Wrestle Kingdom 10: Who is Shinsuke Nakamura?
By Jay Sichler
With Wrestle Kingdom 10 a day away we look at one New Japan Pro Wrestling biggest star, Shinsuke Nakamura.
In the world of New Japan Pro Wrestling, there are not too many stars who are bigger than Shinsuke Nakamura. Known as the King of Strong Style, Nakamura has accomplished everything that you can possibly think of in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Nakamura’s wrestling style shows him using a very hard and rough style. He uses a lot of kicks, knees and submission holds. Nakamura also can use his speed and agility as a weapon as well. His style is a reflection of MMA athletes. His nickname King of the Strong Style amplifies that.
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Nakamura is a multiple world champion and has helped make the IWGP Intercontinental Championship as prestigious as the world championship. Before Nakamura won the Intercontinental Championship the belt was looking like it would be a bust title. However, Nakamura made the belt his own, changing the strap to white and putting on classic matches defending the belt.
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In fact, Nakamura has made the belt so popular that the fans voted for Nakamura to defend the Intercontinental Championship against Hiroshi Tanahashi as the main event for Wrestle Kingdom 8. His matches last year defending the belt against Kota Ibushi and Hirooki Goto have been considered some of the best matches of the year.
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Nakamura will look to have another classic match with AJ Styles at Wrestle Kingdom, however it’s his matches and rivalry with Hiroshi Tanahashi have helped define his legacy. Nakamura and Tanahashi’s rivalry can be compared to that of The Rock and Stone Cold, it is the biggest in the history of the promotion.
Over the years the two have competed for World Championship, Tournament victories and validation that they are the best in the world. There classic rivalry brought about another iconic match this year when the two battled in the finals of the G1 Climax Tournament.
Nakamura is also known for his elaborate entrances. Being known as a huge fan of both Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury, Nakamura love for Michael Jackson is strongly shown in his wrestling attire. Nakamura wears red leather pants and usually enters the arena wearing a red jacket similar to Michael Jackson’s thriller jacket.
His entrances are compared to that of Shawn Michales they are theatrical and memorable. As an example at last years Wrestle Kingdom he came to the ring with a crown and cape showing off his King of Strong Style nickname. His entrances at Wrestle Kingdom are always a highlight of the show.
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Whether he is battling Tanahashi or defending his Intercontinental Championship Nakamura has shown that he is not only one of the best wrestlers in New Japan but in the entire road. This Monday at Wreslte Kingdom Nakamura will continue to strengthen his legacy and name when he battles AJ Styles.