Legendary WWE star to return from hiatus and confront Shinsuke Nakamura on SmackDown? Exploring potential angle

Shinsuke Nakamura is basking in the glory of becoming the new United States Champion on SmackDown. He is set to defend his championship against LA Knight on the upcoming episode of the show. While it is set to be a tough contest, The King of Strong Style is expected to emerge victorious. However, his celebrations may not last long as a legendary WWE star might return and confront him right after his match.

The Phenomenal One AJ Styles has been away from WWE since suffering a Lisfranc fracture during his match with Carmelo Hayes in October. However, it has been quite some time now and the veteran may be gearing up for a triumphant return. Styles may be running ahead of his recovery timelines as he was seen without any crutches or boots in his recent appearance.

Meanwhile, WWE has been booking Shinsuke Nakamura as a dominant force on SmackDown. Therefore, he is likely to defeat LA Knight tonight in their rematch. However, as The King of Strong Style could be reveling in his moment, his former rival AJ Styles might emerge from the shadows to confront him, setting up a blockbuster showdown for the future.

A feud between Styles and Nakamura could be incredible in the mid-card division as the road to WrestleMania heats up. Additionally, The King of Strong Style needs a credible opponent to assert his domination on SmackDown. Given his legendary status, Styles could be a great choice to be Shinsuke's next opponent, with LA Knight apparently stepping out of the title picture.

Furthermore, there is a rich history between Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ Styles in and out of WWE. It will not be an exaggeration to say that the company miserably failed to deliver with their feud in 2018. Therefore, they might right their wrongs by properly revisiting this rivalry once again in 2025 on SmackDown.

Shinsuke Nakamura to defend his United States Championship at Royal Rumble 2025?

Shinsuke Nakamura has been undefeated since making his WWE return in November last year. With the United States Championship in his grasp, the veteran star is at the top of the mountain. With Royal Rumble being the next premium live event, fans have been wondering whether he will defend his title at the event.

The spectacle is set to feature two Royal Rumble matches - one for the men and one for the women. Both the matches are traditionally an hour long, making the event already more stacked than ever. With the company potentially booking World Title matches on the remaining slots, Nakamura competing in the Lucas Oil Stadium seems highly unlikely.

However, The King of Strong Style could defend his United States Championship before the Royal Rumble weekend, potentially at Saturday Night's Main Event in San Antonio, Texas. Shinsuke Nakamura can also enter the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match in an attempt to punch his ticket to WrestleMania 41.

It will be interesting to see what WWE has in store for the reigning United States Champion on SmackDown.

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