WWE’s U.S. Title Fatal 4-Way at WrestleMania 34: Simple is Better

Randy Orton will defend the WWE United States Championship against Bobby Roode, Jinder Mahal and Rusev in a Fatal 4-Way Match at WrestleMania 34. The Show of Shows is the biggest night of the year for Vince McMahon’s company of course and Orton is definitely accustomed to stepping up his game on that stage.

But while this match lacks the shine that other bouts have been given, it’s certainly not one that fans should sleep on. This match is not about hype. It’s not about media frenzy. This one is basic, paint-by-numbers pro wrestling and that is exactly what WrestleMania needs.

Orton is always no-nonsense and that serves him well. His character is not flashy and he’s never loud but then again he doesn’t need to be. He is the working man’s pro wrestler and has been for the bulk of his WWE career.

Guys like Seth Rollins, Dolph Ziggler and Dean Ambrose have filled that role in the past and all have done admirably. It’s a spot that should not be taken for granted and these Superstars have absolutely delivered whenever they’re in the ring.

But from a longevity standpoint, no one has done it longer and with more consistency than The Viper. He’s so good that oftentimes it’s easy for fans to forget just how talented he is. He makes it look so easy and he’s shown no signs of slowing down.

The same can be said of Roode. Roode was a cornerstone of Impact Wrestling and made his name working some of the best matches that company has ever seen. His transition to NXT was seamless; he already had all the tools necessary to get over.

Roode was a veteran when he arrived so he was quickly able to absorb the WWE style. He integrated that style into his own game and became exactly what the company needed. He has a great amount of confidence in his abilities and he’s able to step up despite who he’s working.

His heat with Orton is organic because it centers on a very simple concept. Roode had something that Orton wanted. Orton made his title intentions known and won the U.S. Championship from Roode. Now Roode wants it again but he’s not the only one.

Mahal’s WWE title run was met with mixed reviews from fans. Some celebrated his time as champion, if only because it was time for something different. He improved in the ring and on the mic, becoming the type of main event heel that WWE wanted him to be. However others were less than impressed.

But rather than discard Mahal as if his title reign never happened, WWE has instead booked him back in a prime spot with the man he won that title from. Orton has every reason to respect Mahal but he also has every reason to believe he will get past The Modern Day Maharajah. But what about The Bulgarian Brute?

Rusev is the x-factor in this match. From the moment that Rusev Day first caught fire with the crowd, fans have been waiting for something big to happen for him. He gets a huge pop every time his music hits and he truly excels with this new spin on his character.

His level of confidence may not be that of Roode or Orton, but he is on his way. Rusev’s upside is tremendous as he’s already got the crowd on his side. If he has a great showing at WrestleMania, then he will be one step closer to achieving a top level of stardom. If he wins at WrestleMania, then his star will explode.

The best part about this storyline is that there are no fireworks. The match is not making the headlines. If anything, the match is flying just under the radar. But any fan that has followed this story knows that all four men will deliver at WrestleMania.

But of course they will have to do just that. This is a card that features Brock Lesnar versus Roman Reigns and AJ Styles versus Shinsuke Nakamura. Ronda Rousey will team with Kurt Angle against Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. Charlotte Flair will face the undefeated Asuka. The Undertaker versus John Cena will indeed happen. Daniel Bryan is finally returning to the ring. If anyone else on the card hopes to stand out, the effort must be at a maximum.

However that is a challenge that Orton, Roode, Mahal and Rusev will all gladly accept. This may not be the most high profile bout on the card and it may not be the money match of the night. But in terms of fundamentals and storytelling, this one will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all the rest.

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In fact it may even surpass the rest. Pro wrestling is at its best when the story is simple and the action is intense. There may be no better way to describe this match. Orton, Roode, Mahal and Rusev will be ready. The fans will as well.