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On the kick-off show of the Royal Rumble PPV, The Artist Shinsuke Nakamura overcame former United States Champion Rusev to become a 2-time US Champion in the WWE. This title change seemed strange as the Bulgarian Brute had captured the title from the King of Strong Style last month and the two had a meaningless feud on SmackDown Live.
The WWE Universe expected Rusev to stay the US Champion till WrestleMania 35 but his reign came to an abrupt end at Royal Rumble last night. The reason behind the title switch is unknown but it seems like Shinsuke would have yet another lengthy reign with the US title now.
The next challenger for the United States title is not known yet but here are the 4 superstars who could fight Nakamura for the title:
#4 Rusev
WWE had earlier said that there will no longer be automatic rematches for the title yet they gave a rematch to Shinsuke Nakamura on the Royal Rumble kick-off show for his US title. Seeing this, it looks like WWE Creative has no plans whatsoever for the United States Championship, which's value has fallen over the years and so, expect the Nakamura-Rusev feud to continue.
The duo might clash in a title match on the coming episodes of SmackDown Live or WWE may even announce a match between Nakamura and Rusev for the Elimination Chamber show. They can easily kill time by having segments featuring Rusev, Lana and Shinsuke Nakamura or by involving Rusev and Nakamura in tag team matches.
In my opinion, WWE should not add another chapter in this rivalry as the fans are bored of this directionless thing.
#3 Rey Mysterio
Shinsuke Nakamura was the first superstar whom Rey Mysterio after he returned full-time to the company and the master of 619 even defeated the King of Strong Style on SmackDown 1000.
However, that match was a qualifier for the World Cup and WWE never referred to the fact that Rey defeated Nakamura clean in a singles match.
They can use that storyline now as well or can also have a #1 contender's match between Andrade and Rey Mysterio on SD Live with the winner challenging Nakamura next.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs Rey Mysterio for the US title looks good on paper and even if WWE books a basic face vs heel feud between the two, these superstars can pull off an epic rivalry.
Mysterio vs Nakamura can face in multiple matches with different stipulations and can elevate the US title to its old prestige.
#2 Kurt Angle
Kurt Angle's WWE career seemed to have ended when the Scottish Psychopath Drew McIntyre dismantled the Olympic Gold Medalist on a RAW episode.
However, the WWE Hall of Famer returned at TLC 2018 to beat Baron Corbin and once again disappeared before appearing at the Royal Rumble PPV last night.
Angle has said in the past that he wants to make a full-time return to the ring and so, he might consider moving to SD Live given how stacked the RAW roster is.
This switch could even take place on this week's SmackDown as it could be revealed that the former RAW General Manager wanted to face the man who eliminated him from the Royal Rumble match.
The President of Nak-America vs the Olympic Gold-Medalist feud can steal the show on the blue brand and WWE must consider booking this rivalry.
#1 Mustafa Ali
Mustafa Ali has transformed his character from being the heart and soul of 205 Live to potentially being the heart and soul of SmackDown Live.
The Cruiserweight superstar has won the hearts of the WWE Universe with his brilliant in-ring performances and he even put up a solid show last night in the Royal Rumble match before being eliminated by Nia Jax.
Also Read - 3 WWE Superstars Who Should Be Randy Orton's WrestleMania 35 Opponent and 3 Who Shouldn't
Looking at the manner in which Mustafa Ali eliminated the United States Champion from the Royal Rumble match, it looks like WWE has a future feud between the two superstars in their mind.
And, that feud could take place even before WrestleMania 35 as WWE Creative would try to push Mustafa as their next top face superstar.
