WWE Raw’s Lack of Direction with the United States Title

The WWE United States title continues to exist as a lower priority item throughout Monday nights. What could be done to revamp it?

The United States title is one of the most prestigious titles in the WWE. The title was originally established in 1975 at what would later be called as Jim Crockett Promotions. After making its way to WCW, it would become one of the premier titles in the then WWF in 2001. After being merged with the IC title for a short while in 2002, the title would come to be known as WWE United States title in 2003.

From its inception to this point in time, the title has been held by legends like Bret Hart, Goldberg, Booker T and Lex Luger. The title also holds the honor of being the first singles title held by John Cena. It would also pass on its legacy to a wide array of stars like Matt Hardy, Shelton Benjamin, MVP, and Rusev. Moreover, apart from the WWE title, it is the only title held by all three members of the SHIELD at any point in time.

However, the US title’s booking issues began with the third member of the SHIELD – Roman Reigns. The very fact that he would challenge for the Universal title while holing the US title diminishes its credibility. Further, the title would hardly get mentioned, let alone defended on live TV. However, earlier in January, Chris Jericho would defeat Reigns for the title and become one of the modern days grand slam title holders in the WWE. Despite that historic accomplishment, the title would continue to play a secondary role on Monday nights. As we pass through another episode of Raw without any mention of the US title, it could be a good time to assess the title’s direction and potential.

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The United States title is presently exclusive to Monday night Raw. In the past, the title would often be a stepping stone for future WWE champions. Secondary titles like the US and IC titles would always be so. However, the IC title would get treated with much more respect and significance on Tuesday nights. More often than not, the title would be a center piece of a main event storyline. Compared to that, the US title would often wander in the background.

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Fans would have hoped to see Sami Zayn going up against Chris Jericho for the US title. Many would have hoped it for the match to take place at Fastlane. It would have been a fan’s dream booking if Zayn and Jericho would have the match and if Zayn would win the gold. Moreover, Zayn would be a fitting holder for the US title. He is not a major presence in the main event scene at the moment. However, that does not take anything away from his connection with the fans. From there, creative could have tried to rebuild the credibility of the title. However, after the event’s during this week’s Raw, that could very well not be the case anymore.

We would potentially see Jericho squaring off against Kevin Owens, potentially at Wrestlemania. Moreover, any development in that regard would instantly halt Zayn’s pursuit of the title. Regardless of that, a certified main event star like Jericho would have to drop the title to an up and coming wrestler at the earliest. The present Raw roster would not have a more fitting contender than Sami Zayn. But, creative could still throw us a curve ball based on the events from Raw.

Samoa Joe has already established himself as one of Triple H’s own. Prior to the festival of friendship segment, we would also see Triple H talking to Owens in private. Perhaps, the plan was laid out than to take Y2J out of the picture. In that regard, Joe could be next in line to snatch the gold from Y2J. Though that scenario would not be as pleasing as Zayn winning a singles title, it would progress the storyline. Moreover, this would establish an authority based stable that would hold all the titles on Raw. The aligning of the tag champions with Stephanie McMahon would add to this.

However, no matter what happens, creative would have to follow in the steps of SmackDown Live to make the US title a bigger priority. The title has to be defended regularly on live TV. It would have to featured as a centerpiece of a feud more often. Presently, that would be the case only when Rusev is holding the title. Creative would have to do things differently and have stars collide over the title. Remember Ziggler laying down his entire career on the line for a shot at the IC title?

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Storylines like that would instantly elevate the prestige of any title. Make the US title something that every mid-carder would want. Have Sami Zayn or Samoa Joe win it. Have them defend it and pull out all the stops to hold on to it. Even have a debuting Tye Dillinger fight for it. It is when such bold creative ideas are followed that a title becomes prestigious.