Twenty-four hours before the start of the WWE Crown Jewel: Perth premium live event, two WWE superstars have made their long-awaited return to the ring with a new look.

On Friday night's WWE SmackDown, Japanese sensation Shinsuke Nakamura accepted the US Open challenge put forward by champion Sami Zayn and returned with his old theme song.

Reigniting a rivalry that dates back to his debut in the promotion in 2016, Nakamura came to close to defeating his rival ahead of WWE's house shows taking place in Tokyo, Japan.

However, he came up short after the match was interrupted by Talla Tonga, Tanga Loa, JC Mateo and the returning Tama Tonga - Solo Sikora remained at ringside.

Interfering with a new-look, the heel stable attacked by Nakamura and Zayn before leaving the arena.

Prior to their returns, Nakamura hadn't been seen on television since June, while The Family Tree member hadn't been sighted since April after sustaining an undisclosed injury.