WWE fans are buzzing as Shinsuke Nakamura is confirmed to make a significant return to Friday Night SmackDown this week in Toledo, Ohio, ending months of speculation about his status with the company. Meanwhile, Seth Rollins opens up in a recent podcast about his infamous fake injury that led to one of the most surprising Money in the Bank cash-ins in recent WWE history. Additionally, new details have emerged revealing that Brock Lesnar very nearly joined TNA Wrestling during a pivotal moment in his career, a move that could have drastically altered the pro wrestling landscape.

Shinsuke Nakamura’s Long-Awaited Comeback on SmackDown

After an absence from WWE television since June 13th, Shinsuke Nakamura appears poised for a high-profile return on the September 19th SmackDown broadcast. According to PWInsider, Nakamura was spotted in Ohio, where the SmackDown event is taking place, signaling that the “King of Strong Style” is ready to resume action in front of WWE fans[4][6][7].

Nakamura’s last televised match was a Fatal Four-Way first-round bout in the King of the Ring tournament, which he lost to Cody Rhodes. Since then, his absence fueled rumors about his contract status and future plans. However, fans witnessed his subtle reappearance during a backstage segment earlier this month, where Nakamura was seen stealthily stalking United States Champion Sami Zayn, signaling a potential new storyline focused on the US Title scene[2][3].

Sources close to WWE reveal the company has been advertising Nakamura for their upcoming Japan tour in October, reinforcing that his return is part of a broader plan to keep one of WWE’s most decorated performers prominently featured. Throughout his WWE tenure, Nakamura has been a multi-time United States and Intercontinental Champion, known for his magnetic charisma and unique in-ring style that blends strong style striking with striking showmanship. Despite a somewhat inconsistent booking recently, insiders believe WWE aims to revitalize his character and give him a meaningful program heading into Wrestlepalooza 2025[1][8].

Seth Rollins Reflects on “The Ruse of the Century” Injury Angle

In other WWE news, Seth Rollins recently spoke candidly about his storyline involving faking a knee injury during the July edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event, which ultimately set up his shock Money in the Bank contract cash-in at SummerSlam 2025. The angle, dubbed by the promotion as “The Ruse of the Century,” took many fans by surprise and reignited Rollins’ reputation for creativity on the mic and in storytelling[4].

Speaking on the “SI Media Podcast” with Jimmy Traina, Rollins revealed the ruse was tightly guarded, known by only a handful of people. “You can probably count on two hands,” Rollins said when asked about how many knew the truth. While he wasn’t privy to the entire creative process, he was presented the concept weeks in advance and embraced it immediately. “I thought the idea was brilliant when I first heard it. Obviously, the execution was going to be important,” he added, emphasizing his commitment to WWE and his confidence in being the right man for the job[4].

This moment has been praised as one of the most memorable in WWE’s recent history, showcasing Rollins’ ability to engage the audience and deliver dramatic moments that elevate the World Heavyweight Championship scene.

Brock Lesnar Almost Joined TNA Wrestling: What Could Have Been?

In a surprising revelation that echoes WWE’s competitive landscape of the early 2000s, sources close to wrestling legend Brock Lesnar disclose that he nearly signed with TNA Wrestling before becoming synonymous with WWE dominance. The postponed deal could have shifted the power balance in the wrestling world dramatically[4].

While specifics are limited, insiders note that negotiations between Lesnar and TNA were seriously considered but ultimately fell through, leading Lesnar down the path to WWE superstardom. Had he chosen differently, TNA’s burgeoning roster and visibility might have experienced a massive boost, potentially altering storylines and star-building strategies across promotions.

Lesnar’s eventual WWE success story is well-documented – from his debut to multiple world title reigns and headline appearances at WrestleMania. This near-move to TNA adds an intriguing ‘what if’ to his career narrative and highlights the competitive nature of wrestling promotions fighting for top talent during that era[4].

What Fans Can Expect Moving Forward

• Nakamura’s SmackDown Return: WWE is likely positioning Nakamura for a fresh US Title rivalry with Sami Zayn or Carmelo Hayes, as Zayn currently defends the belt against Hayes on upcoming shows. Nakamura’s presence backstage stalking Zayn hints at a brewing program that could culminate soon[2][3].

• Rollins’ Momentum: Having regained the World Heavyweight Championship, Rollins is expected to capitalize on his renewed momentum. His recent podcast commentary suggests he’s deeply invested in pushing fresh storylines that keep him at the center of WWE’s main event picture[4].

• Potential Lesnar Reflections: While Lesnar staying in WWE remains a boon for the company, fans and industry observers enjoy speculating about how wrestling history might have changed had he joined TNA instead.

This week’s WWE SmackDown episode in Toledo promises to deliver exciting developments, particularly with Shinsuke Nakamura’s high-profile return top billing. Fans should keep an eye on how the King of Strong Style reintegrates into the title scene and what storylines WWE crafts around its iconic performers in the weeks ahead.

Reported sources: PWInsider, Wrestling Headlines, WWE.com, Fightful, SI Media Podcast