The wrestling world has long been captivated by the enigmatic Shinsuke Nakamura, a star whose journey through the WWE has been both intriguing and somewhat perplexing. In a recent interview, former WWE star and commentator, Nic Nemeth, offered a fascinating insight into his interactions with Nakamura and the creative decisions behind their matches, particularly their 2017 Backlash encounter.
Nemeth, reflecting on Nakamura's debut on the main roster, recalled the initial excitement and high expectations surrounding the former NJPW star. He described Nakamura's entrance at Backlash as electric, stating, 'Everyone was singing his song on the entrance.' Nemeth envisioned a high-octane, MMA-inspired match, complete with dramatic entrances and a potential knockout. However, he laments that Vince McMahon, then-WWE CEO, opted for a more traditional WWE style, which, while entertaining, didn't quite live up to the potential of Nakamura's unique style.
The match between Nemeth and Nakamura at Backlash was a back-and-forth affair, lasting 16 minutes. Nakamura emerged victorious, showcasing his prowess and charisma. Nemeth's perspective highlights a deeper issue within WWE's creative process, suggesting that the company's resistance to innovative ideas can sometimes hinder the potential of its stars.
Nakamura's career trajectory has been a rollercoaster since his main roster debut. He has won the WWE United States Championship three times, the Intercontinental Title twice, and, alongside Cesaro, the SmackDown Tag Team Championship in 2020. Despite these accolades, Nakamura's momentum has been inconsistent, with some matches standing out more than others.
Nemeth's comments shed light on the challenges faced by wrestlers in navigating the creative process within WWE. His perspective adds a layer of complexity to the often-mysterious world of professional wrestling booking, where personal interactions and creative visions can significantly impact a wrestler's journey and success.
In the end, Nemeth's reflection on Nakamura's career serves as a reminder that behind the glitz and glamour of wrestling, there are intricate stories and decisions that shape the stars' journeys. It also underscores the importance of embracing unique styles and innovative ideas, even within the confines of a well-established organization like WWE.
