WWE SmackDown 5 Biggest Stars: Shane McMahon Makes A Statement

Photo by WWE.com

1. Shinsuke Nakamura

After defeating Kevin Owens in the main event, Shinsuke Nakamura joins Team Blue at Survivor Series. He’ll represent SmackDown alongside Shane McMahon, Randy Orton, Bobby Roode and the winner of AJ Styles and Rusev. 

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It’s fair to say Nakamura hasn’t yet fully lived up to expectations since arriving on SmackDown. He’s been a solid addition to the roster, but there haven’t been enough “wow” moments. One of them happened at Money in the Bank when he stood opposite AJ Styles. The Survivor Series match presents an opportunity for another.

What if Nakamura comes face-to-face with Braun Strowman? Kurt Angle? Samoa Joe? It could set the table for a dream match way down the line, while also providing an interesting story in the Survivor Series match.

After his performance in the main event, top spot belongs to The Artist this week.

What’s next: Nakamura and Orton have had their problems with Owens and Sami Zayn over the past few weeks. Expect that to continue as we head towards Survivor Series, but the attention will then shift towards the elimination match.

Next: WrestleMania 34 Match Card Predictions

Beyond the pay-per-view, it’s unclear what’s next for Nakamura. AJ Styles is in line for a WWE Championship match in the near future. Will Shinsuke go on to feud with Owens? It would be a logical step given the rivalry brewing between the two.