Ranking Shinsuke Nakamura’s 10 Best WWE Matches So Far
8. Vs Bobby Roode (NXT TakeOver: San Antonio)
A moderately disappointing maiden encounter between the two still almost stole the show, as NXT began a rebuilding phase with the crowning of Bobby Roode as champion.
'The Glorious One' was a natural ascendent to Shinsuke's throne, having made a huge splash on the developmental brand since his summer debut. Carrying an established legacy from a lengthy TNA run, Roode had expertly embodied the arrogant persona gifted to him by the WWE creative system, and presented a different type of opposition for 'The King of Strong Style'.
A polished in-ring performer, Roode has built his reputation on slower-paced storytelling that occasionally struggles to jive with crowds expecting futuristic and fast-paced displays. This minor disconnect was evident in the opening salvos between the pair, but the duo drew the crowd in in the latter stages after Roode took advantage of Nakamura's overconfidence.
After having his left leg punished for several minutes, the champion regained control, but foolishly hit a knee-strike to the challenger on the apron in an act of desperation. Attempting to shake off the pain, Nakamura levelled Roode with the Kinshasa but it was again at his own expense.
Writhing in pain and unable to follow up, the champion required immediate medical attention but refused to concede. Smelling blood, a recovering Roode struck quickly and decisively, hitting a Glorious DDT for a breathtaking nearfall.
Remaining focussed, he escaped a last-ditch triangle choke from the champion and hooked on a devastating single leg boston crab as a final weakener before the second Glorious DDT turned out Nakamura's lights for good.