel Gracie]]}} |Submission (armbar) |[[Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye|Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2002]] |{{dts|2002|December|31|format=mdy}} |align=center|2 |align=center|2:14 |{{sort|Saitama|[[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama, Japan]]}} | {{end}} == Footnotes == {{notelist}} == References == {{reflist}} == External links == {{Commons category}} * {{Sports links}} * {{Instagram}} * {{IMDb name}} {{Navboxes |list1= {{Chaos (professional wrestling)}} {{WWE personnel}} {{NXT Championship}} {{WWE Intercontinental Championship}} {{WWE United States Championship}} {{WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship}} {{IWGP Heavyweight Championship}} {{IWGP Intercontinental Championship}} {{IWGP Tag Team Championship}} {{Royal Rumble winners}} {{G1 Tag League}} {{New Japan Cup}} {{G1 Climax}} }} {{DEFAULTSORT:Nakamura, Shinsuke}} [[Category:1980 births]] [[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]] [[Category:21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers]] [[Category:Aoyama Gakuin University alumni]] [[Category:Chaos (professional wrestling) members]] [[Category:Expatriate professional wrestlers]] [[Category:IWGP Heavyweight champions]] [[Category:IWGP Intercontinental champions]] [[Category:Heavyweight mixed martial artists]] [[Category:IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]] [[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Greco-Roman wrestling]] [[Category:Japanese male mixed martial artists]] [[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:NWA/WCW/WWE United States Heavyweight Champions]] [[Category:NWF Heavyweight Champions]] [[Category:NXT Champions]] [[Category:Contestants on Japanese game shows]] [[Category:Royal Rumble match winners]] [[Category:G1 Climax winners]] [[Category:WWE Tag Team Champions]] [[Category:Professional wrestlers who competed in MMA]] [[Category:Sportspeople from Kyoto Prefecture]] [[Category:WWF/WWE Intercontinental Champions]] [[Category:World Tag League (NJPW) winners]] [[Category:New Japan Cup winners]]'