Rusev’s time as the WWE United States Champion has come to an end and it’s once again Shinsuke Nakamura’s time to shine as the secondary champion on SmackDown Live.
During the pre-show for the WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view event in Phoenix, Arizona at Chase Field, WWE held three matches including a battle between Rusev and Nakamura that saw the former NXT Champion reclaim the U.S Title.
?? BORN in the U.S.N. ??@ShinsukeN has RECLAIMED the #USTitle on #RoyalRumble Kickoff! pic.twitter.com/Zoi2nypEPY
— WWE (@WWE) January 27, 2019
"HE'S CHEATING!"
Tell 'em, @LanaWWE… #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/ikAUSgpBTW
— WWE (@WWE) January 27, 2019
The #USChampion @RusevBUL just cannot seem to break the grip of @ShinsukeN! #RoyalRumble #USTitle pic.twitter.com/0H6qzZGs0i
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 27, 2019
The #SuperAthlete @RusevBUL is living up to his moniker in a big way as he defends his #USTitle against @ShinsukeN on the #RoyalRumble 2019 Kickoff! pic.twitter.com/PFAOMJF3aT
— WWE (@WWE) January 27, 2019
Rusev didn’t hold the strap for long as he beat Nakamura to win the United States Championship on the December 25, 2018 episode of SmackDown Live.
With these stars already working two matches, a third and final bout is likely to come as Rusev is due a rematch for the title. Whether this match happens on an upcoming episode of SmackDown Live or at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event that takes place on February 17, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas remains to be seen.
What are your thoughts on Nakamura winning title? Was it the right time to do this by WWE? Sound off in the comment section.
