Top four final opponents for Shinsuke Nakamura after recent retirement tease during WWE Japan tour

The former US Champion reflected on his own career during WWE’s Japan tour!

After being absent from WWE programming, Shinsuke Nakamura made his return to his iconic old theme to answer Sami Zayn’s US Open Challenge on the October 10 episode of WWE SmackDown. However, the match ended in disqualification as Tama Tonga made his return, attacking Nakamura.

What followed was a vicious beatdown of Nakamura and Zayn at the hands of Solo Sikoa’s MFT (Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo & Tonga Loa). Nakamura recently made appearances during WWE’s Japan tour and even competed inside the ring, teaming up with CM Punk to defeat Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed.

During the tour, AJ Styles received an emotional farewell from the fans attending the event. This was Styles’ final appearance in the country with WWE. Following the event, Nakamura took to his X handle, reacting to the recent high-profile retirement announcement of Styles and John Cena.

“What a special place Japan is. especially for those of us who wrestle. As AJ said, it’s a place worthy of giving everything you’ve got. Of course, that’s true anywhere in the world… but there’s something sacred here. I don’t know if it’s because I’m Japanese, but I believe the wrestlers and fans who shared this space all felt the same.

Maybe. He did too — John Cena, AJ — they’ve all chosen to step away from the ring. It reminds me that my own time might not be far off. But I still have things I must do. I’m still struggling, still fighting, not knowing what tomorrow will bring. All I can do is live this day with everything I have. Thank you. If only… one more time…” Nakamura tweeted.

Nakamura acknowledged the career milestones of Cena and Styles, realizing his own time in the ring might be nearing its end. If Shinsuke Nakamura announces his retirement, much like AJ Styles plans for 2026, let’s take a look at four potential opponents who could provide the perfect send-off to his WWE career.

4. Finn Balor

One-half of the current World Tag Team Champions, Finn Balor, has worked with Nakamura in NJPW, WWE’s main roster and the developmental brand, NXT. While WWE has not yet booked them in a storyline, they can do so now.

Both Nakamura and Balor are phenomenal in the ring, and a match between them would undoubtedly produce some unforgettable moments. Add in a compelling storyline, and it would be the perfect way to cap off Nakamura’s career.

Also Read: List of all NXT Champions in WWE History

3. Cody Rhodes

While Nakamura has held multiple titles in the Stamford-based promotion, including the NXT title, the US and IC titles, as well as the WWE Tag Team titles with Cesaro, he has never held the World title.

If this is his final run, WWE could book him in a title clash against the current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. The match would also help Cody escape the similar storylines with only a handful of wrestlers and give SmackDown a much-needed new and intriguing storyline.

2. AJ Styles

‘The Phenomenal’ AJ Styles has announced his plans to retire in 2026 and recently had one of the most iconic matches with John Cena, who is set to retire at the end of 2025. Styles has had a long history of clashes with Nakamura.

The two have not just faced each other in WWE but in NJPW as well. WWE could run back the feud, giving fans another legendary match. Both stars deserve to be part of each other’s retirement run, and WWE could make it happen.

1. Sami Zayn

Similar to AJ Styles, Nakamura has had multiple great matches with Sami Zayn, and even his last televised match in his return two weeks ago was against Zayn. Although Zayn is not the US Champion anymore, the two stars can put on a great show, despite any title being on the line.

From their clashes in NXT to their battles on Raw and SmackDown, the two stars have crossed paths multiple times. WWE can book these two legends together, giving fans a proper match without any interference like their previous meeting.

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