Shinsuke Nakamura is making his in-ring return to WWE, marking a significant moment as fans eagerly anticipate his upcoming matches. This Shinsuke Nakamura WWE Return will take place during live events held in Tokyo, Japan, where he is set to face new challenges alongside allies against top competitors.
Upcoming Matches Featuring Shinsuke Nakamura in Tokyo
WWE has revealed the card for its October 17 event at Sumo Hall, Tokyo, which includes CM Punk versus Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship, and a women’s triple threat match featuring Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, and Women’s United States Champion Giulia. Nakamura will team with Jey Uso against Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, signaling his return to active competition alongside notable WWE Superstars.
The following day, October 18, promises an even larger trios confrontation with Nakamura joining Punk and Uso to take on Rollins, Breakker, and Reed. Also scheduled are tag matches featuring Ripley and SKY against Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez, and a Women’s United States Championship bout where Giulia defends against Kairi Sane, accompanied by Asuka at ringside. These matches highlight WWE’s efforts to present a strong lineup in Japan’s iconic venue.
Nakamura’s Career and Recent Activity Levels
At 45, Nakamura is considered to be gradually winding down his in-ring career after more than two decades of professional wrestling. Since his last match on June 13 at SmackDown’s King of the Ring opening round, where he competed in a Fatal 4-Way match alongside Andrade, Damian Priest, and Cody Rhodes, Nakamura has been inactive until this upcoming return. His wrestling frequency has noticeably declined, with only 15 matches recorded in 2025 so far compared to 56 in 2024 and over 70 in previous years, marking the slowest year in his career to date.
Context Around WWE’s Return to Japan and Expectations
The Tokyo events are crucial as WWE makes its live return to Japan, engaging both local and international fans. The Vision, a faction recently dominant on RAW and SmackDown, will face Nakamura and his babyface allies for the first time in these shows, adding anticipation to the confrontations. While all members of The Vision have been announced for the events, it remains uncertain whether Paul Heyman will accompany them for this significant WWE visit to The Land of The Rising Sun.
This series of events is expected to bring renewed attention to WWE’s global reach and showcase Nakamura’s enduring influence in the wrestling world. His return to an active role not only excites fans but also signals how WWE is positioning its talent amid evolving storylines and international engagement.
