Ranking Shinsuke Nakamura’s 10 Best WWE Matches So Far
9. Vs TJ Perkins (NXT TV, March 8th 2017)
In what would prove to be his penultimate televised encounter on the developmental brand, Nakamura engaged in an unexpected thriller with flailing former Cruiserweight Champion TJ Perkins.
Acknowledging their dovetailing past experience in Japan, Perkins noted that he knew how to beat the 'King of Strong Style', and vowed to make the most of his opportunity as the first lightweight star to step out of the Cruiserweight division since it's 2016 relaunch.
Perkins had been the unexpected breakout star the last time he wrestled in Orlando, jumping out of the shadow cast by tournament favourites Kota Ibushi, Brian Kendrick and Zack Sabre, Jr.
His return to Florida was not in front of the Full Sail faithful, but the devoted crowd inside The Venue At UCF gave him the reaction he'd struggled to recapture on Monday Night Raw.
Playing up to his inherent dislikability that foreshadowed his eventual heel turn, Perkins arrogantly blew past the traditional Nakamura histrionics with spins and tricks of his own that resulted in the pair turning up the volume after trading condescending dabs.
Nakamura in particular was in his element during the lightening quick conflict, attempting to shrug off the known damage to his left knee done by Bobby Roode the prior month that Perkins would cynically target midway through the match.
Swapping submissions and kicks, the pair survived each other's worst before Nakamura hit a single-leg backstabber to diffuse his opponent long enough to nail the reverse exploder and Kinshasa for the victory.