What if The Elite raided WWE?

#2 Shinsuke Nakamura

Shinsuke Nakamura could be instrumental to All Elite Wrestling's international appeal.

Shinsuke Nakamura came to the US for the opportunity to max out his star potential on the biggest stage possible with WWE. After a run on top of NXT, it looked as though WWE might go all the way with him on the main roster, given a Royal Rumble push en route to a WrestleMania world title shot. Whether WWE lost confidence in him, or never fully had it, to begin with, Nakamura didn’t win a WWE Championship. A heel turn and the gimmick of constantly giving low blows to his opponents didn’t necessarily do him any favors and now Nakamura looks stuck in the mid-card for the foreseeable future.

The King of Strong Style could thrive in All Elite Wrestling, working talents he has thrived opposite before, and ones better accustomed to his style of ring work. Moreover, should the company strike a partnership with New Japan, as would make some sense given the foundational talents involved, Nakamura could provide an optimal bridge and instant star who appeals to a crossover audience.