With SmackDown getting its footing on FOX, Shinsuke Nakamura will have an opportunity to play a significant role on WWE TV – the most prominent position he has been thrust into since his debut on the main roster back in 2017. Daniel Bryan will provide significant credibility to Nakamura’s Intercontinental Title reign, even if he manages to win it. They will also provide great matches considering how much their in-ring styles mesh.

Next to Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan, Braun Strowman and “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt (who will still be featured on Monday Night Raw throughout the month of November), Nakamura along with The Miz will be thrust into the spotlight as one of the top male superstars on SmackDown.

The Miz has been the recipient of this type of booking before, but this will be a massive step in the right direction in terms of Nakamura’s WWE career. Speaking of Miz, it will be great for him to get back in the picture as a serious contender, maybe even for a title.

He hasn’t been involved in a meaningful storyline since his rivalry with Shane McMahon, which ended in May. He has still been featured on WWE programming because he has the benefit of being so good on the mic that he doesn’t necessarily need a compelling in-ring storyline to remain relevant.