Backstage News On Shinsuke Nakamura's WWE Return

Shinsuke Nakamura made his return to WWE television on this past Friday's edition of SmackDown, attacking LA Knight following the United States Champion's successful title defence against Berto.

Though the return came as a surprise to WWE fans, it had been planned for a number of weeks, according to a report from Fightful Select.

Additionally, while The King of Strong Style's appearance wasn't listed on the internal rundown, it was on the script.

Nakamura's last televised appearance came during a loss to Sheamus on the April 22 episode of Raw.

Since then, the 44-year-old has been active on the road for WWE, competing on non-televised live events as well as in a couple of dark matches at television tapings.

Shinsuke has had an opportunity to get familiar with the man he now finds himself feuding with, as he and Knight have wrestled in six singles matches since June.

In September, it was reported that Nakamura's absence was down to WWE simply having nothing for him to do on television.

The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion will return to his native Japan in January when he wrestles another match for Pro Wrestling NOAH.

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