10 Biggest Wrestling Pops Of 2016
4. Shinsuke Nakamura Wins NXT Gold
WWE doesn't have the greatest track record with Japenese stars - just ask Kenzo Suzuki - but Shinsuke Nakamura has bucked the trend and become a fan favourite in WWE. Debuting in NXT at TakeOver: Dallas, Nakamura's strong style and unique personality both intrigued and enthralled fans in equal measure and less than six months later he was NXT Champion.
At TakeOver: Brooklyn 2, Nakamura defeated Samoa Joe after a series of stiff, jaw rattling Kinshasas to win his first championship in WWE. The timing was perfect for Nakamura, after delivering amazing matches all year and being a truly world revered competitor, fans were ready to see him as champion and the crowd in attendance were more than happy to witness it live.