FULL MATCH: AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura | WWE Title Match: Greatest Royal Rumble 2018

What is discussed, and when

1. 0:00 – 5:00: AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, WWE Championship, Wrestlemania
2. 5:00 – 10:00: AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, WWE Championship, Wrestlemania
3. 10:00 – 15:00: AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, Saudi Arabia, WWE Championship
4. 15:00 – 20:00: AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, WWE Championship
5. 20:00 – 21:37: AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, Wrestlemania

Notable quotes from "FULL MATCH: AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura | WWE Title Match: Greatest Royal Rumble 2018"

• He said three weeks ago at WrestleMania, he thought this robbery thought that the dream match was gonna be a celebration of competition.

  about Wrestlemania · at 3:21

• AJ Styles says that he is so proud to be defending the championship (bell dings) with the legacy of Bruno Sammartino in his back of his mind.

  about AJ Styles · at 4:58

• AJ Styles looking to build momentum.

  about WWE Championship · at 11:20

• Shinsuke Nakamura has transformed the attitude of AJ Styles.

  about Shinsuke Nakamura · at 20:13

Who and what is mentioned in this episode?

People

• AJ Styles — Person · Primary competitor (WWE Champion) discussed by commentators · 24 mentions · first at 2:35
  Central figure in the match narrative: defending the WWE Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura, portrayed as emotionally driven after prior events (e.g., WrestleMania) and fighting to retain the title.
• Shinsuke Nakamura — Person · Primary competitor (challenger) discussed by commentators · 19 mentions · first at 2:38
  Co-central figure in the match narrative: challenger for the WWE Championship, framed as using mind games and a more ruthless edge, repeatedly seeking to dethrone AJ Styles.
• Bruno Sammartino — Person · Referenced historical figure (legacy benchmark for WWE Championship) · 1 mention · first at 4:48
  Invoked to contextualize the prestige and legacy of the WWE Championship; cited as an all-time great champion whose reigns set historical standards that AJ Styles references as motivation.
  Of course, the greatest WWE champion of all time just passed away a couple of weeks ago.

Concepts & topics

• WWE Championship — Concept · Core topic · 7 mentions · first at 2:46
  The WWE Championship is the central focus of the match between AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura, representing the ultimate prize in WWE.

Places & events

• Wrestlemania — Event · Key argument · 6 mentions · first at 3:21
  WrestleMania is referenced as a pivotal moment where Shinsuke Nakamura's attitude towards AJ Styles and the WWE Championship changed.
• Saudi Arabia — Place · Setting · 3 mentions · first at 11:16
  The match takes place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as part of the Greatest Royal Rumble event, highlighting WWE's global reach.
  WWE universe on its feet here tonight in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Full transcript with timestamps

0:08 (guitar tuning) (upbeat rock music) (rap lyrics in Japanese) (crowd cheers and applauds) (Japanese song continues) (crowd cheers and applauds) (upbeat rap music) ♪ They awoke none, they awoke none ♪ ♪ With the promised strength ♪ ♪ Ain't nobody man enough to feel the pain ♪ ♪ You could be next... ♪ That man right there AJ Styles. The WWE champion is the reason that Shinsuke Nakamura is a changed man. Frustrated, jealous bitter. It's his fourth opportunity at the WWE Championship in court for Shinsuke Nakamura. It has not come as easily as he had hoped.

2:55 Shinsuke Nakamura first burst onto the scene in WWE and found a relatively large amount of success in short order. But as Shinsuke climbed up the ladder, always waiting at the top was The Phenomenal One. But who are you to say that Shinsuke is bitter? That he's jealous. Shinsuke has not told anybody what is truly going on inside of his mind. This is all speculation and rumor in innuendo. I'll tell you what's going on in the mind of AJ Styles. He said three weeks ago at WrestleMania, he thought this robbery thought that the dream match was gonna be a celebration of competition.

3:28 But tonight he says this match will be a platform for himself to inflict pain upon Shinsuke Nakamura. Late last year, AJ Styles became the first man to win the WWE championship in Europe. Tonight, Shinsuke Nakamura hopes to be the first to win it in Asia. (bell dings) The following contest schedule for one fall is for... The WWE Championship! Introducing the challenger from Kyoto, Japan, weighing in at 220 pounds. The artist known as.... Shinsuke Nakamura! (crowd cheers and jeers) And his opponent from Gainesville, Georgia weighing in at 218 pounds.

4:25 He is the WWE champion! The Phenomenal... AJ Styles! (crowd cheers loudly) He wears the 55-year-old WWE Championship. Of course, the greatest WWE champion of all time just passed away a couple of weeks ago. Bruno Sammartino, who once held the title for 2,803 days. An eight year reign before losing to Ivan Koloff and then followed that up with a second reign of over 1200 days. AJ Styles says that he is so proud to be defending the championship (bell dings) with the legacy of Bruno Sammartino in his back of his mind.

5:07 And here we go, Shin and AJ to start things off here in this championship match. Shinsuke Nakamura, world traveled superstar, came to WWE amongst great fanfare and adulation. But I think something clicked finally in Shinsuke's mind. Maybe it was at WrestleMania. Shinsuke realized I need that killer instinct. It's no longer about the WWE universe, it's no longer about the fans, it's about combat and it's about success. I think the thing about Shinsuke is that he's reveling in the fact that we don't truly know his motivation.

5:35 He enjoys dangling that carrot in front of everyone, mainly AJ Styles, because he knows how emotionally charged Styles can get. And I was gonna mention that point. I talked to AJ about that earlier today, Byron. I talked about his emotions, especially after he watched one of his best friends Carl Anderson suffered the kinchasa at the hands of Shinsuke this past week on SmackDown. He said, "Listen, I am emotional. I am charged up, but I'm not gonna let that affect in this match tonight." We've seen Shinsuke Nakamura uses his mind games to his benefit just as well as he uses his fists through his feet.

6:05 Shinsuke Nakamura is a walking weapon in every sense of the word. But Shin has to be careful because it is champions advantage tonight for AJ Styles. The only way Shinsuke can win the WWE title is via pin fault or submission. Count outs, disqualifications, get him nowhere. If you think about the moment we first saw Shinsuke Nakamura arrive here in WWE, we've called him captivating. We call him charismatic, but he is all that. But he's always lived in his own little world, his old little bubble. And that really hasn't changed much if you think about it.

6:37 It's by design, Byron. Shinsuke only lets those in who Shinsuke wants in his world. In his mind. That's why he's an elite competitor, a combat artist. He manipulated all the WWE fans, got 'em to buy in. And then this, the backstabbing of AJ Styles. Hmm.

7:02 One of the most superstars in WWE, full of expression Shinsuke Nakamura. Well, Styles just fired up right there. That's exactly what Shinsuke probably wanted. Yeah, but again, Byron, Shin's gotta be careful firing up AJ too much. 'Cause if AJ's disqualified, it gets Shin nowhere. Here's some trademark Nakamura mind games, staying calm in the heat of battle. Now mocking The Phenomenal One. (crowd cheers) Come on! AJ, there it is. That's exactly the game plan Nakamura is looking to employ. And AJ Styles off the leapfrog.

7:43 Now he ducks underneath. He catches it with a drop kick! How about the quick strike game plan of the WWE champion? AJ said he was so excited to defend the championship here tonight. Show the world, he said that this old Georgia boy knows how to retain a WWE title. AJ Styles is a blue collar mentality. The man's tough as nails resilient. Oh! There is no quit in AJ Styles, but I do think there's some validity to Nakamura strategy of trying to get cover by AJ. Kick out. Trying to get AJ to make an emotional error. And you talk about the heart and the guts and the hard work of this man AJ Styles.

8:20 Look at everything he's done to get to this point in WWE, everything he went through over the years in his career to finally make it to the grand stage. Finally win the WWE Championship. Remember, years ago, nobody thought he'd ever do it. Nakamura looking for an O'Connor Roll. Styles counters by holding onto the top row. Create a little bit of separation here. Oh! Weight to the back of the knee. Nakamura better be careful not to get himself disqualified, but his little cheap shot. Look at this! Just malice from Nakamura!

8:51 You gotta listen to me! If something has changed about Shinsuke Nakamura, it is the exposure of his nasty streak that he's willing to present for the world. And now with AJ prone on the apron, boom. Oh and Shin caught him, right under the chin. Styles might be out. If Nakamura can get AJ in the ring, we may have a new champion. Oho! Right to the back of the neck! (crowd cheers) Nakamura right now, attacking from all angles. Take a look on the face of Nakamura. A smirk, a smile. The look of ecstasy as he inflicts punishment on AJ Styles.

9:28 Champion back into the ring. Shinsuke Nakamura to win the WWE title in AJ. With a quick kick out. Another kick out again. (crowd cheers wildly) Think about how one point, these two men have such tremendous respect for each other, and their abilities. Listen, this isn't a matter of not respecting one another's abilities Byron, this has become more what Shinsuke has to do to take it to the next level. It's about winning the championship. Playing it simple in a kick-out by AJ Styles. Shin understands what being WWE champion means.

10:10 He's been champion all over the world except here in WWE at this level. He understands what that will bring him, Corey. There's an old adage in this business, you can either make friends or you can make money. Nakamura obviously opting for the latter. Nakamura has always expected greatness. You go back to his rookie year in Japan where a number of the veterans touted him as a super rookie 'cause they expected him to accomplish big things. Not just in Japan, but all over the world. Shinsuke has certainly lived up to the hype, Byron.

10:38 I don't think there's any disputing that. I think Shinsuke's collection is just incomplete. He needs the WWE championship despite all of the the gold he's held around the globe. Despite all the accolades. In this industry, that is the championship everyone covets. AJ lands on his feet and he'll follow it up here. Oh, face first goes Shinsuke Nakamura! AJ bought himself some valuable time with that maneuver. (crowd cheers) Both men are down. This is a critical moment by AJ. Great move to try to get his wits back about him.

11:13 WWE universe on its feet here tonight in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Greatest Royal Rumble matchup for the WWE Championship. AJ Styles looking to build momentum. Man, this is only the second time these two have gone one-on-one inside of WWE. Bing! Oh! Right on the jaw of Nakamura and a kip up by Styles and he's ready to go! Clobbers Nakamura in the corner. The champion has him up. Shin though looked like he was going for a sleeper on AJ. Oh my God! Across the back of the neck. Knee right to the neck! And a kickout by Nakamura at two!

11:55 (crowd cheers) So close for the champion, AJ Styles! AJ's endured a great deal of punishment up to this point. He connected with that Ushi Garoshi neck breaker right on point, but did not have enough to keep Nakamura down for three. And you see the WWE fans having such a great time here tonight. It has been a celebration all week long here in Saudi Arabia. Styles looking for possibly a Styles clash. That's what picked up the wind. Yeah, but look at WrestleMania, Shinsuke was. You're right. Very, very wise. Shinsuke, very aware of the situation.

12:26 Oh, buries a knee. Oh! But he caught him on the kick on the other side. Look out! Change of pace. Change of direction by Shinsuke Nakamura has the champ in trouble. Here's the other question. What happens if Shinsuke Nakamura isn't successful tonight? Oh, and knee caught him right in the side of the face. And another one right on the jaw! Shinsuke reacted when he came up short at WrestleMania. Will he be able to handle another failure? (audience applauds) Think we need to see another failure before we worry about Shinsuke's gonna handle it.

13:00 I think Shinsuke may very well be... Oh AJ Styles does not wanna be there landing a celebration. Shinsuke Nakamura getting set in the corner, Styles in trouble! With that sinister smile intact. If Shinsuke hits this, we are gonna have a new champion in Saudi Arabia! And Styles though, intercepts him, rolls them up, shoulders down, kick out! And Nakamura...uh-oh. Styles counters into a calf crusher. The crusher's in! The crusher's in! In the center of the ring, Nakamura in a world of trouble right now. Soon as he move, Nakamura with nowhere to go!

13:32 Is Nakamura gonna attack Styles to retain? If Nakamura attacks here. Desperation has now arrived for Shinsuke Nakamura. Nakamura, hoping to use that long rangy body, the long arms to make it to the bottom rope and somehow force a break. Trying to crawl, trying to drag Styles there. Nakamura fingertips away, Styles looks to reverse it here! Nakamura rolled through to ease the pressure momentarily, but Styles hangs on! Nakamura. Is he gonna tap out? He's close to the rope almost there. And he's gonna force the break.

14:01 Nakamura's lucky. AJ Styles was about to slice his calf clean in half. Yeah, but think about the damage that has been done to Nakamura courtesy of the Calf crusher. Oh, you're right. There was a great deal of time spent in that submission hold. Nakamura's gotta be feeling the effects. (crowd cheers wildly) That could be a game changer. The champion now in control convincingly. Styles knows he has Nakamura. Oh! That might be it. Maybe not, but just that quick. Nakamura so sudden, landing a kick on the side of Style's ear.

14:32 Trying to get the blood flowing back in his leg is Nakamura. Style's able to counter with a poop to the face. Oh, oh, oh! Picks him up! AJ in trouble. Goes through Shinsuke... High knee, right into the midsection. But again, Shinsuke favoring the left leg. Cover on the Champ! Shoulders kick out near fall for the challenger. You can tell Nakamura's in a great deal of agony right now. Failing to even hook the leg of AJ Styles. You're not gonna beat the WWE champion without a perfect cover. (crowd cheers and chants) It's impossible to know what's going on in the mind of Shinsuke Nakamura, but judging based on his eyes, I'd say that's the first time we saw any sort of doubt in this matchup.

15:18 Maybe Nakamura asking, "What do I have to do?" Either doubt or maybe a little disgusted that Styles is still managed to persevere in this match. Planning to do here. AJ Styles... Shinsuke Nakamura bolt on the second rope. AJ slipped underneath. Oh, face first by the Champion. Did you notice how he grabbed the leg when he came through? One fluid motion from Styles Shinsuke sent Nakamura crashing face first into that top turn buckle. And once again, Styles with an opportunity to recover. What great ring presence by AJ Styles.

15:54 It's been said by many that AJ Styles is the best in ring competitor of our generation. You're not gonna get too many arguments from people. I think he's the best in the world today. There's no doubt about that. Shinsuke Nakamura back to his feet, forearm to the side of the jaw of AJ Styles and AJ with one of his own. And now the slug fest begins. WWE Championship (crowd cheers wildly) on the line here tonight. Styles the champion, Nakamura the challenger. Now we're finding out who's tougher right now. That's what this is all about.

16:26 With these elbows from Styles right on the jaw of Shinsuke. Shinsuke might be hurt. You're right. May have a fractured jaw. Oh, whoa. Nakamura playing possum. AJ just as quick! With a blitz of strikes. Nakamura though! Here he comes! Looking for the arm bar! And AJ looking to block. He's got his hands together. Nakamura will try to free the hands here to get the arm bar locked in and perhaps tap the championship. Shinsuke is trying to pry the fingers of AJ's Styles apart to extend the arm to hyper extend AJ's elbow.

17:01 Oh, there it goes. And here's the arm bar! Styles so quickly, quickly into a pinning combination to force the break. Great move by the Champion and the Pele kick by Styles connects. Styles was very ready for that arm bar submission. Notice how AJ rolled his weight with the submission, allowing an escape and then connecting with a Pele. Now once again, buying valuable time, but Nakamura like a man possessed tonight. Yeah, this is a Shinsuke we have never seen in WWE. Former mixed martial artist showing us why the King of strong style.

17:34 Taking it to the champion. AJ launched out to the apron. Oh, Styles in position! He'll be thinking about a phenomenal forearm. They're gonna launch himself off the top rope and put this one away. Nakamura, AJ almost took out the official! Low blow again! From behind. The referee's view is obstructed! Hooks both legs for the championship. And AJ grabbed the rope. Instead of the King of Strong style, he should be called the King of Low Blows. That might've been more luck than anything. That Styles landed close enough to that bottom rope.

18:04 AJ Styles making a career out of this over the past couple of weeks. Shinsuke Nakamura with a low blow from behind. The referee didn't see it. His view was obstructed. The only thing that saved AJ, Corey, was he was close enough to the ropes to be able to grab it. I'm not gonna applaud it, but I sort of understand it. Nakamura wants to be WWE Champion by any means necessary. That's very clear. Well, this could be the means need to face if Nakamura connects. We've got a new champion! AJ better turn around. Not quite sure where he's at.

18:36 Here we go! At AJ corner. AJ felt it coming and that's why he's the champion. That sixth sense saved AJ Styles. Nakamura rolling out of the ring to catch his breath, catch his composure. Styles still has to be feeling the effect of that low blow. Styles doesn't wanna waste any time. He seems to be coming after Nakamura here. The official now beginning to count. Look out, AJ Styles... (all exclaims) Both superstars are down. This is what this means. Deeply personal. Styles wants to retain his championship. And guys, the official is still counting.

19:19 We are now an account of seven. Styles and Nakamura continue to battle outside the ring. A count of eight as Nakamura ascended to the barricade. The official at a count of nine. And the official's gonna call for the bell! (bell dings) A double count out here in this championship match. Listen, this thing is so deeply personal. Obviously AJ Styles just wants to settle the score. Nakamura I'm sure isn't gonna be happy with this result. But we spoke of this. We spoke of Style's obsession to just hurt Nakamura. (crowd exclaims) Bending his spine back over the barricade!

19:54 The emotions of the champion just became too great. Styles lost his cool. Oh, this rivalry has come to this. These guys used to be friends. They had a healthy respect for one another and now AJ Styles chair to the back of Nakamura. They're looking to destroy one another, is what this is called. Shinsuke Nakamura has transformed the attitude of AJ Styles. AJ Styles is snapped, Byron, let's call it what it is. Let's get outta the way. Get outta the way! Who hasn't forgot what Nakamura did to him at WrestleMania. It's finally all blowing up here tonight at the Greatest Royal Rumble.

20:31 Look at this Nakamura doing the wise thing. Hightailing it outta here. I mean, Shinsuke is gonna lose his championship opportunity as a result of a count out. You never want to see. But this is... (crowd cheers wildly) This is just a matter of emotion being too high. Here comes Styles! AJ not done yet! (crowd exclaims) AJ Styles is still the WWE Champion! (upbeat rock music) But an emotional powder keg exploded tonight in the name of AJ Styles, who finally had enough, who couldn't let WrestleMania go. After what Shinsuke Nakamura did to him, after an incredible contest.

21:18 It has led to this tonight: The explosion of AJ Styles.

Questions about this episode

What is discussed in "FULL MATCH: AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura | WWE Title Match: Greatest Royal Rumble 2018"?

In order: 0:00 AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, WWE Championship, Wrestlemania; 5:00 AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, WWE Championship, Wrestlemania; 10:00 AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, Saudi Arabia, WWE Championship; 15:00 AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, WWE Championship; 20:00 AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, Wrestlemania.

What is mentioned in this WWE episode?

6 people, works and ideas are mentioned, including AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, WWE Championship, Wrestlemania, Saudi Arabia, Bruno Sammartino. Each one on this page links to its own page with every episode that mentions it.

How long is "FULL MATCH: AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura | WWE Title Match: Greatest Royal Rumble 2018"?

The episode runs 22 min; the transcript is about 3,126 words in 33 timestamped sections.

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