Reason Shinsuke Nakamura Hasn't Been Wresting For WWE Lately

If you've noticed that Shinsuke Nakamura has been scheduled for matches and the bouts changed, or appeared on WWE programming but isn't wrestling, you've got a good eye. Nakamura has, in fact, been a part of WWE's scheduling but isn't wrestling. That's because he's currently injured.

According to his partner Rick Boogs, Nakamura hasn't been medically cleared to compete. While speaking with Ryan Satin on Out of Character, Boogs confirmed that WWE did have to change Nakamura's match with Sami Zayn at Day 1 last minutes and added that he's doing what he can to cover for his partner while Nakamura recovers. Boogs noted, "We’ve only had a couple of tag matches together and he suffered a hand injury that has kept him out for close to two months now, it seems like. So I’m looking forward to him being healthy and cleared so we can kick some tail."

That WWE hasn't pulled Nakamura off the road suggests a couple of things. One, the injury isn't so bad that he needs to stay home and rest. Two, the company must feel that having him on the show with Boogs, even if Nakamura can't wrestle, outweighs not having him around and that the two work much better as a duo than just Boogs on his own. If so, it will be interesting to see how WWE eventually handles their split when it happens down the road.

Related: WWE Reportedly Booking Matches Around Carmella Injury

Injuries Are Part of the Deal

Like Carmella, Nakamura is working through an injury and trying to be a part of the programming, even though he can't technically hop in the ring and wrestle. She too is sticking filling an on-air role while Queen Zelina does most of the work. How long Nakamura will be out of commission has yet to be determined. If he's on the tail end of his recover, that's good news for Boogs and Nakamura. Any longer and The King of Strong Style might have to vacate the title.