Shinsuke Nakamura Reportedly Taking John Cena’s Live Role on WWE Smackdown, Why Nakamura Has Been Wrestling Dark Main Events

April 20, 2017

Since his debut on WWE Smackdown Live following WrestleMania 33, Shinsuke Nakamura has been competing in dark matches against Dolph Ziggler. For the past three weeks, Nakamura vs Dolph Ziggler has been the dark match main event following WWE Smackdown Live, and Nakamura has picked up the pin fall victory each time via the Kinshasa.

According to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE believes Nakamura is a strong enough draw that he will keep the crowd from leaving the arena following Smackdown and before 205 Live. The dark match main event role was previously played by John Cena, to keep the crowd around for 205 Live, and that role is now being filled by Nakamura.

Additionally, WWE currently views Nakamura as one of Smackdown Live’s key babyfaces, and he is expected to remain in that position moving forward.

Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.

Nick attended New York University and graduated in 2001 with a degree in Drama.

Nick first entered the internet wrestling community back in 2004 when he became the co-host of The Voice of Wrestling Radio Show. From there, Nick made the transition from radio personality to editor when he began working with WrestleZone in 2008.

Nick is a member of two Off-Broadway theatre companies, Another Urban Riff, and the Drama Desk Award winning Godlight Theatre Company. Nick has appeared in over a dozen Off-Broadway plays since he moved to New York City, and has shot several short and feature length films. In 2010, he completed principle photography on a film titled "How to Score Your Life," which also features TNA Knockout ODB.

Inspiration in his life has come from many people including his family, Woody Allen, Steven Spielberg, Jack Nicholson, The Beatles, and of course, Lassie.