The world of professional wrestling continues to fascinate fans with its what-ifs and maybes. One such dream match that never came to fruition is the highly-anticipated showdown between Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura. In a recent interview, Tanahashi opened up about the possibility of this match taking place before his retirement at Wrestle Kingdom.
A Long-Desired Dream Match
Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura have been two of the most prominent figures in the world of professional wrestling for over a decade. Both men have achieved immense success in their respective careers, with multiple championships and accolades to their names. However, despite their accomplishments, their biggest dream – a match against each other – remained unfulfilled.
Tanahashi, widely regarded as one of the greatest in-ring performers of his generation, spoke fondly of the possibility of facing Nakamura in the ring. “I’ve always thought that a match between us would be incredible,” Tanahashi said in a recent interview. “We’ve both been in the business for so long, and I think we would have brought out the best in each other. It’s a shame that it never happened.”
A Match for the Ages
The prospect of a Tanahashi-Nakamura match was one that sent shockwaves through the wrestling community. Both men are known for their exceptional in-ring abilities, with Tanahashi’s lightning-fast offense and Nakamura’s brutal strikes making for a potentially explosive combination.
“I think it would have been a match for the ages,” said a WWE insider, who wished to remain anonymous. “Both men have a deep understanding of the business, and they know how to put on a show. It’s a shame that they never got the chance to face each other in a big-time setting.”
Nakamura’s WWE Career
Nakamura’s move to WWE in 2016 marked a significant turning point in his career. He quickly established himself as a top-tier competitor, with a string of high-profile matches against the likes of AJ Styles and John Cena.
However, despite his success in WWE, Nakamura’s career has been marked by inconsistency. He has struggled to find his footing on the company’s top roster, and his recent stint on the developmental brand, NXT, has raised eyebrows among fans and insiders alike.
According to sources close to Nakamura, the wrestler’s WWE tenure has been a source of frustration for him. “Shinsuke has been feeling stifled in WWE,” said a source. “He’s a wrestler who thrives on being the top guy, and he’s struggled to find that role in the company. A match against Tanahashi would have been a welcome change of pace for him.”
The Legacy of Tanahashi and Nakamura
Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura are two of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling. Their careers have been marked by a series of unforgettable matches and moments, and their legacy continues to inspire a new generation of wrestlers.
Tanahashi’s retirement at Wrestle Kingdom marked the end of an era, with the veteran wrestler hanging up his boots after a storied career. Nakamura, on the other hand, continues to compete in WWE, albeit in a more limited capacity.
As the wrestling world continues to evolve, it’s clear that the dream match between Tanahashi and Nakamura will remain one of the what-ifs of the sport. However, for fans of both men, the possibility of this match taking place will always be a tantalizing prospect.
“I think it’s safe to say that the wrestling world will never see a match like this again,” said Tanahashi in a recent interview. “Shinsuke and I have both had incredible careers, and we’ve been fortunate enough to have had some amazing matches along the way. But this one… this one would have been something special.”