The WWE championship match you never thought you’d see at WrestleMania

WWE Championship Match

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. AJ Styles (c)

The rematch of a dream match.

The Road to WrestleMania

It all started in WWE at Money in the Bank 2017.

Baron Corbin had assaulted Shinsuke Nakamura backstage before the traditional ladder match, bludgeoning him with a ladder and camera. It wasn’t until late in the match that Nakamura reappeared, nursing his injuries and kicking everyone in sight. Once the ring was clear, Nakamura slid a ladder into the ring and took his time to position it underneath the briefcase dangling overhead.

That moment was all it took. By the time Nakamura was ready to climb, AJ Styles was staring at him from the other side of the ladder. The two men silently eyed each other as the crowd went nuts. Then, the two casually set the ladder aside.

Winning a briefcase could wait. The thrill of competition could not.

Their paths took them in different directions for the rest of 2017. Nakamura would get revenge on Corbin for his pre-match attack and defeat John Cena on the way to a pair WWE Championship matches against Jinder Mahal. He was unsuccessful on both attempts.

Meanwhile, AJ Styles became a 2-time United States Champion before dethroning Mahal in early November. He has held the WWE Championship ever since.

By winning the Royal Rumble match, Nakamura earned another opportunity at SmackDown Live’s most prestigious championship. Will the third time finally be the charm?

What’s at stake?

When Nakamura won the Royal Rumble, was there ever any doubt he would choose Styles as his opponent?

The two men have history. They have a similar drive and passion for their craft. And most importantly, they can tear the house down in a way that no other match at this year’s WrestleMania can.

Nakamura’s spent his recent weeks playing games with Styles to prove that he’s on Styles’ level. Those games have clearly gotten The Phenomenal One agitated, but there’s not any bad blood here. No, something much greater is on the line.

Pride.

Pride was what made Nakamura choose Styles as his WrestleMania moment. Pride is what’s kept these two from coming to blows prematurely. Pride is what has had them watching each other’s backs; neither wants any issues to prevent the other from performing at their very best.

What to Expect

From a wrestling perspective, Nakamura delivers when the lights are brightest and emotions are high. As for Styles, he might as well be performing at the Eolian for all the symphonies he’s composed in a wrestling ring.

WrestleMania cards always offer variety. Some matches are more drama than athletic competition. This match, however, is pure sport. The story itself hasn’t had much progression, but this feud was never meant to have a soap opera-styled storyline. This match is about competition; expect a long, physical contest to match.

Buckle up. The dream match has arrived.