Shinsuke Nakamura’s WWE SmackDown return was planned weeks ahead

Shinsuke Nakamura made his return to WWE programming during SmackDown from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The King of Strong Style confronted United States Champion LA Knight following Knight’s successful title defense against Berto.

According to Fightful Select, WWE planned Nakamura’s television return weeks in advance. While his name was absent from internal rundowns, it appeared in the show’s script. The timing of Nakamura’s United States Championship challenge remains unconfirmed.

Knight captured the United States Championship from Logan Paul at SummerSlam 2024. Nakamura’s last televised bout occurred on April 22, when he faced Sheamus on Monday Night RAW.

Wrestling veteran praises new United States Championship direction

Dutch Mantell expressed approval for LA Knight’s latest United States Championship defense. Speaking on Sportskeeda Wrestling’s Smack Talk, Mantell commended Berto’s performance against Knight.

“Well, it was about time. Give him a chance. Put him with a well-established guy like Knight and see what he can do. There’s no doubt about his talent, and he’s good on the microphone,” Mantell stated.

Regarding Nakamura’s post-bout confrontation, Mantell added: “I’m interested to see where they go with this. It was like the third highlight of the show for me.” The two-time United States Champion Nakamura now seeks to claim the title once again.