Former WWE champion breaks silence after first in-ring appearance in over a month
A popular WWE Superstar recently shared an update on social media following his return to the squared circle after a month. The name in question is the former Intercontinental Champion, Shinsuke Nakamura.
The 44-year-old has been absent from WWE television for several months now. His last televised match was back in April when he lost to Sheamus in a singles match on an episode of Monday Night RAW. The King of Strong Style, however, has since wrestled several times at house shows.
Nakamura is currently performing in his home country of Japan as part of the Stamford-based company's tour to The Land of the Rising Sun. He has wrestled two matches in as many days. The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion recently took to his Instagram Stories to reshare a picture posted by a user from his recent in-ring appearance.
Before the ongoing Japan tour, Shinsuke's last in-ring appearance was at a Michigan house show on June 23, where he challenged Cody Rhodes for a championship match. Unfortunately, he suffered another loss to The American Nightmare.
Vince Russo calls out WWE for Shinsuke Nakamura's recent booking
Former WWE Head Writer Vince Russo recently criticized the wrestling promotion for Shinsuke Nakamura's poor booking.
Speaking on Sportskeeda's Writing with Russo, Vince Russo expressed his displeasure about Shinsuke's recent win-loss record. The 63-year-old stated Nakamura was one of the most charismatic performers on the roster. He blamed Triple H and the creative team for the veteran performer's dismal run.
"Bro, his [Shinsuke Nakamura's] record in his last 40 matches is like one and 39. I was reading it; I was like, 'You have got to be freaking kidding me, bro!' Wow, you are telling me, bro. [...] This is one of the rare guys who has charisma. That has got a cool look. That has showmanship! [...] If that's not creative's fault, whose fault is it? This is the Trips era; okay, I got it! Whose fault is that bro?" Russo asked [4:16 onwards]
Check out Vince Russo's comments on Shinsuke Nakamura's booking in the video below.
Shinsuke Nakamura's last significant feud was against Cody Rhodes. He showed great promise throughout the build but failed to register a single win. It remains to be seen what lies ahead for the former United States Champion as he continues to make sporadic appearances on WWE television.