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WWE Superstar Shinsuke Nakamura hasn't been seen on live TV for months now. The Japanese Superstar, who signed with the Stamford-based company back in 2016, moved to SmackDown from RAW during the WWE Draft in late April.
However, he hasn't appeared on the blue brand so far and it appears his SmackDown debut might be delayed even for the rest of 2024, following a disappointing update on his status and the WWE creative team's plans for him.
"Creative doesn’t have an angle for him. When they come up with an angle, they’ll put him on," Wrestling Observer Radio reported, via WrestleTalk.
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The last time Shinsuke Nakamura competed on RAW was on April 22, 2024, when he lost to Sheamus. A week later, he moved to SmackDown, but he has since appeared only on WWE live events.
The wrestling star was part of the company's tour in Japan in late July and there was speculation that he would eventually return to SmackDown as a heel, going after the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.
The two had a feud between December 2023 and February 2024, where The American Nightmare emerged victorious before focusing on his rivalry with the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.
Shinsuke Nakamura expresses desire to stay with WWE amid lengthy hiatus
Even though it has been months since he last appeared on WWE TV, Shinsuke Nakamura apparently has no desire to part ways with the Stamford-based company.
This is what he said in an interview with SportsNet a few months ago, saying that he is glad with the role he has with the company so far.
"I’ve been wrestling for WWE over eight years now. I want to keep wrestling for WWE to give the fans more dream matches. That’s what I want to do; I want to show my passion. I brought the Japanese style to WWE. I’m still a challenger; I keep challenging," Shinsuke Nakamura said.
If the fans were to take it for granted that WWE has no plans to bring the veteran wrestler back before the end of 2024, Nakamura could return as early as the 2025 Royal Rumble in late January as a surprise entrant.
Over the years, several superstars have made their return at the Rumble. If the company wants to push the 44-year-old wrestler, with a spotlight on the star, they could have him return at the Rumble and win to earn a spot at WrestleMania 41.
