Triple H may be stripped of top star title due to WWE rule

Triple H may enforce WWE’s long-dormant 30-day title defense rule against United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura. The King of Strong Style has not defended his championship since defeating LA Knight at Survivor Series: WarGames on November 30.

Nakamura’s scheduled non-title match against Andrade next week on SmackDown would mark over 30 days without a title defense. This timing coincides with SmackDown’s expansion to three hours starting January 3, 2025, potentially setting the stage for WWE’s Chief Content Officer to reinstate the rule.

A title vacancy could lead to a championship rematch between Nakamura and LA Knight at the Royal Rumble on February 1, 2025. SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis would likely oversee such proceedings.

Japanese legend hosts champion during break

During WWE’s Christmas break, Nakamura returned to Japan where he joined WWE Hall of Famer The Great Muta at Tokyo’s Ribera Steakhouse. The gathering included Japanese wrestling legend Riki Chosu and actor Tomoya Nagase.

The Great Muta shared news of their meeting:

Lunch with these guys today!

Nakamura’s stay in Japan extends through early January, as he is scheduled to face Ulka Sasaki at Pro Wrestling Noah’s “Noah The New Year 2025” event on January 1 at the Nippon Budokan.