This week’s episode of SmackDown is currently being filmed in Perth, Australia and it is the go-home show for the upcoming Crown Jewel premium live event. In recent weeks Sami Zayn has been defending his United States Championship in an open challenge and so far he’s gone five for five.
Zayn put his title on the line once again during this week’s episode of SmackDown, and the challenge was answered by none other than Shinsuke Nakamura. This was Nakamura’s first appearance on WWE programming since the 6/13 episode of SmackDown. Shinsuke made his way out to his classic entrance theme and the fans made it clear they were happy to see him as they greeted Shinsuke Nakamura with “welcome back” chants.
The match featured several near falls and it looked like Shinsuke almost picked up the victory after he hit Sami with a Kinshasa from the second rope, but the champion managed to kick out.
At one point Zayn and Nakamura were fighting outside the ring and Sami threw Shinsuke into the barricade with an Exploder suplex. Sami connected with his finisher on the barricade then rolled Nakamura back into the ring. As soon as Sami got back in the ring Shinsuke connected with a Kinshasa, but Zayn got his leg on the rope to break the count.
As Shinsuke was getting ready to finish Sami off a hooded figure pulled him from the ring. The man pulled off the hood and it was revealed to be a returning Tama Tonga. The MFTs then surrounded the ring and proceeded to destroy Shinsuke Nakamura and Sami Zayn. Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga and JC Mateo were all wearing face pint as they beat down the babyfaces.
After a few minutes Solo Sikoa made his way out and he stood tall with the MFTs as the segment came to an end.