Shinsuke Nakamura Stripped Of IWGP Intercontinental Championship
If you were expecting Shinsuke Nakamura to hang around and drop the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, you can give up on that idea. New Japan Pro Wrestling has stripped Nakamura of the championship, although he'll appear on a few shows to finish out his deal.
New Japan Pro Wrestling posted an article early Tuesday announcing the move. Many expected Nakamura to finish out the month in New Japan in order to lose the title, likely to new Bullet Club leader Kenny Omega.
Omega and Nakamura started a storyline at New Year Dash where Omega pinned the dominant IWGP Intercontinental Champion. After the match, Omega hit fellow Bullet Club member AJ Styles with his finish, kicking him out of the group. Omega then challenged Nakamura to a title match. The article stated that Kenny Omega would be taking on a mystery opponent for the championship on February 14.
Both Nakamura and Styles have been involved in rumors that they're heading to WWE. Styles finished up with the company at New Year Dash, with Nakamura stating that he'd be leaving after January. Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows are both rumored to be leaving for WWE as well.
Nakamura's final show will be January 30 at Korakuen Hall. Wrestling Inc will keep you updated on this situation as it develops.