Shinsuke Nakamura To Face Sami Zayn

It was announced at yesterday’s NXT TV tapings that NJPW star Shinsuke Nakamura has indeed signed with the company and will be Sami Zayn’s opponent for NXT “Takeover: Dallas” during Wrestlemania weekend.

BREAKING NEWS: #WWENXT General Manager @RealKingRegal just announced @ShinsukeN is coming to #NXTTakeOver: Dallas! pic.twitter.com/C8EcX3HzEI

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) January 28, 2016

Nakamura, a 14-year veteran of the squared circle, has been a leading star in the New Japan promotion since 2002. Renowned for his striking and submission ability, as well as his unorthodox charisma, Nakamura’s devastating Bomaye knee strike has felled many opponents and his smash mouth style has earned him the nickname The King of Strong Style. A three-time IWGP Champion — the same once title held by the likes of Vader, The Great Muta and AJ Styles — Nakamura is the youngest competitor to win that championship, capturing it for the first time at 23. He has taken on a who’s who of the best grapplers in the world in his career, facing the likes of Finn Bálor, Kevin Owens, Hideo Itami, WWE Performance Center Head Coach Matt Bloom and The Beast Incarnate himself, Brock Lesnar.

Rumors of Nakamura coming to WWE first started in early January, along with gossip about AJ Styles and Bullet Club members Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows returning to America. Reports about Styles became truth during the 2016 Royal Rumble Match when The Phenomenal One entered at No. 3. Now, The King of Strong Style has decreed that he will be stepping between the yellow ropes in the not-so-distant future.

#NXT Nakamura vs Sami at Takeover Dallas holyshit pic.twitter.com/7H4ufPsAK8

— Shadow780 (@Shadow780) January 28, 2016

The Rock Discusses RAW Appearance

Cool #WWE news: Our 26min #RAW segment pulled in big ratings. THANK YOU to all my talented dancin' partners – Miz, Big Show, Lana & Rusev, Usos and New Day for coming to play in the sandbox to entertain the world. I grew up in and lived the crazy life you guys have of living and performing on the road – and I appreciate and respect all the hard work you put in nightly. And shout out to the entire backstage RAW production and camera crew – you guys are the backbone of RAW and I appreciate ya being such pros. Most importantly, THANK YOU #WWEUniverse/fans for being the best. Period. Let's have some fun and break some records at WRESTLEMANIA and afterwards we'll make Vince treat the entire company to Waffle House. #PeoplesChamp4L

A photo posted by therock (@therock) on Jan 27, 2016 at 12:51pm PST

WWE Change Tune On Joe?

Although it was initially believed that WWE had no interest in bringing Samoa Joe to the main roster, the Wrestling Observer is reporting that they’ve changed their tune and plan on calling him up after WrestleMania 32.

Meanwhile the second debut of Sami Zayn at the Royal Rumble was not a permanent move and he too will remain at NXT until after Wrestlemania.