[9.0] "Do you guys know how good AJ Styles was before retiring? I'm not even joking. Do you guys ever realise how good he was? How special that simple and sometimes humble man could be? If you had some (resonable) doubts about AJ Styles being into your GOAT debate, that retirement runs makes it undeniable. I won't talk about his two smart well surrounded matches with Gunther, his emotional spotfest match with Cena, his "dream match" with Punk (didn't watched that one), that matches sound opaque when you realise which was his biggest acchievment this year. He made Shinsuke Nakamura woke up from a possible coma he went since leaving the NXT when it comes to high peak wrestling. The match is emotional, controlled at pacing, with some amazing counters, references like the legendary Sakuraba's knee which isn't even from Sakuraba but that isn't the point. I will never agree or accept him retiring that early, but I do get and respect that he leave on his own terms. AJ Styles retired from professional wrestling still being good. For me, the best match WWE made this year, so far."
[10.0] "Punk vs Gunther please listen up. THIS RIGHT HERE is how you do a technical/pure wrestling match correctly. THIS is how you do that type of match without putting people to sleep. This match was simply amazing. Everything here was just so compelling from the start. This was the perfect combination of hard hitting action and compelling exchanges. Also props to Shinsuke for taking that knee. That was absolutely brutal. I wasn't watching WWE in the 2018 era but from what I've heard both of these guys had disappointing matches against each other. Well I think it's safe to say they more than redeemed themselves here. The fact these guys are both almost 50 and they were moving like that is incredible. Overall amazing match and in my opinion the best WWE main roster match of 2026."
[10.0] "Rewatched it this evening and damn, I forgot how good this match was. Not nearly as good as their Wrestle Kingdom bout, but both guys are nearly 50 and doing incredible stuff. A few spots will stay a long time in my mind that's for sure and the emotion here, seeing both guys knowing it's their last encounter ever.... damn that was great The right guy won, and with a great finish"
[9.0] "It's so funny how Shinsuke is seen as the guy who's employed by the WWE and just coasts in his matches and collects paychecks, but then just one day decides to lock in and put on an amazing match with Style's that made their Wrestlemania match look even worse than it already was. I hope Shinsuke will decide to have more matches this good again since he's shown that he's still capable of it. [****.5]"
[10.0] "This was the Wrestle Kingdom sequel we've been waiting for. That he pulled it out RIGHT before he retired along with the Cena classic & the great tag-title run - amazing. What a way to go out."
[9.0] "Literally no notes. Amazing match. Shinsuke deserves so much more. He's a fantastic wrestler. Only if we knew it would've been one of Aj Style's last matches!"
[8.0] "[****1/4] Great little tribute match to their WK classic. Doesn't quite hit those heights, but that's a really tall order to ask from this. The difference between an exhibition match on a C-tier show with a dead crowd and a semi-main event of one of the biggest yearly shows in the industry. Some of these kicks from Shinsuke are great and they have really, really good chemistry"
[8.0] "Hey man, they did the sakuraba knee spot, which puts the floor very high already. I very much appreciate the meaty kicks as well. Their best match in WWE, but only raises questions of how backstage wanted to stage their wrestlemania moment back then."
[9.0] "This match is proof that even as time passes, two great wrestlers can still understand each other perfectly and put together an excellent contest. The pacing, the timing, and the strike exchanges, where neither man seemed willing to back down, all felt natural. I especially liked how AJ Styles adjusted his strategy, targeting Nakamura's legs to limit his striking ability after taking some heavy shots himself. The respectful finish was a nice touch as well. In the end, this match reminded that when you give talented wrestlers time, the formula can be simple."
[8.0] "Whether on the first watch or the second, I didn't enjoy this match as much as many others did. I can highlight the good pace of the match, but I don't know, somehow it felt off. Moreover, I'm not a fan of Nakamura and Styles, maybe that affects it too. But the match is still good and average for me personally."
[9.0] "After eight LONG years, The Phenomenal One and The King of Strong Style finally gave us the match they should've had at WrestleMania 34, and one that didn't end with someone getting punched in the dick. One of Style's best matches of his late career run and Nakamura's best match since joining the main roster. It was well worth the wait."
[10.0] "This match was brilliant with callbacks to their first WK match. The crowd was dead durning most of it but thankfully it didn't take away from the action. Aj and Shin have excellent chemistry and it was on full display with AJ targeting Shins leg and Shin selling it perfectly throughout. Bro-fist and the Bullet catch were amazing touches. Great sequences and counters, all-round picture perfect wrestling. If this is one of AJ's last matches in WWE than I am a-ok with that"
[9.0] "I don't have a lot to say about this one. Emotional (thought messed up with some camera work) and one of those matches that's just two of the very best kicking the living shit out of each other. You love to see it. On a pretty great show, this is the best of the best. On a card as stacked as this SNME, to be a standout match that clearly means so much to both of these men, you feel every moment of the match. They've gone from rivals to friends, and this is their final bout before something ends. ****3/4"
[9.0] "Two veterans proving perfectly that they can still keep up with this new generation of wrestlers. It was great to see them both back in the ring. I was disappointed by their past rivalry for the world title, but it's enjoyable to see them face each other without stakes and give it their all like in their New Japan Pro-Wrestling days. The nostalgia was definitely there - there are certainly some flaws in this match, but you can't take away the pleasure of seeing two legends clash once again."
[9.0] "Call me crazy but I preferred this to their NJPW Match. The bout itself was great on its own, but knowing that AJ would be retiring soon and the callbacks/show of respect made this that much more enjoyable. Best WWE match of 2026"
[9.0] "Anyone who doesn't say this match is fantastic has serious problems. I can understand those who like it a little less because of the pacing, but honestly, it's a great match, very entertaining, they went all out, very well constructed, the pace, while slow, never let up, really, very good."
[9.0] "Especially for the fact this felt like a New Japan match more than a WWE match, the rating admittedly was affected by the sentimentality. AJ and Nakamura had a match that should have happened long ago, free of low blows and shenanigans. This looked like the Shinsuke in NXT and the one we want to see on the main roster more. Some great callbacks throughout. Shinsuke caught the bullet again, but put it over his heart. Styles did the Takayama knee spot that looked nasty. I think AJ even busted out a Shining Wizard- doubly good due to the history between Muto and Nakamura, especially considering their NOAH match. Shin teased a Dragon Suplex, and did a (admittedly not the best looking) Slingblade in tribute to Tanahashi. Just a great match, and a sendoff I wanted to see for AJ, and a return to form for Nakamura. Well worth your watch."
[8.0] "Really an inspirational effort from Shinsuke. Sometimes all you need to push beyond your limits, even 10 years later, is a little bit of sentimentality. Thank god this is the lasting image of this feud after the generational fumble in 2018."
[7.0] "I enjoyed the match, but a little less than most people, it seems. Of course, now they are older and slower, so you can't expect another WK type of match, but I think I enjoyed this one more than the WrestleMania match. One thing that bothered my in some points was the silence of the crowd in many moments. I mean, AJ is retiring in one week, make some noise to him! In the end, it was fun, but ain't something I will be remembering in a month for now. (***3/4)."
[9.0] "This match banged. I've only seen their wrestlekingdom match and to be honest I think I preferred this match. I'm glad this match got time and was allow to breathe. AJ once again proves he's one of the best to ever do it and Nakamura as well always shines when he's given any opportunity. These two are so good together. Plus I love the respect they showed each other at the end."
[10.0] "Oh man, that thing was emotional, finishing a beautiful story between both. After their match in WrestleMania 34, we were expecting a classic, which it didn't happen. However, this match is worthy of being the closing of a great rivalry between both. *****."
[8.0] "****3/4 A truly great match, the first time in 10 years that Nakamura wrestled at his peak (or at least tried to), and finally delivered a fantastic match with AJ after their gem at Wrestle Kingdom 10. The chemistry was fantastic; while Nakamura wasn't as fluid, AJ shone, and the sequences were spectacularly executed. The sequences were truly great, mostly references to their Wrestle Kingdom match, and I loved how they handled it. The intensity was incredible; surprisingly, they were both tough and precise enough with targeted and key attacks. AJ's limbwork on Nakamura's leg was superb, and Nakamura's selling was fantastic. There was a lot of storytelling involved, from the references and the way they attacked and reversed each other. The finish was fantastic, with AJ connecting with a Phenomenal Forearm followed by a Styles Clash to win one of the last matches of his career"
[10.0] "This was absolutely incredible my god, Nakamura legit turned back the clock tonight. It had me wondering why we couldn't have gotten this match like 8 years ago but better late than never. I loved the story of the match they layed out where each knew each other's moves & they were ready to counter it, it led too so many smooth submission reversals. I know the year is still year but this is a MOTYC"
"[8.0] A emoção genuína mexe com nossas percepções, lindo que após os fracassos em 2018 AJ e Nakamura conseguiram entregar uma luta linda, emocionante e carregada de nostalgia. Um grande e se com o que seria se esse Naka tivesse aparecido antes na WWE"
[10.0] "If this is going to be AJ's retirement tour, they better give him this kind of matches, matches that are bangers, and my god this was, it's been a while since I've seen Nakamura having such a great match, Nakamura is someone who can give bangers like in NJPW, and here this was a redemption of the deception of WrestleMania 34, almost 8 years later, and here they gave it justice like their matches in NJPW and before, with support of the crowd and more, and since 2023 I didn't found Nakamura interesting after his matches with Seth (Payback and Fastlane), amazing match and I'm happy for Shinsuke who finally can show his level in ring and why he was peak in NXT and back in Japan, WWE time for redemption after Cena's retirement failure, give AJ a proper retirement with bangers and huge matches. 10/10 [*****]"
[8.0] "Is it the best AJ Styles vs Shinsuke Nakamura match in WWE? Yea probably but the Styles/Nakamura feud is one plagued by expectations as that it usually the price of greatness. This will probably be treated as one of AJ's best matches in the fed and it's definitely up there but it also feels like it's partially due to reception of their previous matches being so lackluster. Those matches themselves especially the one in Saudi were actually pretty good once separated from the expectations of their Wrestle Kingdom match. My point is Styles and Nakamura had a great match because of course they did. It told a story of two guys that knew each other inside out and communicated a great deal of respect as this is probably the best we've seen Nakamura since leaving NXT and probably up there for AJ with his matches against Big Match John. The structure towards the end felt a bit too much like a watered down take on a New Japan match and there were the odd moments of sloppiness but nothing match ruining. A phenomenal entre to the Royal Rumble match that would follow"
[10.0] "Another classic match added to the WWE! But in this match, I was rooting for Nakamura. He literally made me root for him. Excellent selling of the leg by Shinsuke. Great exchange of strikes and fantastic Strong Style. This is the match we wanted to see from them, not the disappointment we saw in 2018. In fact, their rivalry could have become legendary, not just a cliché. It was a stunning emotional match in the style of heartfelt Japanese Strong Style. The cult scene after the match. 5 stars."
[8.0] "A huge postive of this match is it's a genuine see-saw battle that ebbs and flows in a masterful way. There's also excellent selling, brilliant pacing and an expert balance of psychology and snug strikes. The decision to go over 20 minutes, but not too much over, was smart as well as it allowed the performers to tell the story in a measured and methodical manner. In conclusion, this is an incredibly strong 8 out of 10 (that would have undoubtedly been even better if Nakamura was the worker he once was)."
[9.0] "This match felt like a love letter to fans following aj and nakamura since their njpw days. The strong style wrestling. Old school way to picking up a body part and attacking it throughout the match. Everything was perfect. Absolutely loved every bit of it. People believe nakamura was washed but this match perfectly shows why people regard shinsuke nakamura as king of strong style wrestling. On the other hand, Aj styles is just phenomenal, Marvelous and outstanding pro wrestler. They both had a wonderful chemistry throughout the ring. This match also felt very special because it was like the redemption for their wrestlemania 34 match. And with the POSSIBILITY of aj styles retirement, this match will stay forever in my heart. I will end this in the words of john Cena, Aj Styles is the best to ever do it."
[7.0] "The first two-thirds of this match were excellent, especially from Nakamura. Best version I've seen of him in a long time, and AJ was solid as usual. Everything up to the calf crusher was very compelling, stellar work, with Nakamura leading the charge and bringing the story of the match out. After the calf crusher, the match regressed into conventional mid-match yay/boos, repetitious double-downs/nearfalls, when I felt the pace should have been increased. Also, not finishing on the submission softened the ending a bit. Overall, a great match, but the final few minutes dragged for me, and the match ended too softly for my tastes (7)."
[9.0] "[4.5*] This is one of the best matches in the last 15 years, jaw dropping type of match; tremendously well done match by two masters of the game in their generation."
[10.0] "Smooth, methodical, and dripping with aura. Elite pacing, crisp execution, and that quiet tension where every strike matters. Nothing wasted, nothing forced -- just two masters letting the match breathe and telling the story through timing and body language. One of those bouts that reminds you why less can be more. Timeless stuff."
[9.0] "Took us a whole decade to have another actual great Styles vs Nakamura match but it's finally here. By far their best WWE match. Styles obviously still got a bunch left in the tank and this is Shinsuke's best showing and effort given in years. Glad it happened"
[8.0] "Quite good, not all the action was remarkable but the most was even though it should have been longer or be Simply faster in the beginning. ****"
[9.0] "This match was amazing. The story revolved around Nakamura's knee and the work Styles did there, with Nakamura selling it very well. In addition, as we expect from such workers, the technical part of the match was well executed, with lots of coll transictions from one move to the other. I really wish that we had witnessed to this match at WrestleMania 34 in New Orleans."
[8.0] "I thought this was going to be way better going in because of the high score. It was good but it was nothing special. It's too bad AJ didn't lose too. Would make the Rumble match that more exciting because he would be going in on such a down note."
[8.0] "This match is awesome, what an effort by both! Nakamura hasn't shined this well in a while during his tenure in WWE, but it was also great to see that he too can still be that guy. Of course, AJ was phenomenal and it was fun to see both the audience and the commentary team realize this is the match of the night."
[7.0] "Great Styles performance but Nakamura is not the man he was a decade ago. You can tell he put effort into this match but something about his performance wasn't all there for me; he hit all his stuff well but everything in-between was just kind of there, especially comparing his leg selling to Gunther's from two weeks prior. ***1/2"
[9.0] "This match was superb and is what their WrestleMania 34 match should have been. Excellent job by both men and very nostalgic, when AJ pretended to shoot and Nakamura caught the bullet, what a callback to their Wrestle Kingdom match. There was some great psychology and storytelling as well. AJ and Shinsuke proved they can still go, and if AJ really does retire at the Royal Rumble I will be so sad. Overall not as good as their Wrestle Kingdom match, though close, and wayyyy better than their WrestleMania match."
[9.0] "Very nostalgic during this match seeing AJ Styles and Nakamura face each other again in a truly worthy WWE bout was special. They finally have the recognition they deserve. There were many references to their NJPW match, which made the whole thing even more nostalgic, and also quite sad knowing that we're slowly getting closer to AJ Styles retirement..."
[9.0] "Ten years ago, AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura shared a Tokyo Dome thriller that with an iconic fist bump, signalled the end of an era. In the decade since, they've attempted to recapture that magic multiple times, finally doing so in what could Styles' final month as an active pro wrestler. Mechanically, this is Nakamura's finest outing in years, probably of the decade thus far. Styles has some extra oomph too, recapturing the intensity that defined his 2024 revival. Athletically, he remains staggering, able to explode at a level that refuses to acknowledge the years behind him. Their age only even creeps through in the final third, doing so with considerable personality and charm. Naturally, it's also a match with palpable purpose. Styles targets the leg after some initial indecision, wearing a visible emotion that inspires something special from Nakamura. They have the time to just be too, the space to dance. It's a match that even with the obvious intent of righting wrongs, never chases or hunts greatness. This is a living, breathing triumph, something sincere, the genuine article. Simply put, a phenomenal reunion between two rivals that share an unusual, complicated history. Beautiful pro wrestling, an effort that'll live long in the memory. ****1/2"
[9.0] "I'm going full emotional and say I don't care if this was made up in less than one day. I'm just happy that it happened. The beginning of the match when Nakamura stopped AJ's bullet and put it on his heart was heartbreaking"
[9.0] "This was a masterclass in psychology and storytelling.I liked how they didn't go the finisher kickouts route because honestly these guys are aging but this was still great.Nakamura's selling of the knee and Aj styles just wanting to find the perfect opportunity to capitalise.Started slow and bit up heavenly. OLD SCHOOL WRESTLING ****1/2"
[6.0] "I didn't find this all that appealing. I felt it lacked atmosphere and, while appreciated the work and the callbacks within it, I believe it came off steps below what these two wrestlers have accomplished in the past. Still, I'm glad it happened, but didn't find it to be all that notable or memorable."
[9.0] "Excellent performance from both of these guys. Easily their best match in a WWE ring. Was it as good as WK10? Not quite, but they're both ten years older, so I won't hold it against them. Twenty minutes was the perfect length. Enough to play the hits, tell a great story and sell likely crazy to make your opponent look like a million bucks. Both these guys are pros and I'm happy they finally got their WWE classic."
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