New stable to form, major title change on Friday? - 4 things Shinsuke Nakamura can do on WWE SmackDown this week (November 22, 2024)
WWE Friday Night SmackDown was a busy show last week. The Women's United States Championship Tournament kicked off, three title matches took place, and Bronson Reed joined Solo Sikoa's Bloodline for Survivor Series: WarGames.
One of the title matches on the blue brand last week saw LA Knight defend his United States Championship against Berto of Legado del Fantasma. However, after Knight won the bout, he was faced with an unexpected interaction.
Shinsuke Nakamura had been away from television for months, but he made an immediate impact by laying out the United States Champion. He didn't reveal why he did what he did or expand on his plans post-return.
After making a splash in his return, Nakamura will almost definitely be appearing on Friday Night SmackDown this week. This article will take a look at four things Shinsuke could do on Friday if he does indeed appear on the blue brand's latest program.
#4. He could explain his absence from WWE television
Shinsuke Nakamura has been away from WWE television for a long time. His last televised match in World Wrestling Entertainment took place on the April 22nd edition of Monday Night RAW where he lost to Sheamus, fresh off of The Celtic Warrior's return to action.
From there, Nakamura was moved to SmackDown in the 2024 WWE Draft. Despite that, The King of Strong Style didn't officially return to the brand or television and only wrestled at house shows and international tours.
On SmackDown, Nakamura could reveal why he's been away for the better part of nine months. He could say he was training and working on his mixed martial arts skills or channeling a darker, more evil side. Regardless, any kind of lore to explain his absence could be a nice touch.
#3. Shinsuke Nakamura could attack LA Knight again
Shinsuke Nakamura's attack on LA Knight came out of nowhere. And now, it looks like The King of Strong Style wants the WWE United States Championship.
Come WWE Friday Night SmackDown, LA Knight may become a victim of the former NXT Champion's wrath once again. Nakamura could jump Knight, either backstage or in the ring. If he lays Knight out in front of the world, it would send a major message.
If Nakamura does attack LA Knight, he could then take a microphone after and make a challenge. He could demand a match for the United States Title at Survivor Series: WarGames or Saturday Night's Main Event. An enraged Knight may accept the challenge once he recovers from the attack.
#2. He could win the United States Championship
While challenging LA Knight for the United States Championship at a later date or outright attacking The Megastar would be impactful, Shinsuke Nakamura may want to move quicker. He did spend months away from WWE television after all.
Instead of looking to fight Knight at Survivor Series: WarGames, Saturday Night's Main Event, or any other future WWE show, Nakamura could challenge the US Champion to a match on SmackDown this Friday. Not only that, but The Megastar might accept.
If he does accept Shinsuke's challenge, it could prove to be a big mistake. The King of Strong Style could surprise wrestling fans by taking LA Knight out with the Kinshasa and winning the United States Champion for the first time in several years.
#1. Nakamura could create a new faction
Another fun option that is a bit more out of left field could see Shinsuke Nakamura create a brand new faction on WWE SmackDown. He could reach into the past and reunite with old friends and rivals from New Japan Pro Wrestling.
First and foremost is AJ Styles. If The Phenomenal One is able to return, the two uniting would send waves across the WWE Universe. AJ and LA Knight have had a lot of issues in the past, so Styles being on a faction opposite The Megastar makes sense.
Luke Gallows could also be part of the stable. Not only does he have New Japan Pro Wrestling ties, but he has been linked to AJ for many years. Both men could join Nakamura. Additionally, an injured Karl Anderson could also be part of the group, either in a non-wrestling role or once he is cleared to return to the ring.