Shinsuke Nakamura Victorious in Return Match at NOAH The New Year 2025

Shinsuke Nakamura kicked off 2025 in unforgettable fashion, defending his status as WWE United States Champion in a showdown at NOAH’s The New Year event. Held at the iconic Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, Nakamura faced Ulka Sasaki in a dream match that had fans talking with anticipation—and the action didn’t disappoint.

The King of Strong Style battled Sasaki in a nail-biting contest where momentum shifted repeatedly. Sasaki came close to victory when he locked Nakamura in a triangle choke, but Nakamura wasn’t about to let his return to NOAH end in defeat. In a controversial twist, with the referee down, Nakamura used mist to blind Sasaki, taking control of the match. He followed up with a jaw-dropping Styles Clash and sealed the deal with two Kinshasas to secure the win.

This marked Nakamura’s first match in NOAH since his epic clash with The Great Muta at the promotion’s New Year event in 2023. Much like that unforgettable night, Nakamura once again proved why he’s a global icon in the wrestling world.

Fans are already speculating whether this appearance signals more matches for Nakamura in NOAH. While no future dates have been confirmed, his performance left an indelible mark on both fans and critics alike.

What was your favorite moment from Shinsuke Nakamura’s epic match against Ulka Sasaki? Do you think his victory signals more appearances in NOAH’s future? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below.