AJ Styles Joins SNME Card, Reignites WWE/NJPW Rivalry
AJ Styles is set to ignite his rivalry with Shinsuke Nakamura at Saturday Night’s Main Event (SNME). This comes just before Styles puts his career on the line against GUNTHER at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Styles has a long-standing history with Nakamura, having faced him both in WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).
AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura: A Renewed Rivalry
General Manager Nick Aldis invited AJ Styles to appear on “WWE SmackDown” after learning about the stakes he faces at the Rumble. In a pivotal backstage segment, Nakamura expressed concern over Styles’ willingness to gamble his career. He challenged Styles to prove he remains “Phenomenal” by accepting a match at SNME.
History of Competition
The rivalry dates back to their classic match at NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 10 in 2016. Since then, they have faced off in several high-profile bouts:
- They competed in various tag matches in Japan.
- After joining WWE, they were kept apart until a feud ignited in 2018.
- Their rivalry reached new heights at WrestleMania 34, followed by five singles matches on WWE programming.
- Their last encounter was in May 2020 on “SmackDown.”
Saturday Night’s Main Event Card
Styles and Nakamura’s match will be the fourth bout on the SNME card. Additionally, the event features:
- Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu
- Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY defending the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships against Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez
The main event will spotlight a four-way match to determine Drew McIntyre’s first opponent as Undisputed WWE Champion.
As tensions rise ahead of the Royal Rumble, fans eagerly await this electrifying chapter in AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura’s storied rivalry, marking another milestone in their illustrious careers.
