WWE Extreme Rules 2018: 3 reasons why Shinsuke Nakamura should win

2. He’ll help maintain the U.S. Title’s credibility

As I have stated many times before, I believe that championships should be held in the highest regard within the narrative of the show. Championships are tools that can help elevate the stature of a wrestler if the promoters and bookers use the belt correctly. Unfortunately, WWE falls short of this standard far too often, especially with their midcard titles.

Essentially since the Attitude Era, WWE has treated their midcard titles as meaningless fodder, often giving the gold to random wrestlers and having them lose countess non-title matches. I’m sure McMahon and the writers thought that a wrestler simply carrying the belt around meant that they were immune to the effects of losses, but if a champion loses match after match, it not only damages the wrestler, it hurts the title too.

Recently, WWE has righted the ship in that regard. Seth Rollins had a great run with the Intercontinental Championship this summer that has elevated him and the belt. The U.S. title’s credibility has trended upward as well, with former WWE Champions Orton, Hardy and Jinder Mahal each holding the prize at some point this year. Nakamura as champion would help maintain the title’s momentum. A strong run with the belt would boost Nakamura, the title, and whoever ultimately takes the strap from him.