'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Logan Paul and LA Knight are on a collision course for the United States Championship, with the blockbuster title match expected for SummerSlam 2024. The two rivals have traded barbs and attempted to one-up each other for weeks, and their feud will come to a head in Cleaveland.
The Maverick has held the mid-card championship since November 2023 and has only defended it a handful of times, which included a successful title defense against Randy Orton and Kevin Owens at WrestleMania XL.
Triple H has steadily been grooming Knight for a prominent role on SmackDown. The Megastar continuously generates the loudest reactions, becoming one of the most popular figures on the main roster.
Fans have been clamoring for WWE to push Knight to the moon, and their wishes could come true at SummerSlam when he dethrones Paul. While an intelligent man wouldn't bet against The Megastar, the YouTube sensation could prevail, especially if he uses dirty tactics like the brass knuckles.
Trending
New Champs in WWE! More RIGHT HERE
On that note, let's look at four superstars who can dethrone Logan Paul if LA Knight fails.
#4. AJ Styles is desperately in need of a change
Although this would be a step back in building towards the future, it could pay off in the long term. AJ Styles has struggled to achieve championship success despite taking desperate and distasteful measures.
The Phenomenal One recently came off a failed WWE Championship pursuit against Cody Rhodes. While Triple H may have been hesitant to hand the top prize to a veteran at the tail-end of his career, he could give Styles one final run with the US Championship.
The two-time WWE Champion had several stellar runs with the mid-card championship. Styles' US Title run in the summer-fall of 2017 was one of the few saving graces that kept SmackDown afloat during those trying times.
As a full-time veteran, Styles could restore prestige to the US Title and potentially bring back the open challenges popularized by John Cena in 2015, making the title relevant again.
Furthermore, Styles briefly aligned with Logan Paul during the latter's first major feud with The Miz. Therefore, he is better positioned to judge The Maverick's tactics and potentially defeat him for the US Championship.
Not to mention, AJ Styles vs. Logan Paul has the potential to be an excellent program, particularly from an in-ring standpoint.
#3. Andrade could dethrone Logan Paul
Andrade returned to WWE in the 2024 Men's Royal Rumble. Although he has had a few notable wins, El Idolo's run, thus far, has been slightly underwhelming because he has yet to participate in meaningful angles.
The current WWE Speed Champion brings so much to the ring, as he is one of the most gifted men on the main roster. Triple H could put Andrade to the test by pairing him with Logan Paul.
El Idolo would gain a massive rub by defeating Paul to become the US Champion. This booking decision has the added advantage of returning the championship to a full-time superstar who has little issue defending the gold.
Andrade had the fans talking with a mesmerizing performance in the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match. Triple H could channel this surge in momentum into a US Title pursuit after SummerSlam.
#2. Former WWE Champion Bobby Lashley
Since jumping ship to SmackDown, Bobby Lashley has not done much of note. The All Mighty aligned with The Street Profits and B-Fab, but The Pride has failed to have meaningful long-term implications.
The former WWE Champion is on the sideline with an undisclosed injury, but he recently dropped a massive hint on his Instagram account. The post communicated his desire for championship gold.
Lashley last held a singles title in the fall of 2022 when he lost the US Championship to Seth "Freakin" Rollins. Upon his return, The All Mighty could challenge and dethrone Logan Paul.
The two men shared the ring at Elimination Chamber 2024, where Lashley Speared The Maverick through the pod. WWE could channel this angle into a future program.
Furthermore, like Styles, having Lashley, an established veteran, hold the US Championship would elevate its standing in the mid-card.
#1. Carmelo Hayes is primed for big things
One of SmackDown's fastest-rising stars, Carmelo Hayes, has a promising future ahead of him. If Hayes' booking is any indication, Triple H has massive plans for the former NXT Champion.
In addition to facing Rhodes in his first match on SmackDown, Hayes also has a pinfall win over 14-time World Champion Randy Orton. He was among the most featured competitors in the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match.
The US Championship has done wonders for many, launching stars like John Cena to heights. It could do the same for the young Carmelo Hayes, and beating Logan Paul to win the title would only enhance his credibility.
