New Champions Crowned From Open Challenges

WWE open challenges have resulted in some huge wins and stunning upsets. These are the top eight open challenges that led to new title holders.

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Finn Balor accepted Damian Priest’s open challenge on Feb. 21, 2022. The match, however, took place the following week. Balor defeated Priest to win the United States Championship.

Damian Priest vs. Finn Balor (WWE RAW – February 28, 2022)

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Seth Rollins issued an open challenge for his Intercontinental title which was answered by Dolph Ziggler. The Show-Off beat the Architect for the championship.

Seth Rollins vs. Dolph Ziggler (WWE RAW – June 18, 2018)

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Johnny Gargano was coaxed into an impromptu North American Championship match against Leon Ruff. The challenger pulled off a massive upset against the Rebel Heart.

Johnny Gargano vs. Leon Ruff (WWE NXT – November 11, 2020)

WWE

Chaos broke out as R-Truth put his U.S. title on the line against Samoa Joe, Rey Mysterio, and Andrade. The Samoan Submission Machine came out the victor on this night.

R-Truth vs. Samoa Joe vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade (SmackDown Live – March 5, 2019)

WWE

Dominik Mysterio stepped up to Wes Lee for the NXT North American title. The match main evented NXT on July 18, 2023. Dom went on to end Lee’s incredible title reign.

Wes Lee vs. Dominik Mysterio (WWE NXT – July 18, 2023)

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John Cena brought prestige back to the U.S. title. His open challenge run came to an end at the hands of Albert Del Rio.

John Cena vs. Albero Del Rio (Hell in a Cell 2015)

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Santino Marella answered Umaga’s open challenge for the I.C. title as a fan. If it wasn’t for Bobby Lashely Marella wouldn’t have beaten Umaga for the title.

Umaga vs. Santino Marella (WWE RAW – April 16, 2007)

WWE

Honky Tonk Man’s record-setting Intercontinental title run ended at SummerSlam 1988. The Hall of Famer issued an open challenge and lost the title to The Ultimate Warrior.

Honky Tonk Man vs. The Ultimate Warrior (WWE SummerSlam 1988)

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