This covers everything from his personal life details and career milestones to his fight purses, endorsements, notable opponents, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Shinsuke Nakamura’s Biography
Get to know the real Shinsuke Nakamura through this detailed profile table:
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Shinsuke Nakamura |
| Nickname | King of Strong Style |
| Born | February 24, 1980 |
| Age | 45 years |
| College | Aoyama Gakuin University, Tokyo, Japan |
| Religion | N/A |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2002 |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Salary | Approximately $1 million per year |
| Spouse | Harumi Maekawa |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @shinsukenakamura |
Early Career
Shinsuke Nakamura made his professional wrestling debut in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) in 2002. Quickly gaining attention for his blend of speed, strength, and technical prowess, Nakamura earned the nickname “Super Rookie.” Just 15 months into his pro career, he became the youngest IWGP Heavyweight Champion at age 23, solidifying his position as an emerging force in Japanese wrestling.
Professional Career
Nakamura spent over a decade with NJPW, capturing multiple IWGP titles and headlining major events. His charismatic style and hard-hitting matches earned global recognition, influencing both Japanese and international wrestling scenes. In 2016, Nakamura transitioned to WWE with an immediate impact, debuting for NXT and later moving to the main roster. He clinched the NXT Championship twice, then added Intercontinental, United States, and SmackDown Tag Team titles to his resume.
Notable for his “King of Strong Style” persona and smash-mouth offense, Nakamura consistently delivered standout performances in high-stakes contests against stars like AJ Styles and Finn Bálor. His rare blend of showmanship and athletic ability appeals to fans worldwide, and by 2025, Nakamura remains a top draw, maintaining relevance in both WWE and Japanese wrestling communities.
Wife
Shinsuke Nakamura is married to Harumi Maekawa, whom he met during college in Tokyo. Their wedding took place on September 1, 2007, in Tokyo, attended by over 400 guests from the wrestling and entertainment industry. The couple currently resides in the United States. There is no public information confirming whether Nakamura has any children as of 2025.
Shinsuke Nakamura’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Shinsuke Nakamura’s net worth is estimated at approximately $5 million. His income sources include a WWE annual salary of around $1 million, merchandise sales, and additional endorsement deals. Nakamura also invests in real estate in Japan and the U.S., and pursues a music career with his rock band, “Strange Love”.
Fight Purses
| Year | Estimated Purse | Major Matches/Notes |
| 2017 | $250,000 | NXT & Main roster debut |
| 2018 | $500,000 | Royal Rumble win, US title |
| 2019 | $400,000 | IC title, SmackDown Tag |
| 2020 | $450,000 | Tag/IC title runs |
| 2021 | $400,000 | Main roster, multiple feuds |
| 2022 | $425,000 | Intercontinental title |
| 2023 | $425,000 | Money in the Bank, feuds |
| 2024-25 | $450,000 | Major pay-per-views, NOAH |
Endorsements
Nakamura’s star power continues to attract global brands. Key endorsement deals include:
- Nike (Japan Wrestling campaigns)
- Rogue Energy — recurring sponsorship on digital appearances
- NJPW merchandise and exclusive collectibles
- WWE licensed apparel and video games
- Digital media partnerships with Netflix (acting appearances)
- G-Shock (Japan athlete endorsement)
- Multiple regional promotions and paid appearances
Career Records
| Opponent | Event/Promotion | Notable Win/Loss |
| Hiroshi Tanahashi | NJPW | IWGP title match W/L ratio: ~.50 |
| AJ Styles | WrestleMania 34, WWE | Lost WWE Title match |
| Samoa Joe | NXT TakeOver | Won NXT Championship |
| Finn Bálor | NXT, WWE | Multiple matches in NXT |
| John Cena | SmackDown, WWE | Notable TV win |
| Brock Lesnar | NJPW | Learning excursion collaborations |
| Dolph Ziggler | WWE | SmackDown debut win |
| Bad Luck Fale | NJPW | New Japan Cup finals |
| Seth Rollins | WWE 2023-25 | Multiple main events |
| Cesaro | WWE | Tag Team Title reign |
FAQs
1. Who is Shinsuke Nakamura?
Shinsuke Nakamura is a Japanese professional wrestler and former mixed martial artist born on February 24, 1980, in Kyoto, Japan. Known as the “King of Strong Style,” he is recognized for his striking-based wrestling technique, distinctive charisma, and rock-star personality. Nakamura gained prominence in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) before joining WWE in 2016, where he has become one of the most popular performers on the SmackDown brand.
2. What is Shinsuke Nakamura’s finishing move?
Shinsuke Nakamura’s primary finishing move is the Kinshasa, a devastating running knee strike to the opponent’s head or jaw. He previously called this move the “Boma Ye” during his time in NJPW. The move was renamed to “Kinshasa” when he joined WWE, as a reference to Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is also the city where Muhammad Ali fought in the famous “Rumble in the Jungle” match. Nakamura performs multiple variations of the Kinshasa, including middle rope and corner versions.
3. How many times has Shinsuke Nakamura won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship?
Shinsuke Nakamura is a three-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion. He won his first title on December 9, 2003, at the age of 23 years and 9 months, making him the youngest IWGP Heavyweight Champion in history. He won the title for the second time on January 4, 2008, and claimed his third reign on September 27, 2009. His final IWGP Heavyweight Championship reign lasted from September 27, 2009, to May 3, 2010.
4. Did Shinsuke Nakamura win the Royal Rumble?
Yes, Shinsuke Nakamura won the 2018 Men’s Royal Rumble match on January 28, 2018. He entered the match at number 14 and last eliminated Roman Reigns to secure the victory, earning him a main event opportunity at WrestleMania 34 for the WWE Championship. After winning the match, Nakamura chose to challenge AJ Styles for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 34.
5. What championships has Shinsuke Nakamura won in WWE?
In WWE, Shinsuke Nakamura has won multiple championships: two NXT Championships, two WWE Intercontinental Championships, three WWE United States Championships, and one WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship (with Cesaro). He won the 2018 Men’s Royal Rumble match and was named 2016 NXT Male Competitor of the Year and 2016 NXT Overall Competitor of the Year. While Nakamura won the 2018 Royal Rumble and challenged for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 34, he has not yet won a world championship in WWE.
6. What is the “Strong Style” wrestling technique?
Strong Style is a wrestling technique pioneered in New Japan Pro Wrestling that emphasizes stiff, hard-hitting strikes that appear realistic despite being professional wrestling. Shinsuke Nakamura’s striking-based wrestling incorporates heavy use of knee strikes, kicks, and powerful forearms. His style draws from his background in mixed martial arts, making his offense appear more brutal and believable than traditional wrestling. The Strong Style approach focuses on the impact and weight transfer of strikes, with Nakamura being particularly skilled at making knee strikes look devastating.
7. When did Shinsuke Nakamura debut in WWE?
Shinsuke Nakamura made his WWE debut on April 1, 2016, at NXT TakeOver: Dallas, where he defeated Sami Zayn. He remained in NXT until April 2017, where he competed as a two-time NXT Champion. His main roster debut occurred on April 4, 2017, on SmackDown, where he immediately made an impact against Dolph Ziggler. This marked the beginning of his successful career on WWE’s main roster.
8. What are Shinsuke Nakamura’s physical dimensions?
Shinsuke Nakamura is billed at 6 feet 2 inches (188 centimeters) tall and weighs approximately 220 pounds (100 kilograms). He is officially from Kyoto, Japan, though he was born in Mineyama, Kyoto. His physical build, combined with his technical skill and striking ability, makes him one of the most impressive wrestlers in WWE.
9. What is Shinsuke Nakamura’s real name?
Shinsuke Nakamura’s real name is Shinsuke Nakamura (中邑 真輔). He performs under his real name both in NJPW and WWE. In WWE, he has been billed with various nicknames and character names, including “The Artist,” “King Nakamura,” and his primary moniker “The King of Strong Style,” but his ring name remains his actual name.
10. Has Shinsuke Nakamura competed outside of WWE while under contract?
Yes, WWE has permitted Shinsuke Nakamura to compete outside the company on limited occasions since 2023. In January 2023, he faced WWE Hall of Famer The Great Muta in a match outside WWE. More recently, in January 2025, Nakamura wrestled Ulka Sasaki in NOAH, winning the match. These rare opportunities show WWE’s willingness to allow Nakamura to maintain his international wrestling career on a selective basis while remaining under WWE contract.