10 WWE Match-Ups That Were Better In Another Promotion

10. AJ Styles Vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

AJ Styles was an international legend by Wrestle Kingdom 10, getting accolades in whatever promotion he worked for, earning top belts in both TNA and NJPW.

Nakamura was still riding high as IWGP Intercontinental Champion, a title that main-evented Wrestle Kingdom 8. The two fighters put together a swansong where they beat respect into each other, showing international fans what Strong Style was all about, complete with lariats, flying knee strikes, and even a rare kickout from the Styles Clash. Their match had many fans switching their allegiance to the King of Sports.

From the moment they entered WWE, fans were clamouring for the inevitable rematch. WWE actually built it well, with Nakamura winning the 2018 Royal Rumble, and challenging AJ Styles for the belt at WrestleMania 34.

But the rematch never managed to live up to the hype. The bookers instead substituted the brutal moves that NJPW fights are known for with a shock heel turn where Nakamura struck Styles in the balls.

This later culminated in a dragged-out feud where Nakamura and Styles took each other to Dick Kick City, making fans feel like they just took a shot to the sensitive area.