Shinsuke Nakamura reclaimed the NXT title in Osaka this week, and was set to once again do battle with Samoa Joe at the brand’s next touring stop in Australia. Well, the Melbourne event has come and gone, so what’s the result?
As mentioned on NXT TV this week, the rematch was set inside a steel cage, presumably to provide a fitting final chapter for the rivalry. Nakamura won by pinning Joe. No cowardly escapes for either of these men.
By some reports, that pin came after not one, not two, but three of Shinsuke’s signature Kinshasa finishers. Truly a definitive end for the battle.
WWE offered a clip of the bout on Twitter, but you’ll have to wait until Wednesday’s NXT to see the match in its entirety.
httpss://twitter.com/WWE/status/806829794797252609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Some fans managed to grab footage of Shinsuke’s victory, however.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNwV3p9F-P9/
With the title rivalry definitively done, it’s time to once again start speculating about Samoa Joe’s main roster debut. Perhaps one final match at TakeOver: San Antonio before a Royal Rumble debut? Then who to face at WrestleMania?
Anything for Joe’s appearance on the main roster is pure speculation at this point, but he’s such a legend outside of WWE, having done battle with many wrestlers who have already made it big in the company. Seth Rollins, Daniel Bryan, and AJ Styles all count among Joe’s foes, and it would be terrific to see him renew those rivalries on a bigger stage.