5 matches that were also contested outside WWE

#1 AJ Styles faced Shinsuke Nakamura in Japan before joining WWE

Before their feud in WWE, AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura collided at New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Wrestle Kingdom 10 pay-per-view event in a dream match for the ages. Styles, who was leading The Bullet Club, faced Nakamura, who was a mainstay on the NJPW roster. The match was ultimately won by Nakamura, who retained his IWGP Intercontinental Championship.

Did you know a top WWE Superstar just wrestled outside the company? More details HERE

The match in Japan received rave reviews from all corners of pro-wrestling, and WWE capitalized on the WWE Universe's demand to see this match in a WWE ring. They pulled the trigger on the feud which spanned over the second quarter of 2018.

When Shinsuke Nakamura caught AJ Styles bullet at Wrestle Kingdom 10#njpw pic.twitter.com/mpHrxvydus
— Ciaràn (@CiaranRH) December 29, 2020

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AJ Styles spoke up for the feud to Sports Illustrated in 2018 before it began:

The only other time we were in the ring together was more than two years ago [in New Japan Pro Wrestling]. We gave people a taste in the “Money in the Bank” match, and that moment let everyone in the back know how special this match could be. The fans responded by asking for this match, and I want to give it to them. Shinsuke won the Royal Rumble, so now we have that opportunity." AJ Styles said (h/t Sports Illustrated)

About the author

Danny has been a pro wrestling fan since the early 2000s, following WWE, TNA/IMPACT Wrestling, NJPW and many independents. He has also attended six WrestleMania's (23, 25, 27, 30, 33 & 35) and Wrestle Kingdom 14 in Tokyo, Japan.

Danny is also passionate about football (soccer) and traveling. He is also passionate about mental health and has appeared on BBC Breakfast, LADbible & Men's Health UK, raising awareness.

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Edited by Vedant Jain