A few weeks ago, it was revealed that Shinsuke Nakamura was one of a handful of WWE stars whose contracts were expiring in early 2019. Nakamura was recently interviewed by Inside the Ropes were he commented on these rumors. He also spoke about using wrestling as a universal language and more. Below are some highlights.
Nakamura on his WWE contract expiring:
“That is a big decision. Florida’s waves are better than Japan, it’s just an hour drive to the beach but just once a week I’m able to go to the surfing. But in Japan, if there’s a hurricane so I lived across from the beach, just a ten-minute walk. It’s hard to choose.”
Nakamura also explained how he uses wrestling as a universal language to convey his stories inside of the ring:
“I’m enjoying every moment more so now. [It’s] my real emotion. So language is important I know for the TV show, so a lot of people watches WWE everywhere.
“Asia, Africa… some people don’t understand English like me. That’s why I use facial expressions and body motions. Also, wrestling is like a universal language I believe so that’s why I don’t speak English.”
Nakamura on Jeff Hardy:
“He’s kind of a legend, right? Yeah. I feel kind of sympathy with him. So he’s also an artist. He does painting, so do I. Kind of sympathy I feel. So Matt Bloom from the Performance Center told me, ‘I know the most strange guy in WWE, Shin — you and Jeff… you guys are the same.’ I was like, oh, yeah.”
On a related note, here is what Nakamura recently had to say about Brock Lesnar and his stint in NJPW.