10 Fascinating Facts About WWE In 2019

10. Shinsuke Nakamura’s Unwanted History

In 2018, Shinsuke Nakamura became the first ex-NXT Champion to win the Royal Rumble. Fast forward 12 months later to January 2019, and Shin was making history of a different kind. It was unwanted history too, but didn't become much of a hot talking point on social media (for some reason).

Nakamura became the first Rumble winner to get relegated to the pre-show the following year. 

He beat Rusev on the 2019 Kickoff to win the United States Title. Shinsuke did go on to compete in the Rumble later that night, but…what a tumble. A royal tumble, if you like. Sorry! OK, that joke was worse than anything WWE might've had in mind for Nakamura as US Champ. Actually, being totally honest, maybe not.

R-Truth beat Shin on the following week's SmackDown to bag the belt. That means Naka spend 48 hours as US Champ before dropping the strap to a walking comedy act. An endearing comedy act, but still a comedy act! Again, what a fall from grace.