Tag: Wwe United States Championship

Carmelo Hayes set for WWE United States title contender’s tournament

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Carmelo Hayes will take part in the WWE United States Championship contender’s tournament. 

As revealed by Shawn Michaels in a video posted to WWE’s social media channels on Sunday, Hayes will be the NXT star facing Grayson Waller in a quarterfinals match on the Friday, December 15 SmackDown episode. 

An NXT star’s inclusion in the tournament had been announced from the outset, but the reveal had not been made until the Michaels video was posted. 

Hayes is coming off a victory over Lexis King at Saturday’s NXT Deadline event. 

Kevin Owens will face Austin Theory in another quarterfinals match on Friday’s SmackDown. On the other side of the bracket, Bobby Lashley and Santos Escobar have already advanced to the semifinals after wins on this past Friday’s episode. 

The tournament winner will challenge United States Champion Logan Paul at a date yet to be announced. Paul defeated Rey Mysterio at last month’s Crown Jewel event to win the US title. 

The updated lineup for SmackDown in Green Bay, Wisconsin on Friday, December 15:

  • Roman Reigns returns
  • US title contender’s tournament: Kevin Owens vs. Austin Theory
  • US title contender’s tournament: Grayson Waller vs. Carmelo Hayes

WWE announces United States title number one contender’s tournament

Posted on by Ethan Renner

WWE has announced a United States Championship Tournament to crown a new number one contender to Logan Paul’s title. 

Eight competitors will take part in the tournament, with the winner facing Logan Paul for the US title at a date not yet announced. 

Bobby Lashley, Karrion Kross, Dragon Lee, Santos Escobar, Kevin Owens, Grayson Waller, Austin Theory, and one NXT star to be announced will be the participants. 

The tournament begins on next week’s SmackDown Tribute to the Troops show with a pair of first round bouts. Dragon Lee will face Santos Escobar in one contest, while Bobby Lashley takes on Karrion Kross in the other. 

The two remaining first round matches have yet to be announced, with Owens, Waller, Theory, and the NXT wrestler the four competitors yet to have their opponents confirmed. 

Paul defeated Rey Mysterio at last month’s Crown Jewel pay-per-view to win the US title, kicking off his first championship reign in WWE. 

US Championship weigh-in set for next week’s WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Ethan Renner

A United States Championship weigh-in is set for the Friday, November 3 WWE SmackDown episode. 

On the eve of their battle for the United States title at Crown Jewel, US Champion Rey Mysterio & challenger Logan Paul will weigh-in on next week’s SmackDown. Paul attacked Mysterio during a backstage segment on this week’s episode. 

Also announced for next week, Bianca Belair will have a tune-up match against Bayley before she challenges IYO SKY for the WWE Women’s Championship at Crown Jewel. Belair made her return to the promotion after a two-month hiatus on last week’s SmackDown, and the title match for Crown Jewel was made official on this week’s show. 

Next week’s SmackDown is being taped this week as part of a double taping in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

SmackDown will return to Fox next week after airing on FS1 this week due to Fox’s coverage of the MLB World Series.

The announced lineup for next week’s episode, the go-home show for Crown Jewel: 

  • United States Championship weigh-in with Rey Mysterio & Logan Paul
  • Bianca Belair vs. Bayley

Rey Mysterio vs. Logan Paul confirmed for WWE Crown Jewel

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A match for the United States title is official for Crown Jewel.

Rey Mysterio and Logan Paul made it official for November 4 in Saudi Arabia after the two exchanged words on Friday’s SmackDown. Paul told Mysterio that he didn’t want to face him, as he had already beaten him last year at WrestleMania. However, he said he did want the United States Championship. Mysterio told Paul that he thinks Paul needs humbling. The segment ended with the two reluctantly shaking hands.

After Paul defeated Dillon Danis in a boxing match last weekend, he called out Rey Mysterio in the post-match interview, specifically saying that he wanted the United States title. He will also appear on Raw this coming Monday.

Paul last made an appearance at SummerSlam, defeating Ricochet in the opening match.

Here is the updated lineup for next month’s Crown Jewel:

  • Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against LA Knight
  • World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins defends against Drew McIntyre
  • Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley defends against Nia Jax, Raquel Rodriguez, Shayna Baszler, and Zoey Stark in a fatal five-way match
  • WWE United States Champion Rey Mysterio defends against Logan Paul

Austin Theory crowned new WWE US title number one contender

Posted on by Ethan Renner

The first challenger of Rey Mysterio’s current WWE United States title reign is set following Friday’s SmackDown. 

Former US champ Austin Theory defeated LA Knight in a number one contender’s match on Friday’s SmackDown in Toronto to earn a shot at Rey Mysterio’s US title. 

Theory pinned Knight after a distraction from The Miz to win Friday’s bout and set up a future title match. No date has been set for the bout. 

Mysterio defeated Theory to win the US title on the August 11 SmackDown, substituting for Santos Escobar in a scheduled title bout. Escobar won a United States Championship Invitational tournament to earn a shot at Theory’s title, but was attacked by Theory prior to the match. 

Mysterio had been legitimately injured in the finals of the United States Championship Invitational tournament, and was believed to have been suffering from whiplash after catching Escobar on a dive during their bout. The match was stopped, and Escobar was declared the winner by referee stoppage. Mysterio’s injury was not deemed serious, as he was back in action two weeks later. 

Theory is a two-time US Champion, while Mysterio is currently in his third reign with the title.

As for Knight, his cross-brand feud with The Miz which is playing out on both Raw and SmackDown appears set to continue following the events of Friday’s SmackDown. 

KO Show, US title match set for next week’s WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Ethan Renner

The KO Show, a United States title defense, plus two more matches have been announced for the May 26 episode of WWE SmackDown. 

On the eve of Night of Champions, Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa will appear as guest on the KO Show with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Reigns and Sikoa will challenge Owens and Zayn for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship at Night of Champions on Saturday, May 27. 

Austin Theory will defend the United States Championship against Sheamus on next week’s episode. Theory called out Sheamus in a promo segment on this week’s show, then Sheamus left Theory laying with a Brogue Kick. 

Also announced for next week, AJ Styles will face Karrion Kross in singles competition. Styles will face Seth Rollins in the finals of the World Heavyweight Championship tournament at Night of Champions. 

Additionally, Raquel Rodriguez will team with a mystery partner against Damage CTRL’s Bayley and IYO SKY next week. Rodriguez and Liv Morgan were stripped of the Women’s Tag Team Championship on Friday’s SmackDown due to an injury suffered by Morgan. New Champions will be crowned in a four-way match on the May 29 Raw. 

Next week’s SmackDown is being taped this week following Friday’s SmackDown episode. 

Next week’s announced lineup: 

WWE SmackDown, Friday, May 26 —

  • The KO Show with Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa
  • United States Championship: Austin Theory defends against Sheamus
  • AJ Styles vs. Karrion Kross
  • Raquel Rodriguez & a mystery partner vs. Damage CTRL (Bayley & IYO SKY)

John Cena vs. Austin Theory set for WWE WrestleMania 39

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Austin Theory and John Cena are set to square off at WrestleMania.

Theory confronted Cena on Monday’s show, issuing the challenge for the United States Championship. Cena initally rejected the offer, saying that Theory wasn’t ready. Cena told Theory that he had been given opportunity after opportunity, yet no one cares about him because Theory doesn’t believe in himself. Theory accused Cena of “giving up”, referencing his t-shirt. Cena said he’d never give up on the fans, saying he said no because Theory would lose everything if he lost at WrestleMania. Cena then asked the crowd if they wanted to see the match, and after the positive reaction, he agreed to the match for April.

The segment ended with Cena telling Theory he wished him luck because Theory doesn’t have the brains, the guts, or the balls, smacking him low before leaving.

Cena’s return on Monday marked the first time he appeared on WWE television since December, when he teamed with Kevin Owens to take on Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn on the final SmackDown of 2022.

Here is the updated lineup for WrestleMania 39:

WWE WrestleMania, Saturday, April 1 & Sunday, April 2, 8 p.m. Eastern time on Peacock & WWE Network —

  • Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Cody Rhodes
  • Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair (c) vs. Asuka
  • SmackDown Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
  • WWE United States Championship: Austin Theory (c) vs. John Cena
  • WWE Intercontinental title: Gunther vs. TBD
  • Brock Lesnar vs. Omos
  • Logan Paul vs. Seth Rollins
  • Trish Stratus, Lita, and Becky Lynch vs. Damage CTRL

Three qualify for WWE United States title Elimination Chamber match

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Three men have already qualified for the United States title Elimination Chamber match that will take place at next month’s premium live event.

It was announced on Monday’s Raw that Austin Theory will defend the United States title inside the Elimination Chamber on February 18 in Montreal, Canada. Bronson Reed, Seth Rollins, and Johnny Gargano all qualified on Monday to advance. Two other qualifying matches, Angelo Dawkins vs. Damian Priest and Montez Ford vs. Elias, will determine the final two spots on next week’s Raw.

Reed defeated Dolph Ziggler, Gargano defeated Baron Corbin, and Rollins defeated Chad Gable to qualify.

A women’s Elimination Chamber match was also announced. That will determine Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair’s WrestleMania 39 challenger.

The current card for Elimination Chamber is as follows:

  • Men’s Elimination Chamber match for United States title: Austin Theory (c) vs. Seth Rollins vs. Bronson Reed vs. Johnny Gargano vs. ??? vs. ???
  • Women’s Elimination Chamber match (winner gets Raw title match at WrestleMania): Raquel Rodriguez vs. Asuka vs. Liv Morgan vs. Nikki Cross vs. ??? vs. ???

Two title matches set for first WWE Raw of 2023

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Two title matches will take place on the first WWE Raw of 2023.

It was announced Monday that Bianca Belair will defend the Raw Women’s title against Alexa Bliss on the January 2 edition of the show, plus Austin Theory will put the United States title on the line against Seth Rollins.

Bliss defeated Bayley to become the new number one contender for the title during last week’s Raw. After the match, Belair celebrated with Bliss, but after the Raw video screen flickered, Bliss attempted to lay out Belair with the Sister Abigail. She stopped herself before she could, however.

On this week’s Raw, Belair confronted Bliss in a sit-down interview with Byron Saxton. Bliss wasn’t able to explain why she did what she did, but talked about her history with Bray Wyatt and how he had turned her into a dark figure that eventually caused her to go to therapy, but it didn’t help. Belair told Bliss she didn’t believe her, saying she knew what Bliss and Wyatt were capable of. Bliss told Belair not to make this about Wyatt. Belair got up to leave as the screen behind them flickered. Bliss responded by grabbing a nearby vase and smashed it in the back of Belair’s head.

Rollins defeated Bobby Lashley on last week’s Raw to become the number one contender to Theory’s title. The two engaged in a promo battle in the ring during this week’s episode.

The first Raw of the new year will take place at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. A best of 2022 episode will air on December 26. 

The announced lineup for the first Raw of 2023: 

WWE Raw, Monday, January 2, 2023 —

  • Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair (c) vs. Alexa Bliss
  • United States Championship: Austin Theory (c) vs. Seth Rollins

Seth Rollins becomes number one contender to WWE United States title

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Seth Rollins is the new number one contender to the WWE United States Championship. 

Rollins defeated Bobby Lashley in a number one contender’s match on Monday’s Raw episode to become next in line to challenge Austin Theory for the United States title. 

Rollins pinned Lashley with a Pedigree in a match with a disputed finish, as Bobby Lashley had Rollins pinned earlier in the contest, but the referee was late in getting into the ring to count the pinfall.

Lashley shoved the referee and on-screen WWE official Adam Pearce after the match, and Pearce declared that Lashley was fired in storyline due to his actions. 

Rollins is a two-time former United States Champion, last holding the title in October and November of this year. He lost the title to Theory in a triple threat match also involving Lashley at the Survivor Series WarGames event on November 26.

No date has been announced for the upcoming Theory vs. Rollins title match.

Triple threat US title match added to WWE Survivor Series WarGames

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A match for the United States Championship has been added to Survivor Series this Saturday.

The title will be defended in a triple threat match between champion Seth Rollins, Austin Theory, and Bobby Lashley. The match was announced on Monday’s Raw.

Two weeks ago on Raw, Theory cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase, attempting to capture the United States Championship after Lashley had destroyed Rollins. However, Rollins was able to hang on, and an attack from Lashley eventually cost Theory the title.

On Monday, Theory said losing the championship match was the best thing that has happened to him as he was no longer the kid that lost two weeks ago, promising to take the title at Survivor Series. After defeating Mustafa Ali, Theory called out Lashley. The two ended up getting into a brawl, with Theory shoving Ali into Lashley backstage in the gorilla position. Ali became mad and shoved Lashley, leading Lashley to lay out Ali on the entranceway stage.

Here is the updated lineup for Survivor Series:

  • Women’s WarGames match: Bianca Belair, Asuka, Alexa Bliss, Mia Yim & TBA vs. Bayley, IYO SKY, Dakota Kai, Nikki Cross & Rhea Ripley
  • Men’s WarGames match: Roman Reigns, The Usos, Solo Sikoa, and Sami Zayn vs. Sheamus, Butch, Ridge Holland, Drew McIntyre, and Kevin Owens
  • SmackDown Women’s Championship: Ronda Rousey (c) vs. Shotzi
  • United States Championship: Seth Rollins (c) vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Austin Theory
  • AJ Styles vs. Finn Balor

Lashley vs. Rollins US title match set for next week’s WWE Raw

Posted on by Ethan Renner

A United States Championship match has been announced for the Monday, September 19 WWE Raw.

Bobby Lashley will defend the United States title against Seth Rollins on next week’s show. The match was set up during this week’s Raw in a backstage segment. Rollins called himself the face of Raw, while Lashley said that “he who has the gold” is the face of the brand, and Rollins does not have gold. 

In another bout set for next week, Kevin Owens will take on Austin Theory. Their bout was set up on this week’s Raw episode. Theory attacked Johnny Gargano after Gargano’s in-ring return to the company in a win over Chad Gable. 

After, Theory was cutting a promo when Owens interrupted. Owens said that Theory doesn’t have what it takes to be the future of the business. The encounter turned physical after Owens attempted to hit a Stunner, but Theory escaped before Owens could hit his finisher. 

Next week’s announced Raw lineup: 

  • WWE United States Championship: Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Seth Rollins
  • Kevin Owens vs. Austin Theory

United States title match announced for WWE Raw

Posted on by Ethan Renner

A United States Championship match has been added to the Monday, August 15 WWE Raw. 

In what is being billed as a first-time matchup, Bobby Lashley is set to defend the United States title against AJ Styles in Washington DC on Monday. 

Lashley defeated Ciampa in a US title match on the August 8 Raw to retain the Championship, a title he has held since defeating Theory at Money in the Bank on July 2. 

Previously announced for Raw, the Women’s Tag Team Championship tournament will continue, as Alexa Bliss and Asuka team against Nikki ASH and Doudrop in a first round match. 

Also set for Monday, Riddle will give an interview in his first appearance on WWE programming since being laid out by Seth Rollins at SummerSlam on July 30. 

Here is the announced lineup: 

  • WWE United States Championship: Bobby Lashley (c) vs. AJ Styles
  • Women’s Tag Team Championship tournament first round: Alexa Bliss & Asuka vs. Nikki ASH & Doudrop
  • Riddle interview

Theory vs. Bobby Lashley added to WWE Money in the Bank

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A new United States title match has been added to Money in the Bank.

Theory will defend the title against Bobby Lashley at the pay-per-view event, which takes place July 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The match was made after Lashley won a gauntlet match on tonight’s Raw, eventually pinning Theory to earn the title match.

Lashley interrupted a Theory posedown on tonight’s show by squirting oil on Theory. Theory later set up a gauntlet match, where if Lashley beat three opponents, he would get a United States title match at Money in the Bank. Lashley beat Chad Gable and Otis in separate matches, but the two attacked Lashley after Otis was beat. Theory came out as the third and final entrant, but ended up losing after Lashley countered the ATL with a small package.

Here is the updated card for Money in the Bank:

  • Bianca Belair vs. Carmella for the Raw Women’s Championship
  • Theory vs. Bobby Lashley for the WWE United States title
  • Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match (Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, and Omos have qualified thus far)
  • Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match (Lacey Evans, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, and Liv Morgan have qualified thus far)
  • The Usos vs. The Street Profits for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship
  • Ronda Rousey vs. Natalya for the SmackDown Women’s Championship

Theory wins United States Championship on WWE Raw

Posted on by Ethan Renner

A new WWE United States Champion was crowned on Raw. 

Theory defeated Finn Balor to win the US title, kicking off the first championship reign of Theory’s WWE tenure.

Theory worked over Balor’s neck during their match. Balor went for a Coup de Grace, but Theory rolled out of the way. Balor sold the jarring effect on his neck after missing the double stomp, then Theory hit him with the ATL and covered for the pinfall victory.

After the match, a group of heels came to the ring to celebrate with Theory. Mr. McMahon’s music then hit, and McMahon strutted out to the stage. Theory joined him on the stage to celebrate, then the two posed for Theory’s customary selfie. 

Balor’s first United States title reign ends at 49 days. He originally captured the title from Damian Priest on the February 28 Raw episode.

Theory’s first name was dropped on last week’s Raw, as it was announced in storyline that McMahon decided that the Austin surname did not suit Theory after McMahon and Theory’s run-in with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin at WrestleMania 38.