Sami Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura are two of the greatest performers in recent history, with a whole host of accomplishments and elite matches both in WWE and around the world.
Footage has resurfaced of their epic encounter in 2016 at NXT Takeover: Dallas, in what was Nakamura’s debut match with the company and what turned out to be Zayn’s last with black and gold brand. An incredible way to mark both.
It’s a match that has been somewhat forgotten about in recent times, which is a shock given how truly amazing it is.
Nakamura and Zayn are two of the best in the business
Nakamura’s arrival in WWE was greeted with much fanfare, such were his exploits in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he was a three-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and the youngest in company history at just 23 years of age. This was a bona fide superstar making his bow.
Zayn may be more recognised for his incredible character and comedic work currently with The Bloodline amongst other storylines, but he remains an unbelievable in-ring competitor, capable of going toe to toe with anyone in the world.
At the time, Sami was still a determined, all-heart babyface, as he had for his entire career to this point, which made his matches full throttle from start to finish.
Video: Nakamura and Zayn go to battle at NXT Takeover: Dallas in 2016
The match itself displays both men’s incredible range of wrestling, with sequences of hard-hitting intensity followed by high-flying assaults on one another. The action is non-stop.
The armbar sequence between the pair is a particular highlight as it brings it from a fairly standard wrestling hold to a series of innovative counters back and forth.
The action in the ring is matched by the enthusiasm in the crowd, which makes for an incredible spectacle of professional wrestling. The match, eventually won by Shinsuke, is a symbol of the excellence that was NXT in the mid to late 2010s and matches up against any WWE match from the era.
Fans have reacted to the clip going viral on social media this week, with widespread praise for the match and the performers. One fan called it a legitimately perfect wrestling match, and one to show to a non-fan as proof of how good pro wrestling can be. The highest of compliments.
Nakamura Zayn
Nakamura Zayn
Nakamura Zayn
Nakamura Zayn
Nakamura Zayn
What’s next for Sami Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura in WWE
Shinsuke is currently looking for new direction as a character, which hopefully Triple H will provide in the coming months, while Sami is arguably enjoying the best run of his entire career.
A newly certified member of The Bloodline as the “Honorary Uce,†Zayn is a must-see talent every single week on WWE television given his unbelievable character work with the likes of Roman Reigns and The Usos.
It is speculated that this storyline will eventually culminate in Sami reuniting with old friend Kevin Owens to challenge the Usos for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships.
For more news on what WWE is planning for Sami Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura as we head into 2023 and draw 2022 to a close, make sure you stay tuned to GiveMeSport.