One of the most prominent titles in WWE today is the United States Championship. In the past, it has been held by such greats as Sting, Harley Race, Steve Austin and Ricky Steamboat. In recent years, the title has not just been a championship but a symbol of America.
In fact, for a few former United States Champions, their reigns helped to validate their career accomplishments. They may have retired, but they are certainly not forgotten. Here are five former United States Champions and where they are now.
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#5 Ric Flair
He is a two-time WWE Hall of Famer and has an unofficial record of being a twenty-one-time world champion. However, the Nature Boy also has the distinction of being a former United States champion. Flair held the title on two separate occasions, prior to his celebrated reigns as world champ.
After defeating Mr Wrestling on March 19th, 1978, he held the title for 252 days before losing to Ricky Steamboat. In total, he held the title six times over three separate decades. His last reign was during the late 1990s after he defeated Konnan. What is just as remarkable is that Flair is just as prominent a public figure today as he ever was.
Whether he is showing support as a corner man for his daughter Charlotte, or appearing in an episode of Table for Three for the WWE network, Ric Flair is still an active part of WWE and its programming. Flair has held multitudinous championships throughout his career. However, many would be surprised that he held the United States championship as many times as he has over his career.
#4 Tully Blanchard
One of the smoothest and most technically savvy competitors in the ring, Tully Blanchard also captured the United States Championship. He defeated Magnum T.A for the title and held it for over 100 days. His reign is often forgotten because his time wrestling is most remembered as a part of the Four Horsemen, alongside Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, different fourth men, and Manager JJ Dillon. However, Blanchard's reign should not be ignored, as it was a crucial part of the Horsemen's place in history.
Blanchard's legacy in wrestling continues today as his daughter Tessa has begun earning a name for herself on the independent circuit. Although Blanchard hasn't actively competed for nearly two decades, his impact is still felt today. Tag teams such as The Revival are an obvious example of Blanchard's influence. Today, Blanchard can be seen engaging with those incarcerated as part of his prison ministry, in hopes of helping those that have made mistakes in their lives so they too can right the wrongs in their lives.
#3 Diamond Dallas Page
He often warned us about feeling the bang, and more times than not his opponents felt what DDP had to offer. As many have come to know, he rose to prominence during his time with World Championship Wrestling. He is a former two-time United States champion, the first time after defeating the late Curt Hennig and holding the title for over 100 days.
He defeated Bret Hart to commence his second reign, though it only lasted a month's time. Page is remembered for battling the new World order in his quest to stand up for Page is remembered for battling the new World order in his quest to stand up for WCW.
Today, Page has become famous for his DDP Yoga program. The program is credited with helping Scott Hall, and Jake Roberts get new leases on life and has brought a new found purpose for DDP. His program is one of total wellness of both mind and body. This past year, Page was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, and thus a former WCW world and two-time United States champion were commemorated.
#2 Dean Malenko
He was often called the man of a thousand holds. When Dean Malenko stepped into the ring, fans were promised the opportunity to witness a technical wrestling wizard the likes many hadn't seen. In a match against the late Eddie Guerrero at Starrcade 96', Malenko captured the United States Championship.
His reign was only a few months (85 days), but notable nonetheless. While often recognised as one of the Cruiserweights that helped establish WCW's most exciting division, Malenko's United States championship reign signified that he could easily be used higher up on the card.
It would be easy to forget that Malenko held the championship since his time was primarily spent competing against the likes of Rey Mysterio, Chris Jericho, and Eddie Guerrero. Malenko also holds the distinction of being a member of the Four Horsemen. Today, he is used in a variety of roles for WWE behind the scenes, including the role of road agent. He has trained many superstars of this generation, some which include Brock Lesnar, Shelton Benjamin, Kane and many others.
#1 Hacksaw Jim Duggan
Hey, tough guy! Hooooo! Fans will remember the place Hacksaw Jim Duggan has in the history of WWE. While he was with the promotion, he was known for his longstanding feuds with Nikolai Volkoff and The Iron Sheik, along with his battles against Andre the Giant.
Duggan was unquestionably one of the tougher competitors on the roster through the late 1980s. While with WWE, Duggan contended for titles but never held a championship of any kind in the promotion. However, in WCW, Duggan defeated Steve Austin at Fall Brawl 94' War Games.
After Ricky Steamboat was injured in his match against Steve Austin, Austin was awarded the US title when Steamboat couldn't continue, Duggan defeated Austin the same night. Hacksaw held the title for 100 days before losing it to Vader at Starrcade 94'. Fans have likely forgotten about Duggan's, reign but haven't forgotten about him. Today, Duggan can be seen at various wrestling conventions, and he still takes to the ring on occassion.
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