7-time WWE champion to make SmackDown return after 15 months for Cody Rhodes? Exploring potential feud

Cody Rhodes grabbed a huge victory over Solo Sikoa at SummerSlam. Now that he might have wrapped up his program with The Bloodline, The American Nightmare is expected to embark on a new chapter. However, his moment of joy may be short-lived, as a ghost from his past could make a shocking return on SmackDown after 15 months.

A legendary seven-time WWE champion might show up on the blue brand and confront Rhodes. The name in question is Shinsuke Nakamura. The King of Strong Style was last seen on SmackDown on the May 5, 2023, episode of the show. Although he was drafted to the blue brand during the WWE Draft this year, Nakamura has yet to make a televised appearance on the show.

Therefore, the veteran Superstar could make a shocking return on tonight's SmackDown and set his sights on the Undisputed WWE Championship. A major reason why he could show up tonight is that WWE has been holding up his return for quite some time. And SmackDown after SummerSlam is arguably the best place where Triple H could pull the trigger.

Moreover, Shinsuke Nakamura's return would demand a high-profile match and it would only make sense for him to go after the top champion of the brand. It will also allow Cody Rhodes to be involved in a fresh feud heading to Bash in Berlin. The two Superstars, once bitter rivals, could renew their rivalry on SmackDown with the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line.

Hence, Nakamura returning and challenging Rhodes could see the genesis of a new feud on SmackDown. It will be interesting to see whether The King of Strong Styles makes his much-anticipated SmackDown return on the show tonight or whether a new direction awaits Cody Rhodes.

Cody Rhodes and Shinsuke Nakamura locked horns in a match recently

Although Shinsuke Nakamura has been away from television for a while, he crossed paths with Cody Rhodes last month. The two former rivals recently went head-to-head against each other and competed in a match. However, it was a non-televised match.

Back in July, WWE headed to Japan to host three exclusive house shows in different cities. One of those shows took place at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan, where a spectacular Triple Threat Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship graced the event.

Cody Rhodes defended his championship against AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura in that spectacular live event in Tokyo. It was the first time Nakamura and Rhodes came face-to-face since their infamous rivalry on Monday Night RAW.

It will be interesting to see whether WWE reintroduces this feud once again on SmackDown with The American Nightmare holding the Undisputed WWE Championship.