WWE Saving Shinsuke Nakamura Vs. Dolph Ziggler For Backlash 2017
Reason for dark match main events also concerns 205 Live...
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Dolph Ziggler won't happen on television until the SmackDown-exclusive Backlash pay-per-view on May 21.
The Wrestling Observer notes that current plans call for the dark match main events both men have been working to continue until then, with the feeling being that this will also help keep fans inside arenas for the duration of the Cruiserweight-only 205 Live show.
Making his debut as a SmackDown star on the April 4 episode, former NXT Champion Nakamura hasn't yet wrestled on television as part of the main roster. WWE's belief is that holding back on his in-ring bow will help make Backlash feel special.
Keeping people inside the building once SmackDown Live ends and 205 Live begins has been a problem, so it's logical that WWE would try to dangle a carrot in front of fans and keep them seated. The fact Shinsuke Nakamura is being used in this spot proves just how valuable a commodity officials view him as.
This dark match main event slot was previously filled by John Cena, and that once again shows just how highly Nakamura is rated behind the scenes by upper management.