On the latest episode of SmackDown held on March 7, 2025, we witnessed Shinsuke Nakamura losing the US Championship to LA Knight. This loss just before WrestleMania 41 puts the fans in doubt whether Nakamura will feature in the WrestleMania event or not. Also, many wonder what will be his future in the WWE after this loss.
Tye King of Strong Styles had captured the title by defeating LA Knight at Survivor Series 2024 last year. However since winning the title, Nakamura did not feature in any major storylines even after undergoing major character change.
Table of Contents
Details of the Title Match
The match between Shinsuke Nakamura and LA Knight on SmackDown was highly anticipated, filled with back-and-forth actions. Even though the match was well balanced while Nakamura attempted to do something different using his heelish persona. He tried to use a steel chair leading to a red mist incident into refree’s eye which completely shifted the momentum of the match in LA Knight’s favour.
He took advantage of the opportunity and finished the match with his finisher BFT on the chair and reclaimed the title once again. “The Megastar” finally reclaimed the title with the win after 3 months and may go to WrestleMania with the title.
Implications of the Loss
Nakamura managed to win the United States Championship three times in his career and the last one lasted for 97 days. Not only this but he managed to defend his title only once and with the recent loss he has lost his credibility.
A title exchange at the peak of WrestleMania will doubt his position in the mega event. The creative team probably does not have a confirmed spot for him in the WrestleMania card. It brings uncertainty regarding his future in the company.
Also, his role becomes even more uncertain for the upcoming major events. Now it depends on the creative team how they will capitalise his potential for the upcoming story lines.
Lack of Creative Direction
The aftermath of Nakamura’s title loss suggests that there may be no clear creative plans for him moving forward. We saw the rise of the Japanese star in 2024 after his championship win at Survivor Series and hoped to see more heights as well as witness a high package match at the WrestleMania event. However, this title loss shatters all hopes and indicates WWE is deprioritizing him.
Instead of having a rematch for the title he has to face mid-contenders for a future title championship match. His place at WrestleMania is unpredictable and he may now be linked to a completely new storyline.
Future Prospects for Shinsuke Nakamura
As of now, things are unclear in Shinsuke Nakamura’s favour and fans are also uncertain about his next step in the WWE. Here are a few possible directions for Nakamura have been speculated upon:
Continue Feud with LA Knight: 97 days before the loss, Nakamura won the title from LA Knight and now Knight reclaim the title just at the peak time of WrestleMania. So, WWE may book a rematch or even make it more intense by featuring both the wrestlers in a multi-man match at the Show of Shows.
Participation in Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal: Possibly he may participate in Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal as underutilized superstars get an opportunity to prove themselves and shine.
Retirement Angle: Other completely different angle suggests his retirement from WWE. As some reports suggest that his next storyline will be set in such a way which will involve his retirement plans too. The retiring stars always puts the young emerging stars over before hanging their shoes.
The Japanese star may stay for a couple of years with WWE and we are unclear about his future storylines. It also remains unclear which particular way WWE wants to utilise and capitalise him in the future events.
In conclusion, we can expect a rematch for United States Championship but it seems dimmer. As per recent developments there are lack of any creative plan in favour of him which leaves his future doubtful as WrestleMania approaches.
Vijay Suyal 
Reddaveni Saisneha