8-Time WWE Champion Makes Surprise SmackDown Return After 3 Months

A major WWE star has finally resurfaced on SmackDown after three months of absence.

Shinsuke Nakamura last competed in June when he competed in a Fatal 4-Way King of the Ring qualifying match against Andrade, Damian Priest, and Cody Rhodes. The bout ended in victory for The American Nightmare.

Since then, The King of Strong Style has been absent from WWE TV, leaving many to speculate about his future with the Stamford-based company.

However, the eight-time champion finally returned on tonight’s episode of SmackDown during a backstage segment featuring Sami Zayn and Carmelo Hayes.

Shinsuke Nakamura Scouts Sami Zayn On WWE SmackDown

Earlier tonight, Zayn successfully defended his United States Championship against Rey Fenix. Before their match, the two had a brief chat backstage while Nakamura was spotted lurking in the background.

As Cathy Kelley later interviewed the champ about his victory, Hayes interrupted to tell Zayn that he wants a shot at the United States Title. Meanwhile, Nakamura was again seen in the background.

Carmelo Hayes tells Sami Zayn he's next for the US Open Challenge.#SmackDownpic.twitter.com/lSGMda58us

— The Movement – Pro Wrestling (@TheMovementXx) September 13, 2025

WWE is seemingly planning for the Japanese star to have a program with the United States Champion. The 45-year-old previously held the title three times during his nine-year career in the company.

Zayn and Nakamura last went head-to-head on the February 2024 episode of Monday Night RAW. The match ended in the current United States Champion’s victory.

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