Reason Shinsuke Nakamura Missed WWE SmackDown

Nakamura had a 'ruff' night...

by Benjamin Richardson
Nakamura Police Dog
WWE/Pixabay

Last night, WWE released a video to announce that Shinsuke Nakamura would miss SmackDown Live due to an unspecified injury.

According to The Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer, the mystery malady was suffered in the hours prior to a house show in Bakersfield, CA on Monday night. So the story goes, 'The Artist' was bitten by a police dog outside the Rabobank Arena during a routine security check by law enforcement officials. Apparently, the dangerous doggo gnashed on Nakamura's leg without provocation.

The Japanese star had originally been scheduled to face Jeff Hardy for the US title on last night's SmackDown. In light of Nakamura's absence, Hardy issued an 'open challenge', answered by Eric Young. The Sanity man won the contest by disqualification.

Advertisement

As of now, Nakamura is not yet cleared for action, and it's unknown when he expected back. Check back for more details as they emerge.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.