3 reasons why Shinsuke Nakamura may lose the Intercontinental Title to Braun Strowman

Disclaimer: The views of the author do not necessarily reflect those of Sportskeeda.

The first SmackDown of this decade was fresh in more ways than one, because there were some unexpected returns, amazing promos, and great in-ring action. This helped the fans cheer every time they saw something unusual on their TV screens, whether it was high flying moves by The Usos or John Morrison coming out of The Miz's locker room.

The entertainment was top-notch, as we had some amazing matches, and one such match featured Braun Strowman and Cesaro (with Sami Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura). The match saw some interference by The Generic Luchador and King of Strong Style who tried to change the outcome of the match in favor of their ally Cesaro.

Shinsuke attacked Braun after the match, and that infuriated The Monster Among Men who would like to avenge this attack and may challenge the current Intercontinental Champion soon. We would have to see if the match takes place at the Royal Rumble, or a later stage, but it is a given that Nakamura would lose the title.

In this article, we analyze a few reasons why Braun Strowman could defeat Shinsuke Nakamura for the Intercontinental Title.

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#3 Sami Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura could go to NXT

Sportskeeda's Tom Colohue spoke to Korey Gunz during Dropkick DiSKussions, and at the 11-minute mark clearly stated that he thinks Sami Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura would be a perfect fit to move over from the main roster to NXT.

The reason behind that can be the competition from AEW or a huge WWE roster that could better showcase some talents at the Black & Gold brand.

We have always seen his points become real, and keeping that in mind, one can rest assured that Zayn and Nakamura would soon be switching brands, and during this transition, the current IC Champion would lose the coveted title to Braun Strowman who is a fan favorite and a worthy performer.

#2 Shinsuke Nakamura hasn't had enough matches as Champion

He hasn't defended the title enough

Shinsuke Nakamura won the title from Finn Balor at Extreme Rules in 2019 and has defended it just thrice, once against Ali at WWE Smackville, the next at Clash of Champions, and the third on the October 18 episode of SmackDown where he retained against Roman Reigns due to interference by Baron Corbin.

The Champion has defended his title just three times in six months, and that's not the mark of a fighting champion. To bring some thrill to the championship, it's time the title changes hands. It could happen at the Royal Rumble or a house show because the US Title changed hands during a show at Madison Square Garden.

These shocking moments create amazing memories for the fans, as well as help the live show and weekly ratings. This is one of many reasons why Nakamura may lose the title soon.

#1 A new champion means fresh possibilities

Braun Strowman

Intercontinental Title defenses have been so few, and that leaves the fans asking for more action and entertainment. Therefore, if Braun Strowman wins the title, not only will it be his first Intercontinental Title win, but it also provides opportunities for several WWE Superstars.

We saw Strowman and Cesaro square-off between the ropes, but it was a non-title match. If the title was involved, the stakes would have been higher, and there would have been more fun involved in the situation. It would help a lot of heel wrestlers step up and go for the opportunity to be called a champion.

Cesaro is one, Sheamus is another, and so is Dolph Ziggler. The opportunities this title change would bring is a clear indication that Shinsuke Nakamura will lose the championship soon, so we just need to see if it happens at a PPV or a weekly show.