Every WWE NXT Call-Up In 2017: Ranked From Worst To Best

4. Shinsuke Nakamura

Shinsuke Nakamura
WWE.com

Shinsuke Nakamura's main roster run hasn't been good. At all.

'The King Of Strong Style's' superstar aura is dead in the water. WWE have totally failed at preserving his mystique, and while fears that Vince McMahon would ruin Nakamura as soon as he got his hands on him haven't been completely fulfilled, WWE are well on their way.

The Dolph Ziggler and Baron Corbin rivalries were duds. A potential dream match with John Cena was wasted on a random episode of SmackDown, as was Shinsuke's first-time bout with Randy Orton. He wrestled for the WWE Championship at SummerSlam and Hell In A Cell, but eating two straight pinfalls to Jinder Mahal dealt immeasurable damage, and Nakamura's misery was compounded when he was the first competitor eliminated in Survivor Series' men's 5-on-5 bout.

There are a couple of saving graces. Nakamura's popularity, while dented, is second only to AJ Styles' on SmackDown, and WWE still have a big money match between the two left in the chamber. His in-ring showings have generally been strong, too, but he has clearly lost a step or two since leaving NJPW in 2016.

A strong start to 2018 should repair much of the damage, but Nakamura's reputation is reeling.

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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.