Shinsuke Nakamura Returns On WWE Smackdown To Challenge Sami Zayn, Attacked By Tama Tonga

Shinsuke Nakamura returned to WWE TV on Smackdown, answering Sami Zayn’s US Title open challenge only to be attacked by another return in Tama Tonga. Friday night’s show saw Zayn hold another open challenge for his title, which was answered by Nakamura in the latter’s first match since the June 13th, 2025 episode of Smackdown.

Zayn and Nakamura had a back and forth match, with Nakamura in control at the end the match before Tama Tonga made his return and pulled Nakamura out of the ring. He threw Nakamura into the guardrail and the referee called for the bell. Tonga was joined by his fellow members in the MFTs — Tala Tonga, JC Mateo, and Tonga Loa — who attacked Zayn in the ring. Nakamura tried to get back up but was overwhelmed by the numbers advantage. Solo Sikoa then came down to the ring to join his stable as the show went to commercial.

Tama Tonga has been off of WWE TV since April, when he suffered an injury and was written off of television. The MFTs were notably wearing his face paint that Tonga and Loa wore from their Guerillas of Destiny era in NJPW.

Our live coverage of tonight’s WWE Smackdown is here.

.@ShinsukeN has RETURNED and he's answering @SamiZayn's Open Challenge 🙌 pic.twitter.com/bDz5wfPqhs

— WWE (@WWE) October 11, 2025

.@ShinsukeN was one step ahead 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/FnusZfqMVT

— WWE (@WWE) October 11, 2025

LOOK WHO'S BACK!!!@SamiZayn and @ShinsukeN are outnumbered 😱 pic.twitter.com/4e7tLpZjtJ

— WWE (@WWE) October 11, 2025