Shinsuke Nakamura's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 4, 2025

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Shinsuke Nakamura. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

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.

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, 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.

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, 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.

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 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.