Shinsuke Nakamura NOT Released by WWE Despite Rumors Whats Really Going On

After rumors swirled that Shinsuke Nakamura was part of WWEs recent roster cuts on May 2nd, speculation ran wild online. But those claims dont hold upNakamura remains listed on WWE.coms active roster as of May 4, 2025, making it clear he has not been released.

The confusion likely stems from his recent absence from television and the fact that he wasnt booked for WrestleMania 41. Earlier this year, PWTorchs Wade Keller reported that WWE didnt plan to renew Nakamuras contract once it expired, saying management was moving onbut no official confirmation has ever come from WWE or Nakamura himself.

His last major appearance was on the March 7 episode of SmackDown, where he dropped the United States Championship to LA Knight. Since then, his only WrestleMania week involvement was a quick spot in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

Still, this isnt a sudden drop-off. At 45 years old, Nakamura has been used sparingly while WWE shifts more focus to younger NXT stars. But no matter what, Nakamura remains under contract for now.

Before WWE, Nakamuras rsum was already legendary. The former Super Rookie of New Japan Pro-Wrestling made history in 2003 by becoming the youngest IWGP Heavyweight Champion ever. His explosive King of Strong Style persona and five reigns as IWGP Intercontinental Champion elevated him into international superstardom. He also led the CHAOS faction and won both the G1 Climax (2011) and New Japan Cup (2014).

Nakamura joined WWE in 2016 with a show-stealing debut match against Sami Zayn at NXT TakeOver: Dallas. He became a two-time NXT Champion before joining SmackDown and winning the 2018 Royal Rumble, eventually feuding with AJ Styles on the WrestleMania stage. He later held the U.S., Intercontinental, and Tag Team Titles, carving out a unique legacy as one of the few to hold major gold in both NJPW and WWE.

For now, rumors of his WWE release are nothing more than false reports.