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On July 15 on WWE SmackDown Live, Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Jeff Hardy to become the new United States Champion after failing to do so at Extreme Rules.
The win however was not clean, as Nakamura executed his signature low-blow to win the title. Since turning heel, Nakamura has used the low-blow effectively to gain undue advantage over his opponents.
Jeff Hardy was unable to win back his United States Championship from the King of Strong Style in subsequent rematches, as he was constantly distracted or attacked by Randy Orton during matches. This dragged Hardy away from the title picture, leaving the door ajar for new competition for Nakamura.
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Who should get a chance to win the United States Championship next? Lets look at three possible contenders for the title.
#3 Andrade "Cien" Almas
After working on the NXT brand for almost three years, Andrade "Cien" Almas finally made his debut on the SmackDown Live brand in April 2018. After competing in a few squash matches, unlike other former NXT Superstars, Almas was lucky enough to immediately get some high profile matches.
He’s had a short feud with Sin Cara and also been involved in top-tier matches with AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan. He has impressed on every single outing, and therefore he seems ready to get involved in a long-term feud leading to a title shot.
The former NXT Champion seems like a good choice to become the next United States Champion. With Zelina Vega by his side, the two can make the secondary title seem like a big deal.
#2 Samoa Joe
The Samoan Submission Machine is currently involved in a bitter feud with long time friend cum foe AJ Styles. AJ Styles is the current WWE Champion, but Joe wants the belt around his own waist. Joe has been hurling insults at Styles and attacking his family verbally whenever he gets a chance.
Such a heel seems perfect to counter Nakamura’s antics, as he has been on a spree of his own when it comes to attacking superstars. If the WWE does not plan to put the WWE Championship around Joe’s waist, then the United States Title will have to do for now.
The two men have been involved in many matches in NXT, and there is no doubt that if a feud between the two for a title is reignited, then the fans will stay glued to their screens.
#1 Rey Mysterio
The high-flying Mystery Man is coming back to the WWE very soon. After making his presence felt during the Royal Rumble, and the Greatest Royal Rumble, Rey Mysterio is all geared up to make a full fledged return to the WWE before the end of the year.
If Mysterio returns to SmackDown Live, he will get a chance to go for the prize sooner than later. He’s been one of the most beloved babyfaces in WWE’s history and can be a good match for Nakamura’s heel character.
Fans would love to see The King of Strong Style and The King of the Cruiserweights go head-to-head, as both are extremely talented superstars. Mysterio has never won the US Championship in the past, and could add to his tally of WWE Titles.
