5 reasons why Sami Zayn aligned with Shinsuke Nakamura on this week's WWE SmackDown Live

#4 To give both men a sense of direction

Nakamura hasn't had much of a direction since capturing the championship from Finn Balor

Shinsuke Nakamura captured the WWE Intercontinental Championship on the kick-off show of Extreme Rules from Finn Balor, though you'd be forgiven for forgetting that it was the Japanese star who held the gold.

Much like Nakamura's United States title reign from last year, his tenure with the IC title have been quiet to say the least. He hasn't had any major feuds for the gold at all, instead coasting on the blue brand without a direction, something that definitely shouldn't be happening for a champion who in theory is supposed to be the second-biggest star on SmackDown Live.

Much like the King of Strong Style, Sami Zayn hasn't exactly got much going for him either, as the Canadian was eliminated from the King of the Ring tournament on this week's RAW in the first round, losing decisively to Cedric Alexander.

Partnering the pair together gives both Zayn and Nakamura something to do for at least the next few months, and with how talented both Superstars are in the ring, expect big things from the new partnership.