Rumors circulated recently suggesting that international wrestling star Shinsuke Nakamura had been released from WWE amidst the company’s significant roster cuts on May 2nd. However, as of May 4, 2025, these rumors appear inaccurate. Nakamura remains listed on the active superstar roster page on WWE.com, indicating he is still under contract with the company and has not been released.
Despite his current active status, speculation regarding Nakamura’s long-term future with WWE has been ongoing for several months. This was fueled significantly by his absence from the match card at WrestleMania 41 in April 2025. Furthermore, Wade Keller of PWTorch.com reportedly stated back in February 2025 that WWE management did not intend to renew Nakamura’s contract upon its eventual expiration and was potentially “moving on” from the veteran performer, though no official confirmation from WWE followed that report.
Nakamura’s recent television appearances have been sparse. His last high-profile singles match occurred on the March 7, 2025, episode of Friday Night SmackDown (corrected date based on reports), where he lost the WWE United States Championship to LA Knight, ending his third reign with that title. His only televised appearance during WrestleMania week was as a participant in the annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on the SmackDown episode preceding the main event.
Now 45 years old, Nakamura’s age, combined with WWE’s apparent focus on younger talent and elevating stars from NXT, has led many observers to believe his time as a full-time performer in the company might be concluding. However, it is important to reiterate that aside from the February report regarding potential non-renewal intentions, nothing official about his long-term future has been confirmed by WWE or Nakamura himself.
Shinsuke Nakamura’s journey to WWE was built on a legendary career in his native Japan. With a background in martial arts, he joined New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 2002 and quickly established himself as a top prospect, dubbed the “Super Rookie.” His blend of striking, technical skill, and burgeoning charisma set him apart.
In December 2003, at just 23 years old, Nakamura defeated Hiroyoshi Tenzan to become the youngest IWGP Heavyweight Champion in history, a record he still holds. This victory cemented his status as a main event player, and he would go on to hold NJPW’s top prize a total of three times during his tenure.
Alongside contemporaries like Hiroshi Tanahashi and Katsuyori Shibata, Nakamura was considered one of the “new Three Musketeers” destined to lead NJPW. He further developed his unique “King of Strong Style” persona, incorporating his martial arts background and developing an eccentric charisma that captivated audiences worldwide. He was also a founding member and the original leader of the popular CHAOS faction.
While a multi-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Nakamura arguably achieved his greatest sustained success in NJPW elevating the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. He captured the title five times, with his initial 313-day reign significantly boosting the belt’s prestige to near-equal footing with the Heavyweight Championship, often main eventing major shows. He also boasts victories in the prestigious G1 Climax tournament (2011) and the New Japan Cup (2014).
After nearly 14 years revolutionizing NJPW, Nakamura signed with WWE in early 2016, making his highly anticipated debut for the NXT brand. His first match against Sami Zayn at NXT TakeOver: Dallas in April 2016 is widely regarded as one of the best matches in NXT history and a perfect introduction to the North American audience.
Nakamura quickly ascended the ranks in NXT, defeating Samoa Joe to capture the NXT Championship in August 2016. He would hold the title twice during his impactful run on the developmental brand, proving his star power translated effectively to the WWE environment before moving to the main roster.
Debuting on SmackDown shortly after WrestleMania 33 in 2017, Nakamura received a strong initial push, culminating in winning the 2018 Men’s Royal Rumble match. This earned him a WWE Championship opportunity against AJ Styles at WrestleMania 34. Though unsuccessful in capturing the title, the match ended with Nakamura executing a shocking heel turn on Styles, altering his character direction.
Following his main event program, Nakamura settled into a prominent role in the upper mid-card and tag team divisions. He captured the United States Championship twice and the Intercontinental Championship twice, becoming only the second wrestler (after Chris Jericho) to hold both the WWE and IWGP Intercontinental titles. He also held the SmackDown Tag Team Championship alongside Cesaro as part of “The Artist Collective.” His character evolved over the years, often reverting to his “King of Strong Style” roots but sometimes adopting more artistic or antagonistic personas.
Currently, despite the lack of recent high-profile booking and the swirling speculation, Shinsuke Nakamura officially remains a contracted WWE superstar. While his long-term trajectory within the company is uncertain given his age and recent usage patterns, the reports of his release circulating after the May 2nd cuts have proven inaccurate thus far.
