Shinsuke Nakamura made his impressive WWE debut at NXT Takeover Dallas in an incredible match against Sami Zayn. It appears for now Nakamura will be working on NXT for the time being and appearing on their weekly show. Many fans think Nakamura is ready for the main roster and should be promoted already. Jim Cornette was recently on the Ross Report with Jim Ross and spoke on a wide variety of topics. One of these topics was Cornette’s concern about Shinsuke Nakamura and how Vince will book him when he moves up to the main roster.
Jim Cornette on Shinsuke Nakamura moving up to the WWE main roster:
“Obviously, everything [in WWE] depends on how Vince sees something, but he hasn’t had the best track record, and I’ll tell you, it’s not a racist thing with international stars, whether it be luchadores, whether it be Japanese talent, [or] whether it be anybody from Europe. Sometimes, the chairman does not understand what they have meant to their world because he’s so isolated in his and he tries, possibly, to remake them in the image that he perceives for them. That may not work. I think a guy like Nakamura’s another guy like [Steve] Austin and Brock [Lesnar] and essentially the more he’s himself and he’s allowed to do his thing, the better off he’ll be” (Source: The Ross Report, H/t WrestlingInc).
Fair point. Vince McMahon doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to stars from outside North America. I would personally be SHOCKED though if Vince found a way to ruin Shinsuke Nakamura on the main roster. The man is so talented and entertaining as we all saw at NXT Takeover Dallas. He has the potential to be something special and I really hope Vince and the WWE brass sees that.
Let us know your thoughts on Jim’s concerns or your opinion on Nakamura on the main roster.
I hope Vince doesn’t mess. So many times in the past wrestlers have be ruined or never pushed the right way. Hopefully this won’t be the case. Fingers crossed.
Mine too!
I think it’s difficult to determine. I’m sure Vince is aware of Nakamura’s star power, yet likely is confused at how he’ll get over with the main crowd due to his Japanese accent.
So maybe Vince will think “well, how can he speak?” Honestly, Mr. Strong Style doesn’t need to. His abilities in the ring do it for him.
I doubt that’ll be enough.
It’s easy to say “just give him an English speaking manager”, and that may very well work for some.
However, Nakamura – in my opinion – doesn’t need one.
Agreed, he is special!
I agree with cornette. Vince might have him spitting green mist on the main roster and given some gimmick name. Look at his track record. I have watched wrestling since 1987.