Shinsuke Nakamura made his return to WWE television during Friday night’s episode of WWE SmackDown on the USA Network.

Following the WWE United States Championship Match between LA Knight and Berto, Nakamura made his return, sporting a new darker look and wearing red facepaint around his eyes.

Nakamura has been off WWE television since April of this year, when he was moved to the SmackDown brand as part of the 2024 WWE Draft, however last month it was announced that he would be returning to Pro Wrestling NOAH on January 1st, 2024 as part of their The New Year 2025 event, facing off against Ulka Sasaki.