Sami Zayn achieved a major milestone in his WWE career by capturing his first United States Championship on SmackDown this week, fulfilling a long-held objective since losing the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania XL. This triumph places Zayn firmly in the spotlight as the current titleholder, making him a target for challengers eager to claim the prestigious belt.
Winning the US Championship means Zayn must stay vigilant against numerous challengers. Below, we explore three WWE superstars who are well-positioned to challenge Zayn for the United States Championship following his recent victory.
R-Truth’s Potential Return to US Title Contention
R-Truth has experienced a tumultuous year within WWE, concluding a remarkable 17-year tenure after facing John Cena at Saturday Night’s Main Event XXXIX. Despite initial chants demanding his return, he reappeared at Money in the Bank, signaling a possible new chapter in his career. His character briefly hinted at a heel transformation, adopting his real name Ron Killings and dramatically cutting his hair live on WWE RAW in June, before reverting back to his familiar, comedic persona alongside John Cena.
A two-time holder of the United States Championship, with his last reign ending in 2019, R-Truth also claimed the Tag Team Titles and the discontinued 24/7 Championship since then. WWE could leverage the seriousness he occasionally exhibits to position him for a third US Title run, making him a credible contender for Sami Zayn’s championship.
Jimmy Uso’s Growing Ambitions as a Singles Competitor
The dynamics between Sami Zayn and Jimmy Uso strengthened during their shared time in The Bloodline faction, although Jimmy was initially cautious about welcoming Zayn fully. Their camaraderie has evolved into a close bond, yet Jimmy remains without any singles titles, unlike his brother Jey Uso.
Jimmy Uso’s pursuit of the United States Championship could deepen this rivalry, potentially prompting a heated, high-stakes confrontation between the two. A title win for Jimmy would mark a significant shift in his career, elevating him beyond his tag team legacy and establishing him as a prominent singles competitor.
Carmelo Hayes Eyes the US Championship with Growing Determination
After a standout run on NXT, Carmelo Hayes transitioned to SmackDown last year through the WWE Draft, immediately making an impact by challenging Cody Rhodes. Rhodes praised Hayes’s wrestling skills and approach, which set the stage for Hayes to pursue the United States Championship, then held by LA Knight.
Hayes later allied with The Miz to form the ‘Melo Don’t Miz’ team, but recent tensions have fractured their partnership. Hayes’s attempt to discuss a US title shot with Nick Aldis was sidetracked by The Miz, who favored competing for the Tag Team Titles instead. With Sami Zayn currently holding the championship, Hayes is well positioned to challenge him directly, possibly igniting a fierce rivalry or even a triple threat match if animosity toward Miz intensifies.
Future Implications for the United States Title Scene
The United States Championship picture is brimming with competitiveness as Sami Zayn embarks on his reign. The potential challenges from R-Truth, Jimmy Uso, and Carmelo Hayes each promise unique storylines, escalating tensions, and intense matches that will shape the title’s prestige in WWE. This evolving landscape ensures fans can expect gripping contests and dramatic twists as these contenders vie for the US Championship crown.
