5 NJPW Feuds Shinsuke Nakamura Could Walk Into Right Now
'The King' Is Back?
News of a potential Shinsuke Nakamura New Japan Pro Wrestling return threw up a number of fascinating possibilities for the 'King Of Strong Style' should he decide to abandon his 'Rockstar' life for a return home.
His time with World Wrestling Entertainment has been the tale-of-two-cities story most NXT short-stayers have experienced since the birth of the developmental brand. A joy to behold from the moment he shimmied onto the TakeOver: Dallas stage, the fun had been almost entirely sucked out within a year of his main roster arrival. A WrestleMania 34 heel turn followed one of his best ever entrances - by this point the only truly alluring aspect of his act remaining.
A trip to the dark side allowed his contests to be methodical and plodding for "heat", but even as a babyface 'The Artist' never painted the WWE canvas with the same spilt blood he left behind in NJPW.
Nakamura was a fierce Far East force, animalistic in the abuse he dished out all the while putting the style in 'Strong Style' as an iconic Intercontinental Champion. As with his original 2016 switch thanks to an increased audience interest in New Japan then, there's probably never been a better time for him to return as a former 'WWE Superstar'. 2019's megastars probably eagerly await the chance to come at 'The King'. They'd best not miss...
5. Kazuchika Okada
Kazuchika Okada may not yet be 'The Rainmaker' again, but the walking mid-life crisis could still make magic with the former fellow CHAOS member should the two get the opportunity to retell a classic one-night story.
The pair had absorbing counter-wars in G1 Climax tournament matches in 2012, 2014 and 2015 as Okada grew into the NJPW 'Ace', but there may not be a better time to revisit the rivalry.
Both have entered brave new realms as performers in 2018 as a result of significant losses - Okada's meltdown without the IWGP Heavyweight Title belt to hold up both his long pants and his sanity has been thrilling. Nakamura's as result of his WrestleMania "dream match" loss to AJ Styles.
Both don't look within sniffing distance of a top title anytime soon, but Nakamura bulldozing his former stablemate wouldn't be lacking in heft despite Okada's reduced status. Particularly if Shinsuke's mooted 2019 return came in the form of a surprise placement in that year's G1. There'd be fewer stages as fitting for their battles to recommence.