Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Shinsuke Nakamura

Discover the career path of Shinsuke Nakamura, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Shinsuke Nakamura is a Japanese professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, performing on the SmackDown brand. Known for his strong style wrestling and charismatic personality, Nakamura previously gained prominence in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) where he was a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion. His transition to WWE brought him further international recognition.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

March 2002: Nakamura Joins NJPW

In March 2002, Shinsuke Nakamura joined New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), marking the beginning of his career in the company.

May 2, 2003: Nakamura Wins MMA Fight

On May 2, 2003, Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Jan Nortje via guillotine choke in an MMA fight.

January 4, 2004: Nakamura Defends IWGP Heavyweight Championship

On January 4, 2004, Shinsuke Nakamura successfully defended the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Yoshihiro Takayama at Wrestling World 2004 in a title unification match.

2004: Title Vacated Due to Injury

In 2004, Nakamura was forced to vacate the IWGP Heavyweight Championship due to an injury.

January 4, 2005: Nakamura Wins IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship

On January 4, 2005, at Toukon Festival: Wrestling World 2005, Shinsuke Nakamura defeated his tag team partner to win the IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship.

January 4, 2006: Nakamura Challenges Lesnar for IWGP Heavyweight Championship

On January 4, 2006, at Toukon Shidou Chapter 1, Shinsuke Nakamura challenged Brock Lesnar for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, but was unsuccessful.

March 2006: Nakamura Announces Learning Excursion

In March 2006, Shinsuke Nakamura announced that he would depart on a learning excursion to improve his wrestling skills and train with Brock Lesnar.

January 4, 2007: Nakamura Loses to Toshiaki Kawada at Wrestle Kingdom

On January 4, 2007, at Wrestle Kingdom in Tokyo Dome, Shinsuke Nakamura lost to Toshiaki Kawada.

January 4, 2008: Nakamura Wins IWGP Heavyweight Championship

On January 4, 2008, Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the second time at Wrestle Kingdom II in Tokyo Dome.

January 28, 2008: Defeats Elix Skipper in TNA

On January 28, 2008, Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Elix Skipper in a match taped for TNA Xplosion.

February 15, 2009: Nakamura Fails to Regain IWGP Heavyweight Championship

On February 15, 2009, Shinsuke Nakamura faced Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship but failed to regain the title.

April 2009: Nakamura Turns Heel and Forms Chaos

In April 2009, Shinsuke Nakamura turned into a villain and formed the Chaos stable with former members of GBH.

January 4, 2010: Nakamura Defends IWGP Heavyweight Championship

On January 4, 2010, at Wrestle Kingdom IV in Tokyo Dome, Shinsuke Nakamura successfully defended the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Yoshihiro Takayama.

January 4, 2011: Nakamura Defeats Go Shiozaki

On January 4, 2011, Shinsuke Nakamura avenged his loss to Go Shiozaki by defeating him in a singles match at Wrestle Kingdom V in Tokyo Dome.

2011: Nakamura Wins G1 Climax

In 2011, Shinsuke Nakamura won the G1 Climax tournament in NJPW, adding to his accomplishments in the company.

January 4, 2012: Chaos Top Team Loses at Wrestle Kingdom VI

On January 4, 2012, at Wrestle Kingdom VI in Tokyo Dome, the Chaos Top Team, consisting of Nakamura and Toru Yano, was defeated by Go Shiozaki and Naomichi Marufuji.

January 4, 2013: IWGP Intercontinental Championship Defense

On January 4, 2013, at Wrestle Kingdom 7 in Tokyo Dome, Shinsuke Nakamura successfully defended the IWGP Intercontinental Championship against Kazushi Sakuraba for his fourth successful defense.

January 4, 2014: Loss of IWGP Intercontinental Championship

On January 4, 2014, at Wrestle Kingdom 8 in Tokyo Dome, Shinsuke Nakamura lost the IWGP Intercontinental Championship to Hiroshi Tanahashi in the main event.

2014: Nakamura Wins New Japan Cup

In 2014, Shinsuke Nakamura won the New Japan Cup, further solidifying his status in NJPW.

January 4, 2015: IWGP Intercontinental Championship Defense

On January 4, 2015, at Wrestle Kingdom 9 in Tokyo Dome, Shinsuke Nakamura made his second successful defense of the IWGP Intercontinental Championship against Kota Ibushi.

January 4, 2016: IWGP Intercontinental Championship Defense and Departure Announcement

On January 4, 2016, Shinsuke Nakamura defeated A.J. Styles at Wrestle Kingdom 10 in Tokyo Dome to make his second successful defense of the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. Hours later, it was reported that Nakamura had given his notice to NJPW, announcing he was leaving the promotion for WWE.

January 6, 2016: Confirms Departure from NJPW

On January 6, 2016, Shinsuke Nakamura confirmed in an interview with Tokyo Sports that he would be leaving NJPW at the end of the month and signing with WWE.

January 4, 2017: NXT Championship Defense

On the January 4, 2017, episode of NXT, Shinsuke Nakamura successfully defended the NXT Championship against Samoa Joe in a steel cage match, ending their feud.

January 2018: Nakamura wins Royal Rumble

In January 2018, Shinsuke Nakamura won the Men's Royal Rumble match, a major achievement in his WWE career.

January 28, 2018: Royal Rumble Win

On January 28, 2018, at the Royal Rumble, Shinsuke Nakamura won the Royal Rumble match after last eliminating Roman Reigns. He then announced he would challenge AJ Styles for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 34.

January 27, 2019: United States Championship Win

On January 27, 2019, at the Royal Rumble, Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Rusev to win his second United States Championship. He also participated in the Royal Rumble match later that night.

2019: Nakamura Wins Intercontinental Championship

In 2019, Shinsuke Nakamura won the Intercontinental Championship at Extreme Rules, becoming the second wrestler to hold both WWE and IWGP Intercontinental Championships.

July 2021: Nakamura Dubs Himself King Nakamura

In July 2021, Shinsuke Nakamura started calling himself King Nakamura after obtaining the King of the Ring crown, despite not winning the tournament.

January 1, 2023: Nakamura Defeats The Great Muta

On January 1, 2023, Shinsuke Nakamura defeated The Great Muta at Pro Wrestling Noah's The New Year show.

January 8, 2024: Nakamura Loses to Rhodes in Street Fight

On January 8, 2024, Shinsuke Nakamura faced Cody Rhodes in a Street Fight match on Raw, but was ultimately defeated, marking the end of their feud.

January 1, 2025: Nakamura Defeats Ulka Sasaki

On January 1, 2025, Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Ulka Sasaki at Nippon Budokan as part of the Noah The New Year 2025 show.

January 10, 2025: Nakamura's Title Defense Ends in Disqualification

On January 10, 2025, Shinsuke Nakamura defended his United States Championship against LA Knight on SmackDown. The match ended in a disqualification loss for Nakamura due to an attack on Knight by The Bloodline's Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu, so Nakamura retained the title.