Shinsuke Nakamura receives WWE title shot 175 days after last TV match

The WWE Universe has eagerly anticipated the push of Shinsuke Nakamura. After much success, things seemingly stalled for the Japanese superstar over the last year or so, and his future has been a hot topic of discussion. The veteran has not wrestled in almost two months and hasn't appeared on television programming in almost six months. He just received a championship opportunity.

The King Of Strong Style was last on WWE TV for the April 22 edition of RAW, losing to Sheamus. The SmackDown Superstar has lost two post-Draft blue brand dark matches to Cody Rhodes and Braun Strowman but has not worked a televised Friday night bout. Nakamura's record this calendar year so far includes just one PLE and eight television matches, four dark, and 38 non-televised live event bouts

World Wrestling Entertainment just kicked off a four-night UK tour at the Utilita Arena in Cardiff, Wales. Nakamura returned to the ring against LA Knight, with The Megastar's United States Championship on the line. The finish saw Knight dodge the running corner kick, then come right back with the BFT for the pin to win and retain.

The Artist and The Natural Selection worked their fifth singles match today in the Welsh capital. Nakamura won their first two in April 2023, then Knight won two earlier this June. Fans in attendance at the Cardiff show report that both competitors received noteworthy ovations from the crowd, but the 44-year-old was especially over.

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Major WWE SmackDown set for this week

World Wrestling Entertainment will return to the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC this coming Friday, as the Crown Jewel build continues.

WWE has announced Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes in their 3-3 tiebreaker for Friday. It was also confirmed that a new team will debut against Los Garza. SmackDown is set to be a major show this week as it's believed legendary names will officially make their first appearance, as rumored in a leaked backstage report from SmackDown.

Officials have not officially announced Roman Reigns for SmackDown, but he recently confirmed his appearance. The WWE and arena websites also have the following superstars advertised: Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Solo Sikoa, LA Knight, Bayley, Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair, Tiffany Stratton, and Nia Jax.