Shinsuke Nakamura may have just spoiled the result of a major WWE match at this weekend’s Royal Rumble.
The former United States Champion was in action at Saturday Night’s Main Event this weekend as he took on longtime friend and rival AJ Styles.
Styles, also known as the Phenomenal One, has confirmed he is retiring in 2026 and it could happen as soon as Saturday’s Rumble event.
The 48-year-old star will be facing the dominant GUNTHER in a dream match next weekend, and he’s putting his career on the line.
Fans know if Styles loses the bout, he’ll be hanging up his boots for good – but Nakamura might have accidentally revealed the plan early.
Taking to his Instagram Story, he shared a ‘diary’ entry he penned the day before last night’s match with Styles, reflecting on a show last year in Melbourne.
He wrote: ‘AJ gave a speech after the match. Listening to it, it was clear he was thanking the fans. But somehow, it also felt like he was hinting that retirement might not be that far away.
‘The tour continued to Japan, and before the shows there, I asked him something. We were in a van on the way to the meet and greet.
‘I asked him, “When are you going to retire?” He answered, “The Royal Rumble. I’ve already decided.”‘
Nakamura added that in the moment, he told Styles – who he met and wrestled in New Japan Pro Wrestling before the latter joined WWE in 2016 – he wanted to get in the ring with him ‘one more time’.
He continued: ‘I don’t say it out loud, but I rely on him. I respect him.
‘And even though we don’t actually know each other as deeply as people might think, to me, he’s special. Almost like a brother and a best friend, in my own way.
‘And now… our final match awaits. My last chance to give him the perfect send off. Do your best, me. And pro wrestling gods, please be kind.’
The match delivered in spades, with fans on their feet and loving the chance to see two greats lock horns for the last time.
Less than 12 hours later, fans were convinced Nakamura had spoiled the ending of Styles vs. GUNTHER by referencing the Rumble retirement – although nothing is certain, and plans could have changed.
‘Nah no way Shinsuke spoiled the fact AJ is losing to Gunther next week,’ wrote @IRDGAF24 on X, with others sharing similar sentiments.
Others are hoping it might be a ploy to throw people off the scent, and all be ‘a work’.
Fan @fraxination added: ‘No way they’d let Shinsuke casually spoil the result of the Rumble match right? Please tell me that part is a work.’
What we do know for sure is Styles will be retiring soon, and he made it clear as far back as April 2024 that he’s been winding down.
He told Metro at the time: ‘I don’t want to do it anymore. And it’s not because – of course I want to wrestle. But my body, it’s like, “Please stop. Please stop.” I think this would be a good place to end my career, in the WWE.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
