Former Hiromu Takahashi Makes First Appearance On WWE SmackDown, Reveals New Ring Name

Former NJPW star Hiromu Takahashi has been rumored to be heading to WWE for months, and on Friday’s edition of “WWE SmackDown,” he was officially revealed as the new tag team partner of Shinsuke Nakamura. In a pre-recorded video promo, the star also revealed his new ring name is Kyoki.

“The King of Strong Style” has had a few vignettes over the weeks, both on the blue brand and social media, teasing his friend’s debut, and they’re seemingly headed right toward the WWE Tag Team Champions. Nakamura has been challenging the MFTs, and fellow former NJPW talent, Talla Tonga and Tama Tonga.

Nakamura told the tag team champions he had been warning them for weeks, but they haven’t been listening. He said what’s been in the dark has finally come to light, and Kyoki appeared. Kyoki said after spending years competing around the world, he finally had come to WWE.

“Champions. Legends. Monsters. I don’t care,” he said. “The stronger they are, the more fun I have.”

Nakamura said that Kyoki doesn’t fear chaos, he enjoys it. His new partner said there would be “more fights, more gold, and more madness.” Nakamura warned the MFTs that when strong style and madness combined, there would be an explosion.

The video promo didn’t reveal an in-ring debut date for Kyoki. Nakamura hasn’t been seen in the ring since May, when Talla Tonga defeated him on an episode of “SmackDown.”