WWE SmackDown Grades: Becky Kicks Lass In Championship Coronation

Photo by WWE’s Twitter

3. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Rusev

The saga between Rusev and Aiden English saw plenty of twists and turns over the past couple of months.  The Rusev Day members were not on the same page for a while, but once Hell In A Cell rolled around, they were a cohesive unit again just in time for a tag team title opportunity.

However, after some miscommunication towards the end of the match, Rusev Day failed to capture the tag team titles.  But just two nights later, Rusev got another championship opportunity when he challenged Shinsuke Nakamura for the United States Championship last night.  However, the riff between Rusev, Lana, and English got to a historic high last night as well.

Lana overheard English’s rant backstage that included disparaging remarks towards both her and Rusev.  But she was unable to tell Rusev what English said as they both accompanied him to the ring for the match.  And this was a stellar match from start to finish with both men pulling out all the stops to walk away as U.S. Champion.

But English would get in Rusev’s way again when after a momentary distraction, Nakamura rolled up Rusev and retained the title.  After the match was over, English snapped and attacked Rusev after long last before one final and near-menacing “Happy Rusev Day.”  It seemed inevitable, but the end of Rusev and English together seems like it’s a done deal.

The issues with English and Rusev will continue, but The Bulgarian Brute’s battle with The King Of Strong Style was an impressive match last night.

Final Grade: B+