5 NJPW Feuds Shinsuke Nakamura Could Walk Into Right Now

4. Kota Ibushi

Chris Jericho Shinsuke Nakamura
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Kota Ibushi and Shinsuke Nakamura contested one of the best matches of the 'King Of Strong Style's career when they tore up the Tokyo Dome at Wrestle Kingdom 9.

The 'Golden Star' was at what most considered his irresistible best in 2015, despite falling short against then-Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura. The pair built off an engaging G1 Climax match two years earlier, again won by Nakamura, but 2018's Ibushi is a man that could now mirror his rival's rancour.

Proving himself as tough as the 'Stone Pitbull' in their mesmerising G1 Climax 2018 clash, Ibushi's win over Tomohiro Ishii was a victory for his vicious side, further proving his ability to master just about any aspect of professional wrestling in order to find a way to win. That winning mentality (perhaps driven by his Golden Lover Kenny Omega's own ascent) was perhaps missing in the past, and could offer Nakamura a sterner test than once before.

Both men have the popularity with NJPW audiences to main event any card with or without hardware - but both could wear belts in to battle well, too.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation over 7 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 30 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz", Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 50,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett