Shinsuke Nakamura and Asuka are two of the most hyped Japanese superstars in WWE history. Both have all the tools to be marketable main event players. Yet the two have not lived up to their potential fully.
This past Money In The Bank PPV had some noteworthy moments. It was a fun swerve to see Alexa Bliss sneak in and win the Raw Women’s Championship. Braun Strowman climbed up the ladder and officially became “monster in the bank”. However, two things really stuck out like a sore thumb. Both Shinsuke Nakamura and Asuka lost their respective matches again.
This is not the end for either of these talents. Fans still love “The Artist” who provides great matches with a grand entrance. Meanwhile, Asuka is still over in her own right. At the same time, the two talents are beginning to feel less special.
Shinsuke Nakamura has been an awesome heel since he turned. The eccentric facial expressions and mind games have been dastardly. It has allowed the king of strong style to be more ruthless. One would think the turn would symbolize a new hunger that gets Nakamura the championship.
Credit: WWE.com
Yet, it got him losses to AJ Styles in every championship match. This does make Nakamura look like just another guy rather than on the level of Styles. It does not help that their matches were good but not spectacular either. The heel turn was the perfect way for Nakamura to capture the championship underhandedly. Asuka feels lost in the shuffle since losing her streak. She is so much more than a streak.
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Historically, WWE has struggled to create Japanese-born main event stars. Mic skills are essential but the language barrier can’t be an excuse. WWE knew that before signing the talents. Besides, the charisma oozes out of these two stars through their motions and body language.
Moreover, there has never been a Japanese born WWE Champion. Even acts that are portraying a Japanese character (ex: Lord Tensai) have never took off for whatever reason. There is no reason why Asuka and Nakamura can’t be the exception.
Pro Wrestling is not a conventional sport. There are no standings to keep official track of wins and losses. Nevertheless, wins and losses matter. They play a vital role in the fans’ perception of characters. Booking a WWE superstar to lose big matches all the time will make fans care less. It makes it harder to view the performer as a credible threat.
WWE needs to begin reviving these two fast. Shinsuke Nakamura appears to be headed to a feud with a reinvigorated Jeff Hardy. There is no question these two can have a series of great matches. Nakamura needs to be the one to beat Jeff Hardy for the United States Championship. Next, he needs to hold the prestigious championship for a good amount of time.
They must build on Nakamura’s pretending not to speak English and his slimy tendencies, James Ellsworth and Carmella are currently a nuisance to Asuka. We rarely get men versus women in wrestling. The company can being the boost for Asuka by her destroying Ellsworth.
It would not hurt for him to get “injured” in the process. Finally, leaving the princess of Staten Island for Asuka. Asuka can then reign as SmackDown Women’s Champion. This will leave the former NJPW stars on a more productive path.