Why Shinsuke Nakamura Isn't Wrestling For WWE At The Moment

The real reason you haven't seen the WWE Intercontinental Champion in action lately.

Shinsuke Nakamura King
WWE.com

If you've been wondering why Shinsuke Nakamura hasn't exactly kept the busiest in-ring schedule for WWE lately, it's because he's injured.

This is according to Nakamura's SmackDown partner, Rick Boogs, who revealed as much during a recent appearance on Out of Character with Ryan Satin.

Boogs said that the WWE Intercontinental Champion "suffered a hand injury that's kept him out for close to two months now it seems like," adding that he is waiting for Nakamura to "be healthy and cleared" so that they can team up again.

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Shinsuke last wrestled for WWE on an 18 December house show, where he and Boogs defeated Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss. His last televised match was another tag bout alongside Boogs on SmackDown's 10 December episode.

Nakamura had originally been pegged to face Sami Zayn with his Intercontinental Championship on the line at Day 1. Plans for that match were scrapped prior to the event. Now, seemingly, we believable have the reason for that.

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Being injured hasn't prevented Nakamura from appearing on television, with the Japanese star a constant presence alongside Boogs on SmackDown. He was at ringside for Boogs' win over Zayn last week.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.