Why Has Shinsuke Nakamura Not Been Wrestling Lately?

The current Intercontinental Champion, Shinsuke Nakamura has not been wrestling lately. Rick Boogs revealed on Ryan Satin’s ‘Out of Character’ Podcast that Nakamura has an arm injury.

The King of Strong Style won the Intercontinental Championship by defeating Apollo Crews on the August 13th, 2021 episode of SmackDown. In his title reign of more than 150 days, Nakamura has only defended the title once. The last match of the Intercontinental Champion was on December 18th at a Live Show. That is potentially when Nakamura injured his arm. 

Sami Zayn is the current No. 1 Contender for the Intercontinental Title. Although the fans can assume that the title match will take place at the Royal Rumble PPV, WWE has not announced when the title match will take place. According to Rick Boogs, Nakamura will potentially be out of action for two months. He will most likely return to action in mid-February. 

“We’ve only had a couple of tag matches together. And he suffered a hand injury that’s kept him out for close to two months now it seems like. So, I’m kind of just looking forward as of right now for him to be healthy and cleared so we can kick some tail. And then from there, down the road, we’ll branch off. I’m in no rush with that.”  – Rick Boogs on Ryan Satin’s Out of Character Podcast

We at Sports Manor wish Shinsuke Nakamura a speedy recovery.

What is next for Shinsuke Nakamura?

The Reigning Intercontinental Champion wants to wrestle for New Japan Pro-Wrestling on their 50th Anniversary. Nakamura gave an interview for Tokyo Sports. Nakamura revealed that he was pushing for WWE to work with New Japan Pro-Wrestling so he could work with some of the wrestlers at NJPW. 

“I want to have a match in front of the fans who are waiting in Japan soon. It’s the 50th anniversary of New Japan. Through the company, I really wish I could cooperate,” Nakamura said. “The game is difficult, isn’t it? However, if you negotiate seriously, It may be somehow, but now it’s the situation like isolation and border measures. The risk is still high. It would be nice if the situation was calm and there was a TV program that would call me outside the match (laughs).”

When do you think Nakamura will defend his title next? Also, do you think WWE will accept Nakamura’s request and partner with NJPW? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.