There aren’t many wrestlers on WWE’s RAW roster who are as intimidating as Rusev and his United States Championship. Many wrestlers have tried and failed to conquer the behemoth with speed or agility, only to come up short. That was more than evident in seeing Zach Ryder trying to take down the big man.
Now that Rusev takes the coveted title to SummerSlam, who comes forward and challenges the big man. Who can chop down the man with massive size and strength and above all – become every bit his equal? I thought someone like Titus O’Neal was the perfect foil – the man who could stand tell with the mega heel star.
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Until WWE decides on an opponent who is not named John Cena, that is truly formidable, expect the current champion to hold on to the title at least until the end of the year.
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These five opponents could be in line to try and beat Rusev, with the lovely Lana by his side.
Roman Reigns
This might not be a popular choice, but hear me out. Reigns is going to feud with Seth Rollins, whether he has the Universal Heavyweight Title or not. At some point, both men will move on to other feuds. With Reigns, now that he is not in the direct title picture because Finn Balor beat him to face Rollins at Summerslam, he needs a new opponent.
Reigns and Rusev match up well with size and strength. The idea of Reigns defending America falls in line with what Vince McMahon originally wanted for Reigns – to be a John Cena-like super hero. Since Cena was so successful with the United States Title, wouldn’t it work if the former three-time world champion? Fans might get behind him beating the big bad Russian – which is a great storyline WWE should explore.
Kevin Owens
While watching the Fatal Four Way match on Monday night, I saw both Rusev and Owens work together to try and eliminate Cesaro from a chance at meeting Seth Rollins. And like every other match of this kind, the two were also at odds with each other.
It does not matter if both performers are heels on Raw – what matters is they both want to hold championship gold. It also does not seem to matter who battles who anymore. Owens works well with anyone in the ring and has size and power to combat Rusev. His agility would be a huge issue for Rusev.
Cesaro
We can reel off just about anyone on this list who could compete for the US Title. Cesaro is without a doubt the toughest and strongest man on the roster right now.
It’s funny, but before he was injured, the Swiss Superman was caught in quicksand, trying to fight for a place in the mid card. Now, he is firmly part of one of the better parts of Raw.
Can he beat the big man? Certainly. Will the creative team give him that chance? That remains to be seen yet.
Big Cass
How you doin’?
If WWE is real about making Cass a singles competitor and a real threat to a world title, it has to start somewhere. AT 7-foot tall and solid as a rock, Cass has all the ability and the look of a future champion.
And you can’t teach that.
This is where Lana can play huge part in this angle. Since manipulation is such an important part of the role the beauty plays, don’t think WWE won’t write a script that Lana helps lure Cass in, making him believe she is enamored with him, only to have Rusev attack him. Cass go over as a singles champion would be huge for the fans and the company.
Bubba Ray Dudley
If you are looking for a wildcard to throw out there, look no further than Dudley. The former TNA World Champ has been a tag team champion with Devon for years in WWE, but has never ventured into singles competition. How WWE writes this could mean a nice run for the veteran who certainly has the mic skills to get over defending the red, white and blue.
Right now, the greatest tag team in WWE history is going nowhere. Splitting the two “brothers” up might be what is best for both of them. It also gives the creative team another chance at developing something new and exciting.
