<div class="slide-key image-holder gallery-image-holder credit-image-wrap lead-image-holder" data-post-url="https://www.wrestlinginc.com/2088728/match-spotlight-shinsuke-nakamura-aj-styles-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-10/" data-post-title="Match Spotlight: Shinsuke Nakamura Vs. AJ Styles, NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 10" data-slide-num="0" data-post-id="2088728">
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<p>As AJ Styles' illustrious career seems to be nearing its conclusion, many in the WWE community are reflecting on his remarkable journey. Fans are revisiting his 27 years in the sport, celebrating his unforgettable moments, major title reigns, and the legendary matches he’s delivered globally.</p>For a significant number of fans, many of these standout matches were during Styles’ memorable two-year stint with New Japan Pro Wrestling. Though he had nearly 12 years with TNA and a full decade in WWE, the matches Styles crafted in those two years with New Japan surpass what many wrestlers achieve in a lifetime. His bouts against iconic names like Kota Ibushi, Kazuchika Okada, and of course, his matchup with Shinsuke Nakamura during Wrestle Kingdom 10 are among these notable highlights.
By early 2016, Styles had firmly established himself as arguably the premier wrestler in the world, reaching a level of excellence that seemed almost unimaginable given his solid runs in TNA and ROH. However, he was about to face the enigmatic “King of Strong Style.” While Nakamura had also been a part of WWE for a decade by that point, reflecting on the mid-2010s showcases a version of him that radiated confidence and charisma, a distinct figure in the wrestling world. One can’t help but wonder what happened to that incarnation over the years.
This match marked the beginning of a series of encounters between these two stars. Although WWE attempted to recreate that iconic match in the subsequent years, none could quite capture the original’s magic. As we look back, especially after their recent encounter in the main event of WWE Saturday Night, it’s essential to revisit their IWGP Intercontinental Championship clash at Wrestle Kingdom 10.
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<h2 class="">A Legendary Performance</h2>
<div class="slide-key image-holder gallery-image-holder credit-image-wrap " data-post-url="https://www.wrestlinginc.com/2088728/match-spotlight-shinsuke-nakamura-aj-styles-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-10/" data-post-title="Match Spotlight: Shinsuke Nakamura Vs. AJ Styles, NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 10" data-slide-num="1" data-post-id="2088728">
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<p>This match truly lives up to the acclaim it's received. As highlighted previously when discussing AJ Styles' best matches, this rematch showcases just how special it truly is. There’s a unique electricity in the air during New Japan Pro Wrestling events at this time of year, demonstrating why the promotion drew such admiration during this period. After witnessing the entrancing entrance, fans would surely feel inspired to subscribe to New Japan World for an extended period.</p>At Wrestle Kingdom 10, AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura were expertly kept apart in the lead-up to their showdown. Every time they nearly faced off, the situation shifted, but when they finally intersected in the World Tag League tournament in November 2015, it was clear that Styles vs. Nakamura would headline an event at Tokyo Dome shortly afterward.
Looking back, this match concluded Styles’ significant singles matches in New Japan Pro Wrestling perfectly. As the head of Bullet Club for two years, Styles employed every tactic in the book, from distractions to underhanded moves, to maintain his position at the forefront of New Japan Pro Wrestling. Although Styles feigned a back injury to gain an advantage, he took control of the match against Nakamura.
Ultimately, however, Stiles’ deception led to his demise. While pretending to be hurt worked momentarily, Nakamura began targeting his back, realizing the struggle it would cause Styles when delivering his signature Styles Clash. Nakamura even countered with a backbreaker, weaving small details into the match that made it resonate well. Styles attempted a weakened Styles Clash against a Triangle Choke, but in the climax, he wanted an Avalanche Styles Clash. However, his overconfidence resulted in him hitting an Avalanche Michinoku Driver and two Bomaies, allowing Nakamura to secure the win.
A true classic at the Tokyo Dome, where both competitors were focused on delivering their best. It represented AJ Styles at his peak and Shinsuke Nakamura at his finest. The crowd was electric, making the experience even more memorable. Fans who appreciated their time together in WWE should check out this match to witness the height of Styles and Nakamura’s wrestling excellence.
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<h2 class="">Impossible to Top</h2>
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<p>One critique of the Wrestle Kingdom 10 encounter is that it set an unrealistic benchmark for both wrestlers when they would meet again in the future. Despite the brilliance of this match, there was little chance of a rematch living up to the original, particularly in the context in which subsequent matches were held.</p>Two years later, Styles and Nakamura faced off in another high-profile match, this time for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 34. This marked one of the few instances where a match occurred on both promotions’ most significant platforms, yet only one knew how to present it correctly. The build-up for WrestleMania was intended to fulfill a long-awaited dream match following their WWE signing after Wrestle Kingdom 10, but ultimately, WrestleMania’s bout did not meet expectations.
On its own, Styles vs. Nakamura at WrestleMania 34 was decent. It followed a more formulaic path to cater to the wider WWE audience but still showed solid craftsmanship. However, with the brilliance of Wrestle Kingdom 10 fresh in fans’ minds, everyone sensed the pressure for it to be extraordinary. Consequently, the WrestleMania match faced tremendous expectations that made it challenging for both performers to deliver. In fact, the most memorable moment from that finale is often recalled as a series of repeated kicks between Styles and Nakamura, rather than capturing the spirit of their Tokyo Dome encounter that cemented their legacy.
The match on Saturday Night’s Main Event in 2026 proved to be a much more fitting match and resonated more closely with Wrestle Kingdom 10. It’s funny how far we’ve come from their earlier encounters. While some recognition for this match can be attributed to Nakamura simply enjoying a great showing after a lengthy absence, it remains a worthy experience and a satisfying conclusion to their long-standing rivalry. In retrospect, it’s clear that nothing can truly surpass the original. If you have approximately thirty minutes before the Royal Rumble this Saturday, take the time to watch this match and appreciate the era we experienced with AJ Styles.
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</div>Fan Opinion: This match showcases the pinnacle of wrestling talent, emphasizing why AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura are considered two of the best in the industry. For wrestling fans, revisiting this clash is not only a reminder of their extraordinary abilities but also a call to appreciate the art of professional wrestling, setting a standard for future generations.
