Wrestler Profile

Shinsuke Nakamura

Shinsuke Nakamura arrived in WWE in 2016 as the King of Strong Style, already a legend in Japan. In New Japan Pro-Wrestling he was a three-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and the innovator who made the Intercontinental title a main-event prize, with charisma so magnetic that crowds sang his entrance theme in full voice.

His NXT debut against Sami Zayn remains one of the most atmospheric matches in the brand's history. On the main roster he won the 2018 Royal Rumble, challenged AJ Styles in a dream match at WrestleMania 34, and has collected United States, Intercontinental and tag team championships.

Even in a reduced role, Nakamura remains capable of conjuring big-match magic when motivated — his 2023 program with Seth Rollins showed the old menace instantly. WrestleRanks voters keep the artist formerly known as the King of Strong Style in respectful rotation.

Promotions

Shinsuke Nakamura is associated with WWE (2025–2026), NJPW and NXT.

Championship history

• IWGP Heavyweight Championship (NJPW) — Former champion · 3 reigns
• IWGP Intercontinental Championship (NJPW) — Former champion · 5 reigns
• NXT Championship (NXT) — Former champion · 2 reigns
• WWE Intercontinental Championship (WWE) — Former champion · 2 reigns
• WWE United States Championship (WWE) — Former champion · 3 reigns

PWI rankings history

Shinsuke Nakamura has been ranked in the PWI 500 17 times, first at No. 130 in 2006 and most recently at No. 63 in 2025. The highest placement is No. 5, reached in 2015.

Placements by year: 2006 (No. 130), 2007 (No. 96), 2008 (No. 10), 2009 (No. 24), 2010 (No. 7), 2011 (No. 45), 2012 (No. 47), 2013 (No. 54), 2014 (No. 17), 2015 (No. 5), 2018 (No. 11), 2020 (No. 26), 2021 (No. 82), 2022 (No. 46), 2023 (No. 113), 2024 (No. 109), 2025 (No. 63).

Compiled from the annual rankings published by Pro Wrestling Illustrated. See the 2025 edition.

Shinsuke Nakamura in the WrestleRanks rankings

Shinsuke Nakamura is tracked as a professional wrestler on WrestleRanks. WrestleRanks standings are decided one week at a time, from fan voting and editor input. Read more about how our rankings work, or see the live, interactive profile with weekly rank history and voting on the Shinsuke Nakamura ranking page.

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