Shinsuke Nakamura reportedly finishing up with New Japan in January, no WWE deal in place as of yet

According to an interview current IWGP Intercontinental champion Shinsuke Nakamura gave to Tokyo Sports, he has given notice to New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and will be finishing his commitment to them this month.

Rumors, of course, have been prevalent all week Nakamura is headed to WWE, along with at least three other prominent New Japan talents. Though he does speak to Tokyo Sports of heading out to make a splash on a larger stage, PWInsider reports that not only is a deal with WWE not in place, but that no official communication between the two parties has taken place for fear of violating existing contract stipulations.

Of the four men linked to WWE in reports, only AJ Styles and Doc Gallows are free to negotiate. Karl Anderson is believed to have told NJPW about his intention to leave like Nakamura, but he's still under contract. Once existing deals expire and new ones are agreed upon, the men will still need to pass physicals and be medically cleared by WWE's team.

In the case of Nakamura, negotiations with WWE will be eased by the fact that he was the one who reached out to them last January. The company didn't respond with their interest until after he had to sign a one-year deal with New Japan ahead of Wrestle Kingdom 9. His providing advance word to NJPW now was done to ensure there were no similar conflicts this time around.

Speculation is rampant that Vince McMahon will want his new talents at the ready for WrestleMania season - especially now that his 'Ace', John Cena likely won't be available for April - but it doesn't sound like anything is set in stone just yet.

For the man known as the King of Strong-Style, it seems like he's anxious to get started as soon as possible, however.