10 WWE Storylines We'd Like To See In 2018

8. And, Later...

Bayley Asuka
WWE.com

A full Shinsuke Nakamura heel turn.

WWE, in order to maximise the Nakamura investment - somewhat crucial in stealing a march on the emerging New Japan, if only by decorating the brochure - must do something with him. The quick-fix heel turn formula is the easiest option available, but it's not without some promise beyond a throw of the dice.

Nakamura is in dire need of a mouthpiece - f*cking trust WWE to give him a mouthguard instead - and the promo flattery machine that is Paul Heyman is the man for the job. With Heyman as his new advocate, the legitimate threat Nakamura poses could be articulated with a man as good with words as the King Of Strong Style is with his feet. Lesnar exudes menace purely through his aura, which Heyman's words only serve to enhance. The similarly physically charismatic Nakamura need only stand there and soak up Heyman's electric adulation to transmit his dimmed star power.

With Heyman in place to do what has worked for years and years, Nakamura's immediate problem is solved - and his long-term future is secured through a teased bout with the Beast after months of beautifully built WWE Title defences.

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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!