Major WWE star's return on SmackDown was planned for weeks - Reports

A popular WWE Superstar returned during this past Friday's edition of SmackDown and attacked a major champion. This past Friday's episode of the blue brand aired live from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Shinsuke Nakamura made his surprise return to WWE television during the most recent edition of SmackDown. The King of Strong Style attacked United States Champion LA Knight following his successful title defense against Berto (Humberto Carrillo) on the Friday night show.

According to a report from Fightful Select, Nakamura's return to television was planned for weeks. It was also disclosed that the 44-year-old's name was not listed internally on any of the rundowns for SmackDown ahead of his return but was on the script for the show. The report also noted that it remains unknown when Nakamura will be challenging Knight for the United States Championship.

LA Knight captured the United States Championship in August by defeating Logan Paul at SummerSlam 2024. Shinsuke Nakamura has not had a match on WWE television since his loss to Sheamus on the April 22 episode of RAW.

AEW champion comments on his friendship with WWE star Shinsuke Nakamura

AEW international Champion Konosuke Takeshita recently discussed his friendship with Shinsuke Nakamura.

Takeshita was interviewed by Tokyo Sports earlier this year during the G1 Climax Tournament and discussed his relationship with the veteran. The AEW star noted that he has spoken with Nakamura several times, and the former United States Champion has claimed he was the future of the business.

"Isn't [Shinsuke Nakamura] the top of the top as a Japanese player? In terms of achievements and influence. I am probably the closest to him as a Japanese wrestler, and I have met and talked with him many times, and he has said to me, 'The future is Take-chan.' It's a heavy cross to bear, but more than anything, it's my confidence," he said. [H/T: Fightful]

Nakamura won the Men's Royal Rumble Match in 2018 but failed to capture the WWE Championship from AJ Styles at WrestleMania 34. It will be interesting to see if Nakamura can defeat LA Knight to win the United States Championship in the weeks ahead.