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Triple H has been very hands-on with day-to-day WWE creative. As the CCO, he can assert his authority by taking strict actions against rule-breakers. One such name has recently broken a long-standing rule and his name is Shinsuke Nakamura.
The King of Strong Style has been experiencing a late-career resurgence since his return to SmackDown last month. The 44-year-old WWE Superstar returned with a new look and gimmick.
He wasted no time making an impact as he dethroned LA Knight for the United States Championship at Survivor Series: WarGames on November 30. However, he has not made a single title defense since winning the title.
It could be argued that he has been working in Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan lately, which explains his zero title defenses. But his upcoming match in WWE doesn't have his title on the line.
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Next week, he will face Andrade in a non-title match on SmackDown. By then, he would have broken the 30-day title defense rule. For those unaware, if a champion has not defended their title at least once every month, they could be stripped of their championship.
WWE hasn't implemented this rule in years, but Triple H could bring it back when the SmackDown moves to three hours starting January 3, 2025.
This would add an element of unpredictability to the title scene. Most heel champions are given significant leeway during their reigns. But that could change come SmackDown next week if Nick Aldis strips Shinsuke Nakamura of his United States Championship and forces him to face LA Knight for the vacated title at Royal Rumble.
The aforementioned idea may spark controversy but it would also get the wrestling world talking, which is exactly what they need heading into Royal Rumble on February 1, 2025.
Even if it doesn't happen as soon as next week, it's still food for thought.
Is Shinsuke Nakamura in cahoots with Bloodline 2.0 on WWE SmackDown?
A few weeks ago, Solo Sikoa and The New Bloodline launched a vicious attack on Andrade and LA Knight but spared Shinsuke Nakamura, to everyone's surprise.
On the December 20 episode of SmackDown, Nakamura cost Knight, Andrade, and Crews their six-man tag team match against the Bloodline by causing an interference.
Solo Sikoa is short on family members as both Tonga Loa and Bronson Reed will be out of action for the foreseeable future. He could form a temporary alliance with Shinsuke Nakamura.
The self-proclaimed Tribal Chief isn't after the United States Title. On the January 6 episode of RAW, Solo Sikoa will face Roman Reigns in a Tribal Combat Match, with the Ula Fala on the line.
Can he do the unthinkable and pin the OTC again? Only time will tell.
