Shinsuke Nakamura won a non-title match against AJ Styles two weeks earlier on WWE SmackDown. As a result, he got the opportunity to pick the stipulation for their match at 'Money in the Bank' pay-per-view.
This week on SmackDown, he broke the suspense and revealed the stipulation to be a 'Last Man Standing' one. Like various fans across the world, we believe Shinsuke Nakamura could have chosen better stipulations.
However, before his much-awaited announcement, he had mentioned a Pillow Fight Contest. Now, championships in the WWE were defended in some bizarre stipulations in the past.
Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco fought it out in an Evening Gown match for the Hardcore Championship; Jeff Jarrett and Chyna locked horns in a Good Housekeeping match for the Intercontinental Championship; and, Stacy Keibler and Trish Status crossed swords in a Gravy Bowl match for the Divas Championship.
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However, none of them sunk as low as a pillow fight. But here we stoop further down and explore the possibilities. Here are five bizarrely funny stipulations Shinsuke Nakamura could have chosen.
Also Read: 5 Possible finishes for Samoa Joe vs Daniel Bryan
#5 Thumb wrestling match
The 'No Disqualification' match between Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ Styles had ended in a draw after both the competitors failed to answer the ten count. How could a 'No Disqualification' match end in a double count-out? This question left the fans bemused.
To make matters worse, Shinsuke Nakamura chose a 'Last Man Standing' match. Boy, the second-last match between you two ended with an unclear winner because of the same reason. Making the match a 'Last Man Standing' one, doesn't clear any clouds.
However, a thumb wrestling match would have a clear winner. The only way to win the match is when you press your thumb against that of your opponent, and the opponent fails to muster enough energy to kick out (or thumb out) of the three count.
#4 Freestyle rap battle
Unlike the previous entry, WWE has indeed witnessed various rap battles. The most recent one took place between the New Day and the Usos on the July 4th, 2017 episode of SmackDown. It did set the tone for their match at Battleground after the Usos' walkout at Money in the Bank.
However, in none of the rap battles, has a championship been defended. Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ Styles could have cut the ribbon.
The rules of the rap battle are simple. It would consist of three rounds with the audience being the referee. Each competitor would get two minutes to rap it out, and the WWE officials would create a bifurcation so that they don't resort to violence.
After each round, the audience will vote the winner via their voting machines. The first man to win two rounds will become the WWE Champion.
It is impossible to not have a clear winner if voting machines come into play. Moreover, WWE requires a bathroom break match before the main-event between Jinder Mahal and Roman Reigns. This match would suit it perfectly.
#3 Dance-off
This segment is no stranger to the WWE. In the past, WWE used the dance-off segment to fill the Divas spot. However, once the Women's Revolution started, it took a backseat.
Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ Styles could take the fans to a trip down the memory lane. The Japanese Rockstar always comes into the ring with a lot of charisma. He would have gone into the match as a clear-cut favorite.
However, you can't underestimate the 'Phenomenal One.' He does twerk better than Big E and the rest of the New Day members. Here is the video of AJ Styles doing the same in a live event at Buenos Aires.
#2 Entrance contest
The rules of the contest are simple. The competitors perform their usual entrance, and the special guest referee chooses the winner. That's it. No Byron Saxton hyping the match. No Michael Cole reading out the statistics and facts. And, no ring announcer.
Shinsuke Nakamura had one of the most captivating entrances before he turned heel. Even after his heel turn, he is miles ahead of AJ Styles. Again, he is the favorite to win the match.
However, you can never count out the Phenomenal One. The WWE Champion would request help from the former Bullet Club member Finn Balor, who himself has one of the coolest entrances while fighting under the Demon gimmick.
We mentioned about the special guest referee, right. Well, the special guest referee would be none other than the Undertaker! The Deadman is the perfect choice to don the role as he has struck fear into the hearts of the opponents just with his entrance.
#1 Low blow match
The only stipulation involving any sort of action, and to make it to our list is the Low Blow Match. Moreover, their rivalry after WrestleMania is built around low blows and would be the perfect climactic ending to settle the feud.
The rules of the match are again pretty simple. The first winner to hit the opponent with a low blow wins the match.
However, General Manager Paige has added some extra rules to make sure we have an obvious winner. If the match ends in a draw, the match would be restarted. This would go on till one of the competitors hits a clean low blow. On top of that, it has to be confirmed by both the official and the video referee.
Disclaimer: This is a satire intended for humourous purposes, and should not be taken seriously.