Has WWE Released Shinsuke Nakamura? Here's What You Need To Know About The Rumors

Has WWE Released Shinsuke Nakamura? Here's What You Need To Know About The Rumors

Over the weekend, you may have come across reports on social media that former NXT Champion Shinsuke Nakamura has been released by WWE. Here's everything you need to know about what's really happening.

By JoshWilding - May 05, 2025 06:05 AM EST
Filed Under: WWE

Last week, WWE released more than a dozen main roster and NXT stars. This weekend, rumours have swirled that former United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura might be among them; images of him listed on the "Alumni" section of WWE.com have even done the rounds on social media. 

Despite that, the King of Strong Style is, in fact, still listed as an active Superstar on the company's website and has not been released, despite repeated claims to the contrary.

Now, it's possible WWE isn't planning to renew Nakamura's contract; earlier this year, it was reported that WWE management was "moving on" from him, suggesting his days in the company might be numbered. Nakamura was repackaged with a new heel gimmick not too long ago (which didn't hugely connect with fans), and briefly held the United States Championship.

Despite that, he didn't get a match at WrestleMania, and his last major television appearance was on the March 7 episode of SmackDown when he lost the title to LA Knight. 

Nakamura later made a very brief appearance in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on the SmackDown before WrestleMania. So, even though he hasn't been released yet, it does rather feel like the former NXT Champion's days in WWE are numbered. 

This comes after it was reported that the main reason for Braun Strowman's release was a pricey contract that WWE no longer felt was worth its while. 

"He is the one that the salary was high," Dave Meltzer recently said of the Monster Among Men. "One person told me that they felt he was being...he was paid more than how they were using him, I guess is the best way to put it, but salary played a part in this."

Could the same be true for Nakamura? We'll see, but last summer, he expressed a desire to bring more of his Japanese Strong Style to WWE.

"Oh, yeah. So I've been wrestling over eight years right now. So I want to keep wrestling in WWE," he started. "Also, I give the fans more like a dream. So that's what I want to do. So I want to show my passion. So also I brought the Japanese style to WWE, but still I think not accomplished. So still I'm challenging, keep challenging."

We'll see what happens, but chances are Nakamura would either begin wrestling in Japan again or perhaps even consider signing with AEW. As always, keep checking back here for updates as we have them. 

Carmella Talks More About Her Abrupt WWE Release: I Was Upset And Hurt With How It Ended
Related:

Carmella Talks More About Her Abrupt WWE Release: "I Was Upset And Hurt With How It Ended"

CM Punk Responds To Cora Jade's Release As Former NXT Star Says She Was Body Shamed By Bosses In WWE
Recommended For You:

CM Punk Responds To Cora Jade's Release As Former NXT Star Says She Was Body Shamed By "Bosses" In WWE

DISCLAIMER: As a user generated site and platform, TheRingReport.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and "Safe Harbor" provisions.

This post was submitted by a user who has agreed to our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. TheRingReport.com will disable users who knowingly commit plagiarism, piracy, trademark or copyright infringement. Please CONTACT US for expeditious removal of copyrighted/trademarked content. CLICK HERE to learn more about our copyright and trademark policies.

Note that TheRingReport.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

Be the first to comment and get the conversation going!

Please log in to post comments.

Don't have an account?
Please Register.

View Recorder