6 Huge First-Time Matches WWE Have Totally Wasted In 2017

4. Randy Orton Vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

John Cena Shinsuke Nakamura
WWE

Yes, Randy Orton faced Shinsuke Nakamura in a SmackDown main event, and yes, it was a number one contender's match. If you spotted the pattern, congratulations.

This one wasn't on the same level as Randy's bout with AJ Styles or Nakamura's against Cena. Instead, it was about what you'd expect from two wrestlers with notable reputations for taking it easy between the ropes. That's not to say they mailed it in, but it wasn't anywhere close to athletic as the Styles bout, nor was it as dramatic as Nak vs. Cena, though the crowd were thoroughly invested throughout.

Nakamura took the victory after countering an RKO into a Backstabber, then hitting his Kinshasa knee for the 1, 2, 3. He'll challenge for Jinder Mahal's WWE Championship on 8 October's Hell in a Cell pay-per-view as a result, and while Shane McMahon vs. Kevin Owens has already been confirmed to take place inside the structure, there's a strong chance Shinsuke vs. Jinder will get the HIAC treatment too. Perhaps the glory of him potentially becoming WWE Champion will supersede the disappointing waste of a clash with Orton.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.