10 Biggest Post-WWE WrestleMania Shockers
9. Nakamura Debuts On Smackdown (2017)
In 2016, not only did WWE split the roster across brand lines again, but SmackDown went live on Tuesday evenings. That, effectively, made Smackdown as important as Raw, and also made the show part of the traditional WrestleMania weekend festivities.
Fans at Smackdown on April 4, 2017 may have been drained by all the wrestling they saw, but they were undoubtedly stunned and delighted to see the main roster debut of Shinsuke Nakamura. The former IWGP Intercontinental Champion had made his NXT debut over 2016's WrestleMania weekend, and while he did capture the brand's championship twice, most people felt he had spent too long in developmental.
That all changed when, after The Miz and Maryse had finished a rant directed toward John Cena and Nikki Bella, a violinist came out and began playing Nakamura's unmistakable entrance theme. Sure enough "The King of Strong Style" was out next, making his way to the ring to a rousing ovation - and undoubtedly ticking off The Miz in the process.