WWE has seemingly revealed the identity of Shinsuke Nakamura’s mystery partner, and the reveal points to another major international signing joining the SmackDown roster.
After making his first WWE appearance since May during a pre-recorded backstage segment last week, Nakamura promised that he had found an ally to help him take the fight to Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga, collectively known as The MFT’s.
Nakamura Sends Warning To New WWE Tag Team Champions
Friday night’s edition of SmackDown saw Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga capture the WWE Tag Team Championship, defeating Damian Priest, R-Truth, and AAA Tag Team Champions The War Raiders in a triple threat match.
Following the show, WWE released a digital exclusive featuring Nakamura addressing the new champions.
“Congratulations MFT’s. You are now the champions. Are you savoring the feeling, knowing it will be gone soon? Was the victory as sweet, knowing what’s coming next? Me, my partner, your destruction.”
As the promo continued, WWE showed brief glimpses of Nakamura’s mystery partner while teasing his arrival on SmackDown.
“My partner is what you all pretend to be. Experienced, vicious, deadly. He is chaos. He is a ticking time bomb. Take cover.”
Hiromu Takahashi Appears WWE-Bound
The phrase “Ticking Time Bomb” immediately caught the attention of New Japan Pro-Wrestling fans, as it has long been associated with Hiromu Takahashi.
Takahashi, one of NJPW’s most accomplished junior heavyweight stars, departed the promotion earlier this year after a 15-year run.
In February, NJPW officially announced his departure following discussions with company management.
During his career, Takahashi became one of the most recognizable stars in Japanese wrestling and competed for several major promotions, including:
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
AEW
Ring of Honor
CMLL
Pro Wrestling NOAH
The former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion has been heavily linked to WWE since becoming a free agent, and Nakamura’s latest promo strongly suggests that he will soon arrive on SmackDown.
WWE Continues Adding Free Agents
Reports earlier this year indicated that Takahashi was among several notable free agents believed to be WWE-bound.
Since then, a number of those names have already debuted, including:
Big Cass
Baron Corbin
Cruz Montana
Zilla Fatu
If the tease proves accurate, Takahashi would become the latest high-profile addition to WWE’s growing roster.
When Will Takahashi Debut?
As of now, WWE has not officially announced a debut date for Takahashi.
However, with Nakamura openly teasing his arrival and positioning him as a key ally against the newly crowned WWE Tag Team Champions, it appears only a matter of time before the former NJPW star makes his first appearance on Friday Night SmackDown.
Should Takahashi arrive as expected, WWE fans could soon see one of Japan’s most decorated wrestlers join forces with Nakamura in a battle against The MFT’s and the WWE Tag Team Champions.
As NJPW legend Hiroshi Tanahashi prepares for his final match at Wrestle Kingdom 20 in January 2026, rumors are swirling about who will face him in his retirement bout. Recent reports suggest WWE’s Shinsuke Nakamura — one of Tanahashi’s most iconic rivals — could be in line for the honor. However, interpromotional politics between WWE, AEW, and NJPW could complicate the dream matchup.
The Ace’s Last Dance
As 2025 winds down, New Japan Pro Wrestling is preparing to say goodbye to one of its greatest icons. Hiroshi Tanahashi, the man affectionately known as “The Ace,” is nearing the end of his legendary in-ring career. After more than a year on his emotional farewell tour, Tanahashi will wrestle for the final time on January 4, 2026, at Wrestle Kingdom 20 inside the historic Tokyo Dome.
Tanahashi’s retirement tour has been a celebration of two decades of excellence — a journey that saw him face top stars across generations, from Kazuchika Okada and Tetsuya Naito to Will Ospreay and Zack Sabre Jr. But as the Tokyo Dome finale approaches, fans are buzzing about who will stand across the ring from him in his final match.
According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, one potential — and emotional — choice could be Shinsuke Nakamura, the current WWE Superstar and Tanahashi’s most famous rival.
Nakamura Teases the Possibility
Speculation started growing during WWE’s recent tour of Japan. Nakamura paid homage to Tanahashi by mimicking his signature mannerisms during matches and later referencing him in a post-show promo — a nod that didn’t go unnoticed by fans or by Meltzer.
Interestingly, Nakamura’s WWE contract reportedly includes a clause that allows him to work select dates in Japan. On paper, that would make a Tanahashi vs. Nakamura farewell match possible. However, Meltzer pointed out that it’s far from a done deal, and there are major hurdles to overcome.
NJPW, AEW, and WWE Politics Complicate Things
The biggest obstacle isn’t Nakamura’s willingness — it’s the current state of interpromotional politics. NJPW maintains a close working relationship with AEW, and with AEW’s Konosuke Takeshita currently holding the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, it’s expected that AEW talent will feature prominently at Wrestle Kingdom 20.
Having a WWE talent like Nakamura appear on the same card could create political friction between the promotions. Meltzer speculated that NJPW may hesitate to invite a WWE wrestler to such a high-profile show while the AEW partnership is active.
That said, Tanahashi’s retirement isn’t just another event — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime occasion. Meltzer added that if there’s any scenario that could make WWE, AEW, and NJPW look past competitive barriers, this could be it. Tanahashi’s influence and legacy are that significant.
A Rivalry That Defined an Era
If Nakamura were to be chosen, it would bring things full circle. Tanahashi and Nakamura’s careers have been intertwined since the early 2000s, leading New Japan through one of its most transformative periods.
Their clashes — including classic bouts over the IWGP Intercontinental Championship and main events at Wrestle Kingdom 8 — helped define NJPW’s modern in-ring style and reestablished the promotion as a global wrestling powerhouse. The chemistry between Tanahashi’s fiery heroism and Nakamura’s flamboyant charisma became a cornerstone of New Japan’s resurgence.
A final encounter between the two, more than a decade after their last major showdown, would be the perfect symbolic closing chapter for both men’s shared legacy.
When Will the Opponent Be Revealed?
Fans likely won’t have to wait long for answers. Meltzer noted that the identity of Tanahashi’s final opponent could be revealed as soon as November 2, during Tanahashi’s “Final Homecoming” event in his hometown of Gifu, or in the days following.
Regardless of who steps up — whether it’s Nakamura, an AEW name, or a rising NJPW star — one thing is certain: Hiroshi Tanahashi’s last match at Wrestle Kingdom 20 will be more than a wrestling match. It’ll be a celebration of a legacy that helped rebuild New Japan Pro Wrestling and inspire an entire generation of wrestlers and fans alike.
Shinsuke Nakamura has reemerged on WWE SmackDown, and he’s bringing a darker edge to his character. Months after a house show loss in Cardiff, Wales, Nakamura made a surprise return to confront United States Champion LA Knight.
Knight, fresh off a victory over Legado del Fantasma’s Berto, found himself blindsided by Nakamura. This wasn’t the flashy “King of Strong Style” fans remembered, however. Gone was the red gear synonymous with his WWE run. Instead, Nakamura sported a long, brown duster over a black leather shirt and pants. His crimson face paint, shaped into striking diamond patterns, added an air of menace as he silently admired the damage he inflicted before leaving the ring.
A Long-Awaited Return to Action
Fans have been waiting months for Nakamura to step back into the spotlight. His last televised WWE match was a loss to Sheamus on the April 22 episode of Raw. Despite his absence from WWE programming, Nakamura has kept fans intrigued, especially with Pro Wrestling NOAH announcing his return for their New Year’s Day show in 2024.
This marks a special homecoming for Nakamura, who previously appeared at NOAH’s New Year’s Day event in 2023, where he defeated The Great Muta during the Japanese legend’s retirement tour.
What’s Next for Nakamura?
Nakamura’s sudden targeting of LA Knight raises plenty of questions. Was this a one-off attack, or the beginning of a feud? Either way, Nakamura’s shift in presentation suggests that the WWE veteran is ready to reinvent himself yet again, a hallmark of his career in both WWE and Japan.
As he balances his WWE commitments with his anticipated Pro Wrestling NOAH appearance, one thing is certain: Shinsuke Nakamura is back, and he’s making waves in more ways than one.
Fightful Select has shared an update on WWE Superstar Shinsuke Nakamura.
According to the report, Nakamura is currently in a situation similar to AJ Styles’. The Japanese wrestler is reportedly in good health but is currently not showcased on WWE programming.
Nakamura recently participated in some of WWE’s international tour dates in Europe and Japan. He was involved in various matches, facing off against opponents such as Cody Rhodes, AJ Styles, LA Knight, Ludwig Kaiser, Sheamus, and Ilja Dragunov.
At one of the Japan shows, Nakamura joined forces with Kevin Owens to take on The Bloodline.
However, since Nakamura is not being featured on WWE TV for undisclosed reasons, the creative team seems to have no plans for him currently.
Pro Wrestling NOAH announce this past weekend that WWE’s Shinsuke Nakamura was crossing over to the company as part of Keiji Mutoh’s retirement tour, with the former Intercontinental Champion announced as Mutoh’s opponent for its 1 January show, The New Year 2023. It’ll be one of the last times the 59-year-old works as The Great Muta before he draws the curtain on his wrestling career later that month – and something those involved had to work hard to make happen.
Tokyo Sports reports (via translation) that NOAH had earmarked Nakamura as somebody it wanted to book for Mutoh’s retirement run as soon as the legend made the decision to retire. Initially, they were met with disagreement from WWE, though “tenacious” negotiations continued once Vince McMahon stepped down as Chairman and CEO in July.
The two sides then reached an agreement on 26 October. Now, the bout is official.
Nakamura revealed he was spurred on by people within WWE, calling the situation “a real ‘Forbidden Door'”, nodding to AEW’s working relationship with NJPW:-
“There were people in WWE who pushed me forward. I opened a door that no one could break in. Hahaha…it’s a real ‘Forbidden Door’.”
Continuing, Nakamura called the bout a meeting of “fate”, adding that he worked hard to make it happen:-
“I think it’s really fate, and I worked hard to make it happen. I’ve fought Keiji Muto twice in the past, but this was my first encounter with Great Muta, the first and last. I definitely think that I am in the midst of the miracle of the times.”
Nakamura has not wrestled in Japan on a show promoted by a native company since January 2016, when he left NJPW for WWE. His last tie with Mutoh came in October 2008.
WWE Champion AJ Styles, U.S. Champion Shinsuke Nakamura, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson are all set to have their contracts expire in early 2019, according to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio. Meltzer noted that they all had signed three-year deals with WWE in 2016, and Styles and Nakamura’s deals expire in January.
Meltzer noted that New Japan Pro Wrestling has “absolute interest” in bringing Nakamura back to the company. With NJPW’s expansion, Nakamura’s name value has increased dramatically since his WWE debut.
The Orlando crowd erupted into cheers at the 2016 Royal Rumble pay-per-view event when Styles made his WWE debut. Styles held the WWE Championship for 140 days before the year was over, giving him a great start to his WWE career. He is still WWE Champion in his second run with the title, and addressed the idea of re-signing with WWE during a March 2018 interview with Raute Musik.
“I don’t see why not if I can do what I do,” Styles said. “Like, if I can still be AJ Styles, then I would like to keep working in the WWE in a talent form. So as long as I can keep going, then I would like to keep working there.”
Daniel Bryan’s WWE contract expires on September 1st.
Shinsuke Nakamura will likely be out of action for a few more weeks due to the bite he suffered from a police dog last week.
In an interview with Nikkan Sports, the two-time NXT champion said he’ll continue to be evaluated but likely sidelined through the middle of July.
As we previously reported, the dog that bit Shinsuke is part of the Bakersfield Police Department Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Team. The group was sweeping the arena ahead of a live event when the dog bit Nakamura in the lower left leg.
According to police, Nakamura was treated at a nearby hospital.
Over the weekend, Shinsuke cut a promo in Tokyo at a live event before mixing it up with Samoa Joe — the images of which can see SEEN HERE.
As noted, Shinsuke Nakamura was pulled from the ring on Monday and Tuesday after being bitten by a police dog during a routine pre-show security check at Monday’s WWE live event in Bakersfield, California.
There is no timetable for Nakamura’s return and his status for the weekend shows in Japan is still up in the air, according to F4Wonline.com.
Bakersfield police issued the following statement on the incident:
“On Monday, June 25, 2018, officers of the Bakersfield Police Department Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Team were conducting a protective sweep of the Rabobank Arena in preparation for the WWE Live Summerslam Heatwave Tour. During the sweep, the EOD Team, which consisted of an explosive detection trained canine team and bomb technicians entered an area of the arena where an employee of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) was present. The canine entered the room to sweep for the presence of any explosive material. As the sweep took place the WWE employee was accidentally bit by the canine. The employee sustained an injury to his lower left leg. Medical aid was immediately summoned to the scene and the employee was transported to a local area hospital for medical treatment.”
As noted, WWE announced today that Shinsuke Nakamura is currently injured and not cleared to compete. They noted that he was injured on Monday night. Nakamura worked Sunday’s WWE live event in Fresno, California but did not wrestle at Monday’s show in Bakersfield.
Nakamura was pulled from the ring after being bitten by a police dog before Monday’s live event, according to PWInsider. The police dog was reportedly brought around the backstage area as part of a pre-show security check when the dog sniffed Nakamura and bit him on the leg, without being provoked.
WWE decided to pull Nakamura from the ring as a medical precaution. Nakamura was backstage for last night’s SmackDown but was not cleared to compete and is said to be suffering from a very sore leg. No word yet on when he will be cleared.
Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated’s Extra Mustardreports today that Vince McMahon was furious with Shinsuke Nakamura for dropping John Cena on his head and neck when he hit him with the Reverse Exploder near the end of their main event match on SmackDown LIVE last week.
Luckily for Cena, he did not suffer a serious injury. SmackDown LIVE General Manager Daniel Bryan announced on last night’s show that Cena will face Baron Corbin at SummerSlam on August 20.
According to Barrasso, McMahon’s anger was more in defense of Cena than an indictment of Nakamura since the WWE Chairman & CEO has not lost faith in him. However, if Nakamura makes another mistake like that again, McMahon will have an entirely different opinion of him.
McMahon might be the only one upset with Nakamura for the botched spot. Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com reported last week that people backstage saw the error as a fluke. Cena himself did not seem upset about it either. Nakamura immediately apologized to Cena after the match, to which Cena replied, “Don’t be sorry.”
Wrestling News Blog 