Does this photo about NXT’s upcoming Download Festival tour indicate Shinsuke Nakamura’s future?
When Shinsuke Nakamura arrived to WWE NXT in early 2016, no one knew how long he would stay there. He made a name for himself in Japan as one of the biggest pro wrestling names of not only the country, but the world. So how long would WWE keep him in developmental for?
Well, about one year after Nakamura’s debut, he’s still in NXT. He’s become their top babyface and held the NXT Championship twice, becoming just the third person to hold a belt that many times for the brand. Much has been accomplished, which could mean he’s done just about everything possible there.
However, could this photo be an indication of the King of Strong Style’s time in NXT ending? Triple H posted a photo on Twitter to promote NXT’s annual appearance at the Download Festival in the United Kingdom. They’re scheduled to be there from June 5-11. All the big names are on this graphic too — Bobby Roode, Asuka, Kassius Ohno, Tye Dillinger, SAnitY, and Aleister Black (he hasn’t debuted yet). No Nakamura, though?
UK... #AreYouReady? @WWENXT goes across the pond for #NXTLIVE & @DownloadFest from June 5-11. Tickets on sale FRIDAY at 10am GMT. #WeAreNXT pic.twitter.com/r0hY8NVD53
— Triple H (@TripleH) March 15, 2017
Nakamura’s glaring omission could be a sign of what’s to come. With WrestleMania 33 around the corner, maybe he debuts on the post-Raw or SmackDown Live, which are notorious for having NXT stars making their debut. Most recently, we saw Enzo Amore, Big Cass, Apollo Crews, the Vaudevillains and Baron Corbin do this, with the latter man actually showing up and winning the Andre the Giant Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32.
However, the former NJPW star’s absence on this poster could mean nothing too. He may always be added at the last minute if plans change, which they always do in WWE. Maybe the NXT brass isn’t aware of what could happen with Nakamura before the Download Festival, so they’re leaving him off advertising too. The other Superstars on their, particularly Asuka, could mean their potential arrivals on the main roster aren’t known.
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If the Download Festival photo means anything, then we could see Shinsuke Nakamura on WWE’s main roster soon? The question, however, is when?