As seen during the August 21st, 2026 edition of WWE SmackDown, Shinsuke Nakamura officially introduced his new tag team partner, Kyoki, formerly known as Hiromu Takahashi.
The reveal came after Nakamura had spent several weeks issuing warnings to the MFTs. In a video package, Nakamura declared that what he had been promising was finally coming to light. “MFTs: For weeks, I’ve warned you. But you haven’t been listening. Well, what’s in the dark has finally come to light.”
Nakamura then introduced Kyoki as someone who does not simply tolerate chaos but actively embraces it. “He doesn’t fear chaos. He enjoys it.”
Nakamura also referenced the MFTs’ championship success before warning them about what will happen when he and Kyoki come together. “Here you have championships. When song starts and madness collide, there will be an explosion. The clock is ticking.”
Kyoki is best known to wrestling fans as Hiromu Takahashi, who established himself as one of the most decorated junior heavyweight wrestlers of his generation during his lengthy career in Japan.
The new name represents a significant change in presentation for Takahashi as he begins the next chapter of his career alongside Nakamura on WWE television.
With Nakamura specifically directing his warning toward the MFTs, it appears that WWE is positioning Nakamura and Kyoki for a program with the group moving forward.
LISTEN UP, MFTS! 😤
Kyoki and @ShinsukeN have a message… pic.twitter.com/2kHpg6VVv0
— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2026
