Categories: WWE

Two absent WWE stars return at SmackDown in Australia

At Friday’s SmackDown in Australia, two absent WWE stars made their returns after having been off TV for months.

Shinsuke Nakamura and Tama Tonga both returned on the pre-Crown Jewel edition of SmackDown in Perth, Australia. Nakamura answered Sami Zayn’s United States Championship open challenge at the show. He was going for a Kinshasa at the end of the bout when Tonga interfered and caused a disqualification.

NAKMURA SETS UP FOR THE KINSHASA

BUT HE’S ATTACKED BY TAMA TONGA ðŸ¤¯ðŸ¤¯ðŸ¤¯#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Nw79Te3mjo

— The Movement – Pro Wrestling (@TheMovementXx) October 10, 2025

A post-match angle then saw Tonga, Talla Tonga, Tanga Loa, and JC Mateo beat down both Nakamura and Zayn. With his Family Tree now at full strength, Solo Sikoa then appeared with the other four as they stood tall over Nakamura and Zayn. Sikoa had been United States Champion before dropping the title to Zayn at the end of August.

Since becoming champion, Zayn has made weekly open challenges the theme of his United States title reign. Nakamura answering the challenge today pitted him against one of his most memorable WWE opponents, with Zayn having been the first person Nakamura ever faced when he arrived in NXT in 2016.

Nakamura had a babyface presentation today with his old “Rising Sun” theme music coming back.

NAKAMURA ANSWERS THE US OPEN CHALLENGE

AND HE’S GOT HIS OLD THEME SONG BACK â¤ï¸#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/4GGUnqFgKp

— The Movement – Pro Wrestling (@TheMovementXx) October 10, 2025

Before their returns, Nakamura and Tonga had been away since June and April respectively. Nakamura’s absence was due to not being used, while an undisclosed injury had been rumored for Tonga.

Sikoa and his Family Tree also appeared later on today’s SmackDown for a confrontation with The Wyatt Sicks. The episode took place from Perth, Australia and aired live on Netflix outside of the United States. It will be broadcast on USA Network tonight in its regular 8 p.m. Eastern time slot.

Source link

Lajina Hossain

Lajina Hossain is a full-time game analyst and sports strategist with expertise in both video games and real-life sports. From FIFA, PUBG, and Counter-Strike to cricket, football, and basketball – she has an in-depth understanding of the rules, strategies, and nuances of each game. Her sharp analysis has made her a trusted voice among readers. With a background in Computer Science, she is highly skilled in game mechanics and data analysis. She regularly writes game reviews, tips & tricks, and gameplay strategies for 6up.net.