Shinsuke Nakamura has not appeared on WWE television since the November 11, 2022 episode of Friday Night Smackdown, losing to Santos Escobar in a Smackdown World Cup first round match.

While the former NXT champion has wrestled multiple times since then at non-televised live events, his TV time was non-existent, but tonight, the King of Strong Style returns on Smackdown on FOX.

Nakamura last wrestled on the January 22 live event from Binghamton, New York but was in Los Angeles for WrestleMania weekend, albeit as a spectator.

He recently had a high-profile match against The Great Muta at NOAH The New Year 2023 show on January 1, defeating the Japanese legend in his farewell match.

Set for tonight’s Smackdown as well is Santos Escobar vs Damian Priest, Xavier Woods vs LA Knight, and Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez will take part in a special championship celebration.