Rick Boogs provides an update on Shinsuke Nakamura.
Nakamura hasn't competed in a singles match since Survivor Series 2021 when he faced Damian Priest on the kick-off show. He worked a brief tag team match on the December 10 episode of WWE SmackDown and teamed with Rick Boogs at a live event, but Boogs has worked the live event shows and competed in singles matches on TV.
Speaking to Ryan Satin on Out of Character, Boogs stated that Nakamura isn't cleared due to a hand injury.
"I think it's inevitable that it happens," Boogs said when asked about a singles run. "I'm not looking to rush it by any means because I feel like me and Shin have not even scratched the surface yet of what we can do together, combining our forces. We're just getting cooking here."
Boogs then gave an update on Nakamura and discussed WWE pairing newer talent with veterans.
"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. I'm looking forward to him being healthy and cleared so we can kick some tail," he said. "From there, down the road, we'll branch off, but I'm in no rush with that. There is a new approach, pairing up the seasoned vets with new up and comers and it's obviously for a reason. It helps get more exposure, TV time, valuable insight. I don't think he'd be as willing to help me out if I wasn't with him, Strong Style Shred. What's his incentive to help me?"
It is unknown when Nakamura will be back in action. He is the reigning WWE Intercontinental Champion. Sami Zayn won a number one contender's gauntlet on the December 24 episode of WWE SmackDown to earn a shot at Nakamura and the title.
Boogs defeated Sami Zayn on the January 7 episode of WWE SmackDown. If you missed anything from WWE SmackDown, check out Fightful's full report on the show by clicking here. You can see the full episode of Out of Character below.
If you use any of the quotes above, please credit the original source with a h/t and link back to Fightful for the transcription.
