Opinion: Shinsuke Nakamura should become the next Intercontinental Champion

One week ago on the post-Stomping Grounds edition of SmackDown Live, Shinsuke Nakamura and Finn Balor, the reigning Intercontinental Champion, ran into each other backstage. Nakamura made his intentions crystal clear to Balor - 'The King of Strong Style' wanted a shot at Balor's coveted Intercontinental title. Although there was no follow-up to this segment this week, I expect the match to be made official for Extreme Rules.

Balor and Nakamura have squared off multiple times in the past, but they have only crossed paths in one-on-one action once in a WWE ring. The two battled on an edition on NXT in June 2016. Nakamura came out of the match as the winner and the two hugged each other after the match. We all know just how talented these two are and this feud is best for business.

However, when it's all said and done, Nakamura should become the new Intercontinental Champion. Here's why Nakamura should win the Intercontinental title.

Nakamura is 'The King of Strong Style', and on the main roster, he was referred to as 'The Artist'. These two monikers imply that Nakamura is a massive star. This was true in Japan and on NXT, but his run on the main roster has been forgettable. He has had key feuds and great matches, but Nakamura has struggled to stay relevant on the main roster.

A heel turn didn't change his fortunes, some would argue that it aggravated his plight. He won the United States title, but his reign wasn't nearly as good as people expected it to be. He randomly formed an alliance with Rusev in January 2019. The duo never really got going as a team, and the tag-team was seldom seen on television. Now that Rusev has taken time off, Nakamura has returned to singles action.

Most would believe that Nakamura deserves better. He has undeniable charisma and passion for the industry, his in-ring work is stellar and he can connect with the WWE Universe. A dream feud with Balor and an eventual Intercontinental title reign might all that he needs to revive his career. A win over Balor would be a monumental victory for 'The King of Strong Style.'

Another reason to make Nakamura the Intercontinental Champion is because of the opportunities that it will open up. Nakamura is a heel, which means that he would have babyface challengers as a champion.

Think of all the babyfaces on SmackDown Live and Raw, and you have countless potential money-making feuds. Ali, Aleister Black, Apollo Crews, and Matt Hardy are just a few of the stars on SmackDown Live that would love to challenge for the IC Championship.

As the Wild Card Rule has allowed for more inter-brand competition, stars from Raw would also want a shot at the Intercontinental Championship. Top stars like The Miz, Rey Mysterio, and Bray Wyatt would be credible threats to Nakamura and his title.

Finn Balor has been a great Intercontinental Champion. He has had a tremendous reign thus far, defending the title successfully in fantastic matches against Sami Zayn and Andrade. He should aim higher now, and SmackDown Live is 'The Land of Opportunity'.

Given that some of WWE's biggest underdog story-lines took place on SmackDown Live, Balor can reach incredible heights on SmackDown Live. He could become the next WWE Champion, but for that, he needs to lose the Intercontinental title.

Nakamura and Balor will put on a classic match when they get into the ring together, but Nakamura needs the IC title more than Balor right now.