Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Tama Tonga set for next WWE SmackDown
A match featuring old rivals is set for next week’s SmackDown.
The first SmackDown following the Royal Rumble will feature Tama Tonga taking on Shinsuke Nakamura. On this week’s show, the two met face-to-face, with Tonga saying the old Nakamura would have been able to take out AJ Styles. Nakamura responded in Japanese then challenged him to a match for next week’s show in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Nakamura and Tonga’s relationship dates back to their time in New Japan Pro Wrestling. The two have been crossing paths in recent weeks, initially showing respect towards one another. On last week’s SmackDown, Tonga and Solo Sikoa won the WWE Tag Team titles, defeating the Wyatt Sicks.
Last week’s show also saw AJ Styles meet Nakamura backstage. The two longtime rivals eventually agreed to meet at Saturday Night’s Main Event the following night. Styles emerged victorious, furthering momentum ahead of the Royal Rumble. He will face Gunther in a match where if he loses, he would have to retire from WWE.
WWE SmackDown (February 6)
- Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Tama Tonga
Bryan Rose is an editor from California that has been covering professional wrestling for well over a decade. He officially joined F4WOnline as an editor in 2017.