Shinsuke Nakamura vs. AJ Styles – WrestleKingdom 10

🔥 hinsuke Nakamura vs. AJ Styles – WrestleKingdom 10 🔥

✅ Date: January 4, 2016

✅ Venue: Tokyo Dome (Tokyo, Japan)

✅ Attendance: Approximately 25,204

✅ Match Type: IWGP Intercontinental Championship Match

📜 Background

📅 January 4, 2016, Tokyo Dome.

This was a dream match that wrestling fans around the world had been waiting for.

AJ Styles had arrived in NJPW in 2014 and made an immediate impact as the leader of Bullet Club. He dominated the scene, even capturing the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, proving himself as one of the best wrestlers in the world.

Meanwhile, Shinsuke Nakamura had already solidified himself as the King of Strong Style and one of NJPW’s most charismatic figures. As the IWGP Intercontinental Champion, he elevated the title’s prestige and made it an essential part of NJPW’s main event scene.

This match was about:

✅ AJ’s explosive athleticism vs. Nakamura’s brutal Strong Style.

✅ A first-time-ever encounter between two global superstars.

✅ Nakamura defending his title and proving his legacy as the face of the Intercontinental Championship.

The stage was set for an instant classic.

🔥 Match Summary

🔔 Opening Moments – A Game of Strategy

The match began with a tense feeling-out process. AJ utilized his wrestling skills to control the pace, while Nakamura countered with sharp kicks and defensive posturing.

After a quick exchange, AJ showed off his agility with a leapfrog into a precision dropkick, taking early control.

💥 AJ Styles Takes Control – Precision & High-Flying Offense

AJ showcased his dynamic offense, utilizing his springboard attacks and perfectly timed counters, including his signature Pele Kick.

Sensing an opportunity, AJ targeted Nakamura’s knee, locking in the Calf Crusher to neutralize his striking ability.

Nakamura barely made it to the ropes, but the damage to his leg was significant.

⚡ Nakamura Fights Back – Strong Style Unleashed

Despite the pain, Nakamura launched a furious comeback.

• He planted AJ with a reverse powerslam.

• He followed up with a corner running knee strike.

• A sliding Bomaye sent shockwaves through the crowd.

The Tokyo Dome erupted as Nakamura regained control.

🔥 Climax – A Battle of Finishers

AJ, refusing to go down easily, went for the Styles Clash, but Nakamura managed to escape.

Nakamura countered with a Bomaye knee strike—but AJ kicked out at two!

With no hesitation, Nakamura lifted AJ, climbed to the top rope, and delivered a King Bomaye (Jumping Bomaye)!

1…2…3!

Shinsuke Nakamura had retained the IWGP Intercontinental Championship in an unforgettable battle.

🏆 Match Result

✅ Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura (IWGP Intercontinental Championship retained)

✅ Match Duration: Approximately 25 minutes

📊 Match Ratings

🏆 Category	⭐ Rating	🎤 Notes
Historical Significance	★★★★★	A dream match between two of the best
Crowd Reaction	★★★★★	Tokyo Dome was electric throughout
Match Quality	★★★★★	A mix of technique, speed, and power
Final Moments	★★★★★	Nakamura sealed the victory with back-to-back Bomayes

➡ 🔥 Overall Rating: 10/10 (A Wrestle Kingdom classic!) 🔥

💡 Match Significance and Legacy

✅ This was AJ Styles’ final match in NJPW before his shocking WWE debut!

✅ Shinsuke Nakamura would also leave NJPW for WWE shortly after this match!

✅ This match symbolized NJPW’s global expansion and the transition of top stars to the world stage.

📝 Conclusion

This match was an era-defining encounter, proving why NJPW was home to the best wrestling in the world.

AJ Styles’ high-flying & technical mastery vs. Shinsuke Nakamura’s brutal Strong Style created a once-in-a-lifetime battle.

In hindsight, this match was the final chapter for both men in NJPW, as they soon left for WWE, marking the end of an era in New Japan.

✨ A legendary match that no wrestling fan should miss! ✨