If you were expecting
Shinsuke Nakamura to hang around and drop the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, you can give up on that idea. New Japan Pro Wrestling has stripped Nakamura of the championship, although he'll appear on a few shows to finish out his deal.
New Japan Pro Wrestling
posted an article early Tuesday announcing the move. Many expected Nakamura to finish out the month in New Japan in order to lose the title, likely to new Bullet Club leader Kenny Omega.
Omega and Nakamura started a storyline at
New Year Dashwhere Omega pinned the dominant IWGP Intercontinental Champion. After the match, Omega hit fellow Bullet Club member
AJ Styles with his finish, kicking him out of the group. Omega then challenged Nakamura to a title match. The articlestated that
Kenny Omega would be taking on an undetermined opponent for the championship now that
Both Nakamura and Styles have been
involved in rumors that they're heading to WWE. Styles finished up with the company at
New Year Dash, with Nakamura stating that he'd be leaving after January.
Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows are both rumored to be leaving for
WWE as well.
Nakamura's final show will be January 30 at Korakuen Hall. Wrestling Inc will keep you updated on this situation as it develops.