WWE Backlash 2018: 3 Reasons Why Shinsuke Nakamura Should Win

3. He’s been so great as a heel

The very second that Nakamura’s interview segment with Renee Young ended, I knew that I was going to enjoy this heel run. Since his shocking heel turn at WrestleMania, “The King of Strong Style” has morphed into something of an agitator. He responds to Young’s reasonable questions with either derision or my favorite “No Speak English”. He interferes in other dream matches for the express purpose of hitting Styles low, which always brings a sadistic smile to his face. Nakamura still hasn’t explained why he attacked Styles to begin with, either (unless you take his post-Mania answer at face value).

WWE and Nakamura have hit all the right notes for this villainous character. He has tweaked his act to amplify the more grating aspects of his gimmick (sarcasm, goofy facial expressions) and has become a wrestler that is easy to dislike. The company also remixed his song to keep that fans from crooning along with the instrumental. Both parties have done everything right so far.

I have a feeling that Nakamura is only beginning to scratch the surface of this antagonistic persona. Nakamura has picked up momentum every week since WrestleMania, so it makes sense to cash in on that with a victory over Styles.