Shinsuke Nakamura Says His ‘Own Time’ To Retire ‘Might Not Be Far Off’, Still Has Things He Must Do

Is Shinsuke Nakamura following in the footsteps of John Cena and AJ Styles and planning to retire from wrestling soon? As previously reported, Shinsuke Nakamura teamed up with CM Punk in the main event of today’s WWE Supershow in Nakamura’s home country of Japan. After the main event, Punk praised Nakamura as a legend and spoke highly about getting to team with Nakamura in front of the Japanese fans.

Additionally, the event featured an emotional sendoff for AJ Styles, who was given a huge ovation by the fans in Tokyo, as it was said today’s show will likely be Styles’ final performance as an active wrestler in Japan. Styles has recently spoken openly about his plans to retire from wrestling next year. Nakamura later shared a statement on social media, suggesting that his own time to step away from the ring might be coming soon as well.

Shinsuke Nakamura wrote, “What a special place Japan is. Especially for those of us who wrestle. As AJ said, it’s a place worthy of giving everything you’ve got. Of course, that’s true anywhere in the world… but there’s something sacred here.” He continued, “I don’t know if it’s because I’m Japanese, but I believe the wrestlers and fans who shared this space all felt the same. Maybe.”

Nakamura intimated that his own time to call it a career might not be far off. He added, “He did too — John Cena, AJ — they’ve all chosen to step away from the ring. It reminds me that my own time might not be far off. But I still have things I must do. I’m still struggling, still fighting, not knowing what tomorrow will bring. All I can do is live this day with everything I have.” Nakamura finished with, “Thank you. If only… one more time…”

What a special place Japan is. especially for those of us who wrestle.

As AJ said, it’s a place worthy of giving everything you’ve got. Of course, that’s true anywhere in the world… but there’s something sacred here. I don’t know if it’s because I’m Japanese, but I believe the…

— Shinsuke Nakamura (@ShinsukeN) October 18, 2025

Shinsuke Nakamura Returned to WWE TV as a Babyface Earlier This Month

Shinsuke Nakamura recently returned to WWE TV on the October 10 edition of Friday Night SmackDown, answering Sami Zayn’s open challenge for the WWE US Title. The match ended in a no-contest after The MFT interfered.

Nakamura returned to television as babyface character along with his original WWE entrance music. It was also Nakamura’s first match on WWE TV since the June 13 edition of SmackDown. For now, it remains to be seen how much longer the 45-year-old Shinsuke Nakamura will compete until he decides to retire.