What is WWE SmackDown Live doing with Nakamura vs Styles?
What is SmackDown Live doing with this Shinsuke Nakamura vs Styles? Will the rivalry finally move forward at Money in the Bank?
SmackDown Live has been carried by the Nakamura vs Styles Rivalry since the Royal Rumble ended. Shinsuke Nakamura vs AJ Styles was supposed to be the dream match that everyone wanted at WrestleMania. However, it probably should have been clear to us all that when Nakamura won the Royal Rumble and immediately chose AJ Styles. We would be in for an incredibly long drawn out saga.
In fact, I am pretty sure that when I predicted who Nakamura would choose, I hesitated. Simply because announcing the rivalry so soon would put an unnecessary strain on the build-up to the WrestleMania match. I was actually pleasantly surprised with how the lead up to WrestleMania was handled though. The back and forth between two of the best in-ring performers on SmackDown Live was outstanding. Then came the WrestleMania match itself. Which, if we are totally honest with ourselves, was a bit underwhelming considering the talent level of the two superstars.
The Nakamura heel turn was definitely a shocking moment. And something that I will remember about my first WrestleMania for a long time. The problem I’m having now is that this rivalry has gone on for a while now, but feels immensely one-sided. Maybe it’s the traditional sports fan in me that is taking issue. Maybe this is how WWE rivalries go, and I’m just not used to it yet. But, to me, a rivalry is when both sides win significant matches. Not just one person dominating pay per view matchups, while the other scores a surprise Tuesday night win. This isn’t Baron Corbin vs Sin Cara for three straight weeks on SmackDown Live. this is AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura!
Now, personally, I would’ve liked to see Nakamura get a win at BackLash. After the disgrace that was the double count-out at the Greatest Royal Rumble. BackLash would’ve been the place to have Nakamura score a major win. I understand Styles winning at WrestleMania, and I even halfway understand the double count-out at the Greatest Royal Rumble.
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But the no-decision at BackLash was hugely deflating. I understand, that those are not technically losses for Nakamura. But every time Styles leaves the ring still WWE Champion it feels like a loss for him. If Shinsuke Nakamura does not lift the belt at Money in the Bank on July 17th. Why keep dragging out this one-sided high profile jobbing? Styles is already as over as he is going to get.
Unless, this is one of the longest, most brilliantly designed story arc in WWE history. And by the time that this rivalry is over, Styles and Nakamura will both be heels. Then, they’ll form some weird pact and do nothing but constantly harass Daniel Bryan and Jeff Hardy. Since I don’t think there are any other babyfaces in the men’s division on SmackDown Live. Though I can’t imagine that would be the case. I bet we’re going to get four more weeks of low blows, with a few decent Shinsuke Nakamura promos. Then wrap it all up with another no-decision match at Money in the Bank.
Next: WWE SmackDown Live 5/22 recap: More qualifying matches
SmackDown Live can be seen Tuesday nights at 8 PM on the USA Network.