WWE: 5 Potential Challengers to AJ Styles’ US Championship

WWE.com

3. Rusev

When it was revealed that Rusev was making his way to SmackDown Live as a part of the Superstar Shakeup, many thought this would result in a monster push for the Bulgarian.

Rusev sent out a video demanding a WWE Championship match, or else he just would not show up to SmackDown Live, and many thought the Bulgarian Brute would then start to be treated like the main event talent that he is.

Instead, Everyone completely ignored this video, and Rusev went on to lose to John Cena clean at Battleground, and he lost to Randy Orton within seconds at SummerSlam. It was sad to see the former United States Champion, who looked to have a championship opportunity, job out to the mainstream stars.

Now, after those two losses upon his return, Rusev’s credibility and character is hurting. Rusev needs something to get him back to his Super Athlete level, and an opportunity at Styles’ US Championship could provide that for him.

Rusev has shown his best work when he is United States Champion because he comes off as the unbeatable heel that he should always be presented as. If he were to win or at least challenge for that title once again, he could begin to regain some of the momentum that he lost.

Rusev has had a couple of marquee feuds, and a feud with Styles would be another, but the former really needs a win. So, unless the plan is for Rusev to walk out as champion, it is unlikely that he will be next in line to challenge Styles for the US Championship.