Nakamura Vs. Styles: The Epic Rivalry Unpacked

Hey guys, get ready to dive deep into one of the most electrifying and anticipated rivalries in modern professional wrestling history: the saga of Shinsuke Nakamura vs. AJ Styles. This wasn't just a couple of matches; it was a clash of titans, a meeting of two absolute masters of their craft, and a story that captivated audiences across two continents. From the hallowed halls of New Japan Pro-Wrestling to the grand stages of WWE, Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ Styles delivered a series of encounters that will be talked about for years to come. Their rivalry transcended simple wins and losses, evolving into a narrative rich with respect, betrayal, and ultimately, a fierce, often brutal, competition. We’re talking about two performers, each with a unique style and an undeniable charisma, who were destined to cross paths and create magic in the squared circle. The anticipation for their matches was always off the charts, as fans knew they were in for something special every time these two stepped between the ropes. So, buckle up, because we’re about to unpack everything that made Shinsuke Nakamura vs. AJ Styles a truly phenomenal rivalry, exploring every twist and turn, every low blow, and every unforgettable moment that cemented their place in wrestling lore. This isn't just a breakdown of their matches; it's a look at how two incredible athletes carved out a legendary chapter in their careers together, leaving an indelible mark on the wrestling world and setting a high bar for what a truly epic rivalry should be.

The Genesis: A Dream Match Ignites in New Japan

Before they ever stepped into a WWE ring, the foundation for the Shinsuke Nakamura vs. AJ Styles rivalry was firmly laid in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). This, folks, is where the initial spark ignited, creating a buzz that would echo for years. Their first major encounter, a dream match for many, took place at Wrestle Kingdom 10 in January 2016. At the time, Shinsuke Nakamura was the reigning IWGP Intercontinental Champion, holding one of NJPW's most prestigious titles, embodying the "King of Strong Style" persona with every fiber of his being. On the other side of the ring stood AJ Styles, then the leader of the infamous Bullet Club, known globally as "The Phenomenal One" due to his unparalleled athleticism and innovative offense. The stakes were incredibly high, and the anticipation was palpable. This was a clash of styles in the truest sense: Nakamura's hard-hitting, unpredictable strong style striking versus Styles' high-flying, technical prowess and submission game. Fans knew they were witnessing something extraordinary even before the bell rang. The build-up wasn't about animosity but about proving who was the better man, a pure sporting contest between two top-tier athletes. The match itself was a masterclass in professional wrestling, an absolute clinic that showcased the very best of both men. It featured incredible sequences, breathtaking reversals, and a narrative told entirely through their movements and expressions. Nakamura's Boma Ye knee strikes were delivered with brutal precision, while Styles countered with his signature Phenomenal Forearm and Styles Clash. The crowd at the Tokyo Dome was on its feet for much of the match, completely invested in every near fall and every exchange. Shinsuke Nakamura ultimately emerged victorious, retaining his title in a truly unforgettable contest. But what made this encounter truly special wasn't just the athleticism; it was the undeniable chemistry between them. They pushed each other to their limits, creating a spectacle that felt both brutal and beautiful. This single match solidified their status as future legends and left fans around the world clamoring for more. Little did we know, this was just the beginning, a tantalizing preview of the epic rivalry that would soon unfold on an even larger stage. The mutual respect they displayed after the match, a simple nod or handshake, spoke volumes about their admiration for each other's skill, a respect that would later be tested and ultimately shattered in WWE. This NJPW chapter isn't just a footnote; it's the critical first act in a drama that would redefine both their careers and set the stage for one of wrestling's most compelling modern feuds. It showcased what happens when two legitimate main eventers, at the absolute peak of their powers, face off with pure pride and championship gold on the line. The echoes of that Tokyo Dome classic would resonate deeply through their future encounters, reminding everyone of the pure, unadulterated wrestling brilliance they were capable of together. Their NJPW encounter was more than just a match; it was a benchmark, a promise of greatness that fans eagerly hoped would be fulfilled again.

The WWE Chapter: From Dream to Brutal Reality

Fast forward to 2018, and the wrestling world was buzzing once again. Both Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ Styles had made their way to WWE, and fans were practically begging for a rematch. The stars aligned at the 2018 Royal Rumble, where Shinsuke Nakamura emerged victorious in the men's Royal Rumble match. In a moment that sent chills down spines and electrified the arena, Nakamura famously pointed at the SmackDown Live brand, signifying his challenge to the reigning WWE Champion, none other than AJ Styles. This singular gesture instantly reignited the dream match narrative, setting the stage for arguably the most anticipated encounter of WrestleMania 34. The excitement was through the roof, guys! Everyone knew what these two were capable of, and the thought of them on the Grandest Stage of Them All for the most prestigious title in WWE was almost too good to be true.

WrestleMania 34: The First Betrayal

At WrestleMania 34 in New Orleans, the WWE Championship match between AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura was positioned as a true spectacle. The crowd was absolutely electric, eager to see if Nakamura could capture his first main roster WWE title against his familiar foe. The match itself was fantastic, a high-octane affair filled with incredible counters and near falls that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Styles, as ever, was phenomenal, executing his high-risk maneuvers with precision, while Nakamura brought his unique strong style and Kinshasa strikes. After a grueling battle, AJ Styles managed to defeat Nakamura, retaining his championship. It was a clean, hard-fought victory that, initially, seemed to uphold the respect they had shared from their NJPW days. However, what happened immediately after the match completely shocked the world and permanently altered the trajectory of their rivalry. As Styles offered a handshake, a gesture of sportsmanship, Shinsuke Nakamura delivered a vicious low blow to Styles, immediately followed by a brutal Kinshasa. The crowd gasped, then erupted in a mixture of boos and disbelief. The "King of Strong Style" had turned heel, and the dream match had just taken a dark, unexpected turn. This wasn't just a loss for Nakamura; it was a complete character shift, transforming him from a crowd-favorite eccentric into a bitter, calculating villain. This moment was pivotal, injecting a fresh, venomous energy into the feud, turning a contest of respect into a deeply personal vendetta. It completely changed the dynamic, moving beyond who was the better wrestler to who could inflict more pain and humiliation. The initial dream match had evolved into a nightmare for AJ Styles, and fans were gripped, wondering what further acts of aggression Nakamura would unleash.

The Rematch Clause and Escalation of Hostilities

The WrestleMania low blow wasn't a one-off; it was the opening salvo in an extended, brutal saga. The Shinsuke Nakamura vs. AJ Styles rivalry continued with a series of high-stakes rematches, each more intense and controversial than the last. Their next major encounter came at the Greatest Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia, just a few weeks after WrestleMania. In that match, Nakamura once again resorted to a low blow, but this time, it led to a double count-out, meaning AJ Styles retained the title but the feud was far from over. No clear winner, just more frustration and a clear sign that Nakamura was committed to his new, conniving persona. This set the stage for Backlash, where they met again in a match that promised a definitive conclusion. However, in a truly bizarre and controversial finish, both men simultaneously low-blowed each other, resulting in a double knockout. Can you believe it, guys? Another draw, another unsatisfactory ending, and the title once again remained with Styles. Nakamura’s tactics were driving Styles absolutely mad, pushing him to his limits both physically and mentally. The constant cheap shots and inability to secure a decisive victory over Nakamura were clearly taking a toll on "The Phenomenal One." This repeated use of the low blow became Nakamura's signature move in this feud, a symbol of his newfound villainy and his determination to snatch the WWE Championship by any means necessary. The narrative shifted from pure wrestling prowess to psychological warfare and bitter rivalry. The frustration built to a fever pitch, not just for Styles, but for the fans who desperately wanted a clean, decisive ending. The rivalry was escalating, turning into a bitter, personal war where the rules were constantly bent and broken. It was captivating to watch, even if it was infuriating at times, because it showed how far Nakamura was willing to go to get under Styles' skin and claim the gold. Their matches became less about beautiful wrestling and more about brutal, psychological warfare, making for incredibly compelling television and ensuring that everyone was invested in the next chapter of this epic rivalry. The fans wanted to see Styles finally get his revenge, while Nakamura relished in being the ultimate irritant, the master of mind games and cheap tactics.

Last Man Standing: A Brutal Conclusion (for now)

The relentless series of controversial finishes demanded an ultimate resolution, and WWE delivered it in the form of a Last Man Standing match for the WWE Championship at Money in the Bank 2018. This was it, guys – the final showdown in their epic rivalry, a match designed to ensure a decisive winner and settle the score once and for all. A Last Man Standing match is inherently brutal, requiring competitors to incapacitate their opponent for a ten-count. There are no pinfalls, no submissions, just pure, unadulterated warfare. AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura absolutely delivered on the brutality. They beat each lights out, utilizing chairs, tables, and the unforgiving steel steps to inflict maximum damage. The match was a showcase of their incredible athleticism and their willingness to put their bodies on the line for the title and for pride. Nakamura continued his relentless assault with his signature Kinshasa knees, while Styles responded with everything he had, including a jaw-dropping Phenomenal Forearm through a commentary table! The drama was intense, with multiple close calls where both men struggled to get to their feet before the referee’s ten-count. The crowd was absolutely captivated, knowing that any move could be the final one. In a moment of incredible strategy and resilience, AJ Styles delivered a Phenomenal Forearm to Nakamura, who was attempting to recover. Then, in a brilliant move, Styles hit a low blow of his own, turning Nakamura's signature tactic against him. He followed this up with a devastating Styles Clash from the second rope onto a table, effectively putting Nakamura out of commission. Shinsuke Nakamura was unable to answer the ten-count, finally giving AJ Styles the definitive victory he had been desperately seeking for months. It was a brutal, hard-fought, and incredibly satisfying conclusion to their main singles rivalry in WWE. Styles retained his WWE Championship, but more importantly, he earned a decisive win over his tormentor. This Last Man Standing match served as a powerful capstone to their extended feud, showcasing the lengths both men would go to defeat each other. It was a test of endurance, skill, and sheer will, leaving both men battered but with a clear victor. The match solidified AJ Styles as a dominant champion and showcased Shinsuke Nakamura's ability to be a truly detestable heel. This brutal encounter epitomized the evolution of their rivalry from a respectful dream match to a deeply personal, no-holds-barred war, cementing its place as one of the most memorable feuds of that era. The sheer violence and desperation on display made it a truly unforgettable chapter in the saga of Shinsuke Nakamura vs. AJ Styles, leaving fans with a lasting impression of the intense animosity that had grown between these two phenomenal competitors. It was a perfect blend of high-impact wrestling, compelling storytelling, and raw emotion, making it a fitting end to their championship war.

The Enduring Legacy of an Epic Rivalry

The Shinsuke Nakamura vs. AJ Styles rivalry, spanning both NJPW and WWE, isn't just a collection of matches; it's a testament to the power of compelling storytelling and the undeniable chemistry between two generational talents. This feud cemented its place in wrestling history as one of the most captivating and intensely debated rivalries of the modern era, and for good reason. What made it truly special, guys, was its dynamic evolution. It began as a pure wrestling spectacle rooted in mutual respect at Wrestle Kingdom 10, a true dream match that delivered beyond expectations. Fans witnessed two of the world's absolute best squaring off, showcasing their unique styles – Nakamura's "King of Strong Style" charisma and brutal striking against Styles' "Phenomenal One" athleticism and technical mastery. This initial encounter set an incredibly high bar, establishing the potential for greatness whenever these two shared a ring. However, the move to WWE introduced a fascinating new dimension. The initial anticipation for their WrestleMania 34 clash was off the charts, fueled by the NJPW classic. But the shocking heel turn by Shinsuke Nakamura after his loss at WrestleMania completely transformed the narrative. It wasn't just about championship gold anymore; it became deeply personal. Nakamura's repeated low blows and conniving tactics shifted the dynamic from a contest of equals to a story of a despised heel trying to dismantle a beloved champion. This change, while initially polarizing for some, actually injected a fresh, venomous energy into the rivalry, allowing both men to explore different facets of their characters. Styles, as the resilient champion, gained even more sympathy and respect, while Nakamura became a truly effective, infuriating villain. The series of rematches, particularly the infamous double count-out and double knockout finishes, built immense frustration and anticipation, making fans crave a definitive conclusion. The Last Man Standing match at Money in the Bank served as a brutal, yet satisfying, culmination of their extended war, showcasing the lengths both men would go to defeat each other. This rivalry resonated so deeply with fans because it combined world-class in-ring action with a compelling, evolving storyline. It demonstrated how a heel turn, executed at the right moment, can breathe new life into an already exciting feud. Both Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ Styles benefited immensely from working with each other, further cementing their legacies as main event players capable of delivering captivating performances under any circumstances. Their matches became a benchmark for what an epic rivalry should be: a perfect blend of athletic prowess, emotional investment, and unforgettable moments that stand the test of time. Even years later, fans still discuss the Nakamura vs. Styles feud with passion, highlighting its impact on their respective careers and the broader wrestling landscape. It’s a classic example of how two incredible talents, given the right platform and creative freedom, can craft a truly enduring and phenomenal story in the squared circle. This rivalry isn't just a part of history; it's a blueprint for future generations of wrestlers on how to build a truly memorable and impactful feud. What started as a dream match became a saga of respect, betrayal, and ultimate resolution, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of wrestling fans worldwide. And that, my friends, is the true legacy of Shinsuke Nakamura vs. AJ Styles.