7-time WWE champion to return and confront Kevin Owens on SmackDown? Likelihood explored

Kevin Owens has his work cut out for him on the season premiere episode of WWE SmackDown, and he needs to find a tag partner. The Prizefighter will face Austin Theory and Grayson Waller as the blue brand returns to the USA Network.

Many expect Randy Orton to return and be KO's mystery partner, but seven-time WWE champion Shinsuke Nakamura is another option. The King of Strong Style has been absent from WWE TV since April and hasn't appeared on Friday nights since being drafted.

Shinsuke Nakamura could return initially, with fans believing he's turned babyface. He and Kevin Owens could pick up the victory only for a post-match handshake to turn into a beatdown on the part of the Japanese star.

This could kickstart a feud between the two to help get Nakamura back in the spotlight on SmackDown. He could even hint at a new tag team of his own that wants to enter the tag division.

This could lead to the return of AJ Styles further down the line, and The Phenomenal One can join forces with his former foe. They can target Owens while also refreshing the blue brand's tag division with new blood. AJ Styles has also been off TV, and his return has been delayed.

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Shinsuke Nakamura not interested in leaving WWE amid potential SmackDown return

Shinsuke Nakamura arrived in the Stamford-based company eight years ago with his stock high as one of the most renowned and respected performers in the business. His NXT spell is perhaps the highlight of his time with the promotion, holding the NXT Championship twice.

Nakamura has also held the Intercontinental Championship and United States title twice each. He's also a former one-time SmackDown Tag Team Champion but perhaps hasn't reached the heights on the main roster many anticipated.

Many have pondered whether his lack of a main event spotlight could lead to a departure. That doesn't appear to be the case, as during an interview with Aaron Bronsteter back in July, the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion said:

"I’ve been wrestling for WWE over eight years now. I want to keep wrestling for WWE to give the fans more dream matches. That’s what I want to do; I want to show my passion." [H/T The Sportster].

Nakamura has yet to be given a significant run in the Triple H era, which could bode well for him upon his return. The Game has shown a willingness to push talent, and a potential spell in SmackDown's main event scene is possible.