5 WWE Superstars who could face Ricochet for the United States Championship after Stomping Grounds 2019

In a fortunate turn of events at WWE Stomping Grounds, the world witnessed Ricochet lift the United States Championship. He defeated Samoa Joe in order to win the gold and put an end to latter's brutal title run.

Although the following backstage events suggested that AJ Styles will be his first challenger, Ricochet has the potential to work wonders with some of the other names on the roster as well. His high flying in-ring skills and composed demeanour in the most complicated move sets makes him quite intimidating inside the squared circle.

If booked well, Ricochet can take the US Championship to new heights of popularity and excitement on Monday nights. He has proven time and again that he is worthy of carrying the hopes and dreams of the WWE Universe who wish to see thrilling, fast-paced encounters each week.

Therefore, it is safe to say that Ricochet can hold onto the title for a few weeks during which he can face the following wrestlers.

#5. Rey Mysterio

Does he have the strongest claim to the US Title?

Rey Mysterio returned to WWE last year as a surprise entrant in Royal Rumble. He moved to SmackDown and also represented the blue brand in a 5-on-5 match against RAW in the Survivor series before being drafted to RAW in the Superstar shake-up.

After toiling for several weeks alongside his son on RAW, Rey Mysterio finally managed to beat Samoa Joe at Money in the Bank and won the US Championship for the first time in his WWE career. Unfortunately, he had to vacate the title due to an injury.

However, he stated that he will return by the end of June in a recent interview, which leaves us with the possible match between him and Ricochet.

Both these Superstars are known for insane high-flying moves and their agility inside the ring. Hence, it will be interesting to see how Ricochet will react to Mysterio when the latter comes back and wishes to reclaim his title.

#4. Ali

Ali's move to SmackDown from 205 Live was nothing short of a dream. He went on to impress the WWE Universe with his pace and accuracy. However, a string of injuries kept him from capitalising on major opportunities, which included a shot at the WWE Championship.

This year alone, Ali was eliminated from Royal Rumble by Nia Jax, forced to miss the Elimination Chamber match and was also robbed of the chance of winning the Money in the Bank match due to Brock Lesnar's interference.

Thus, it will be fair to give Ali a shot at the US Championship. Both him and Ricochet can make for impressive bookings on Monday Nights owing to the wild card. Additionally, their in-ring chemistry seemed promising during their MITB encounter.

Both Ali and Ricochet are fresh babyfaces which will split the WWE Universe into two groups of supporters, thereby keeping the viewers invested in their title feud.

#3. Bray Wyatt

Earlier this year, Bray Wyatt returned to WWE after spending a long time away from the ring. He introduced the WWE universe to a 'fiend' from a creepy yet intriguing Firefly Fun House. Owing to his history with unusual gimmicks, it is safe to say that he will successfully take this new character to new altars inside the squares circle.

Ever since his return, Bray Wyatt has not had a proper feud with any of his comrades. He hasn't even made his live TV return yet! Hence, it will be a perfect opportunity for him to initiate a feud with Ricochet for the US championship.

If this were to happen, Ricochet's skills will meet Bray Wyatt's intense storytelling. The duo can make for an exciting encounter even if it's a one-off match with a limited storyline. This will also help Bray Wyatt in paving his way to the WWE Championship/Universal Championship title picture instead of having him inserted randomly in the same.

Ricochet, on the other hand, will benefit from a feud against someone who is an established superstar on the main roster.

#2. The Miz

The Miz has had an interesting run in WWE this year. From teaming up with Shane McMahon to brutalising him in Hell in a Cell, Miz was involved in a fairly constructed storyline.

He may have lost his match against Shane McMahon in a steel cage match at the Money in the Bank PPV but the WWE Universe witnessed a new side of the 2-time former champion in that match. He was far more intense and was keen on punishing Shane for bringing former's father into the equation.

If Miz continues to bear the same approach in the ring against Ricochet, the two can weave a brilliant storyline. Of course, if nothing else works, Miz always has a trick or two up his sleeve. It is almost criminal to keep Miz away from the spotlight for far too long. His charisma will help build up to this feud which will definitely have its special moments on the mic.

#1. AJ Styles

AJ Styles is certainly one of the best wrestlers in the world and he has his eyes set on the US Championship this time. At Stomping Grounds, the Phenomenal One teased a feud with Ricochet which suggests that he will be the first opponent against whom Ricochet has to defend his newly acquired title.

Styles has held the US Championship twice before. He defeated Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho to get his hands on the gold in 2017. Two years later, it will be a perfect way to wield him back in the US Championship picture.

Moreover, this will be once in a lifetime opportunity for Ricochet to create a historic feud over the US title. They can brew this rivalry week after week with its finale at WWE SummerSlam. This booking has immense potential and of WWE pay their cards right, it could go on to become one of the best feuds in 2019. And, it will begin on Raw as WWE announced the dream match for the upcoming fallout Raw episode of Stomping Grounds.

Edited by Lennard Surrao