Big Update: NJPW Strips Shinsuke Nakamura of the IWGP Intercontinental Title

January 12, 2016

New Japan Pro Wrestling has announced that the promotion has stripped Shinsuke Nakamura, who is rumored to be heading to WWE, of the IWGP Intercontinental Title.

It was previously believed that Nakamura would drop the title when his NJPW deal expires, but that is not the case. Nakamura will appear on a few shows to close out his deal with the company, however he will do so without the IWGP IC Title.

As noted, Nakamura and Bullet Club member Kenny Omega began a storyline at the New Year Dash event following Wrestle Kingdom 10, and at that event Omega scored a victory over Nakamura then kicked AJ Styles, also rumored to be heading to WWE, out of The Bullet Club. This lead many to believe the upset victory was setting up a future title match between Nakamura and Omega, but NJPW has announced Omega will be facing a yet to be determined opponent for the now vacant IC Title.

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.