5 Superstars who could challenge Sheamus at Hell in a Cell

Sheamus holds the prestigious WWE United States Championship and is in his fourth reign. He won the title from Riddle at WrestleMania 37 and has defended it successfully against Ricochet, Humberto Carrillo, and Mansoor.

The United States Champion has been extremely dominant, and hence would require a strong candidate to step up to the challenge if he is ever to be dethroned.

Hell in a Cell is the next WWE pay-per-view, and it takes place on June 20 from the Yeungling Center in Tampa, Florida. As of the time of writing, there is no US Championship match scheduled for the event. However, WWE could make the addition at the last moment, most likely within a week before the pay-per-view.

On the previous pay-per-view WrestleMania backlash, the United States title was relegated to the kick-off show. However, WWE should consider putting the match on the main card and give the encounter some background in the prelude.

The Celtic Warrior would need a viable opponent for his championship by the time Hell in a Cell comes around. This list explores five such candidates who could challenge Sheamus for the US Championship.

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#5 Ricochet could challenge Sheamus

Sheamus and Ricochet went to war over the US Championship.

The One and Only and the Celtic Warrior have collided multiple times in the last couple of weeks. The Irishman was victorious in all encounters, but the challenger was incredibly perseverant. The matches were enjoyable, and the program has been worthwhile.

Now that Sheamus owns multiple victories over Ricochet, there might not be much freshness left in a potential long-term program, but it does have immense potential. The story writes itself; the resilient underdog looking to conquer the indomitable monster to win the prize.

Ricochet would benefit greatly from working on an extended program with a skilled veteran like the reigning United States Champion. A title victory may be a huge upset and could bring the high-flyer's career back on track.

This past week on RAW, the One and Only saved Humberto Carrillo from a post-match assault by Sheamus, indicating that the rivalry is not over.

For the Celtic Warrior, a victory over Ricochet at Hell in a Cell would help him build more momentum and present him as a credible champion.

#4 Humberto Carrillo could challenge Sheamus

Sheamus and Humberto Carrillo are fierce rivals.

Humberto Carrillo has been a thorn in Sheamus' path lately. He has taken the fight to The Celtic Warrior, and has not been afraid to stand up to his brash attitude.

Carrillo was in contention for the US Championship, but a scary botch in an encounter with Sheamus resulted in an injury.

If the Mexican-born high-flyer had not fallen with injury, he would've taken Ricochet's spot as the contender for the US Championship, perhaps even securing a title opportunity at WrestleMania Backlash.

However, the injury didn't keep him out of sight for long as he returned within a month. The cruiserweight returned to action on the latest edition of RAW for a showdown against the Celtic Warrior.

The US Champion was victorious by rolling Carrillo up while holding his tights. Sheamus wanted to beat him down after the match ended, but Ricochet made the save.

WWE may choose to do a Triple Threat between the three rivals, but Carrillo could end up challenging Sheamus in a one-on-one match as well.

Humberto Carrillo has a decent chance of winning the US Championship. He hasn't won a singles championship on the main roster, and that may change if he faces Sheamus at Hell in a Cell.

#3 Jeff Hardy could challenge Sheamus

Sheamus faced Jeff Hardy at Backlash in 2020

Jeff Hardy and Sheamus are no strangers to each other. The two veterans fought multiple times on SmackDown over the summer of 2020. The Celtic Warrior berated the Charismatic Enigma over his notoriously dark past. The current US Champion even cost his arch-rival an Intercontinental Championship opportunity.

The feud was long and personal. Hardy lost at Backlash 2020 in a singles match but won the decisive Bar Fight encounter on SmackDown to win the feud.

The Charismatic Enigma is experiencing a career slump, and has been sparingly used on WWE TV. When he has been used, it was to put over other stars like Jinder Mahal. The former Intercontinental Champion has plenty of gas left in the tank and has much to offer in the ring.

Sheamus and Jeff Hardy are two of the most underrated performers of all time. They have undeniable chemistry together and can steal the show on any given night. If they were to collide, they could put together an incredible match.

Although Hardy would benefit greatly from a US Championship reign, the Celtic Warrior would most probably retain the title. If the goal is for Sheamus to have a long reign as United States champion, a victory over Hardy will give him a huge boost.

#2 John Morrison could challenge Sheamus

Sheamus and John Morrison know each other very well.

Sheamus was victorious at WrestleMania Backlash, but John Morrison had a forgettable night. His tag-team partner, The Miz, lost a lumberjack match to Damian Priest. The A-Lister was also injured during the course of the match, which leaves Morrison without a tag-team partner.

Morrison is too talented to be kept off television in The Miz's absence. A sensible option would be a short, singles run where he could pursue the US Championship, which he didn't win in his first run with WWE.

As many WWE fans may recall, Morrison and Sheamus were fierce rivals in 2010 when the former was "The Shaman of Sexy," and the latter was the King of the Ring. They could rekindle their old rivalry at Hell in a Cell, and very few members of the WWE Universe would object.

Morrison has had successful singles runs in the past and can still hang in there as a singles competitor against the very best. Inserting him into the US Championship picture would be a commendable decision.

The former ECW Champion doesn't have to win the US Championship as long as he comes out strong.

But if he does, it will lead to an interesting turn of events as the championship will change the dynamic of his relationship with The Miz once he returns from injury.

#1 Damian Priest could challenge Sheamus

Damian Priest is one to look out for on the main roster.

Sheamus and Damian Priest surprisingly have a lot in common. The Celtic Warrior and The Archer of Infamy are both extremely agile for men of their size; both had amazing rookie years on the main roster and made an immediate impact upon debut. Needless to say, the two stars would have undeniable chemistry and could put together an amazing program.

Recent reports suggested that WWE wanted to push Priest because huge names like Randy Orton and AJ Styles had entered the tag-team division on RAW. If that turns out to be the case, it would make sense for Priest to challenge for the United States Championship.

The US Championship has elevated many up and coming WWE Superstars in the past. Sheamus, The Miz and Daniel Bryan both held the US title before winning their first World Championship. Priest could take a similar route to the top.

Hell in a Cell may be too soon for Priest to win his first singles championship, as he only debuted six months ago at the Royal Rumble. However, given his meteoric rise and how much he has improved over such a short period of time, it may be the right decision.

Taking the title from an established veteran and a future Hall of Famer is a massive accomplishment. Priest would instantly rise up the ranks if he were to win the US Championship from Sheamus.