Shinsuke Nakamura’s Future Likely Points to NJPW After WWE Exit

Shinsuke Nakamura’s next move has been a hot topic ever since rumors of his WWE exit started swirling earlier this year—but fans holding out hope for an AEW debut may want to pump the brakes. A new update makes it clear: AEW isn’t knocking on Nakamura’s door, but a return to New Japan Pro Wrestling could absolutely be in play.

During the latest Fightful Select Backstage Report, Sean Ross Sapp was asked directly whether AEW has any real interest in bringing Nakamura in once his WWE run is done. Sapp didn’t hesitate to shut down the idea.

“Have you heard of any interest within AEW to bring in Shinsuke? Nope.”

While Sapp made it clear AEW isn’t actively pursuing Nakamura, he did suggest that a return to NJPW is the most logical outcome if Nakamura leaves WWE—and that could still open the door for AEW appearances down the line.

“I would imagine if he leaves WWE — I believe he’ll go back to New Japan and probably will work on some deals, work on a deal there that, like, would allow him to work AEW and New Japan, like a Forbidden Door or something like that.”

Sapp mentioned that this isn’t based on hard backstage news but rather industry logic, given Nakamura’s deep ties to NJPW and the current working relationship between AEW and New Japan.

Nakamura, has been used sparingly on WWE TV lately, fueling speculation about his status with the company. His last major appearance came when he dropped the United States Championship to LA Knight back in March, with only minor appearances since.

Despite that, Nakamura remains listed on WWE’s active roster, and as of now, there’s been no confirmation of his release.

If Nakamura does return to New Japan, it wouldn’t just be a homecoming—it could also position him for occasional AEW appearances, especially through crossover events like Forbidden Door, where AEW and NJPW share talent.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.