NJPW Legends Set For First Singles Match On WWE SmackDown Next Week
Many former NJPW wrestlers are plying their trade in WWE currently and have been doing so for the last few years. AJ Styles and Finn Balor are some of the biggest former NJPW names on the roster.
Apart from Solo Sikoa, every member of the MFT has a storied history in the top Japanese wrestling promotion, while Shinsuke Nakamura is a certified legend of Japanese wrestling.
Two former NJPW wrestlers came head-to-head in a backstage segment once again this week, and will be facing each other for the first time in singles action next week on WWE SmackDown.
Tama Tonga challenged to a match on WWE SmackDown next week
Newly crowned WWE Tag Team Champion, Tama Tonga, has been teasing a showdown with Shinsuke Nakamura for the last few weeks now. He had a conversation with Nakamura tonight as well and mocked him for his loss to AJ Styles.
Tonga said that Shinsuke should follow AJ into retirement, as a younger Nakamura would’ve defeated Styles with ease. The King of Strong Style reminded Tama that he still sees him as a young punk and challenged him to a match next week.
Tama Tonga to Shinsuke Nakamura:
“What happened to you? You used to be the man. The King of Strong Style. The Shinsuke I knew would’ve beaten AJ Styles last week.
Maybe it’s time for you to follow him on his way out.”#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/ywPp1AlfUy
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) January 30, 2026
They’ve met each other twice in tag team action in the promotion, but next week would be the first time they would face each other in singles action inside a WWE ring.
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