5 potential challengers for U.S. Champion Damian Priest after Extreme Rules

Damian Priest performed a stellar performance, conquering all odds to retain his United States Championship at Extreme Rules. The triple threat match was certainly entertaining, with all three men giving it their very best to be anointed champion.

After going back and forth in this riveting contest, The Archer of Infamy secured the win by pinning the Celtic Warrior. The latter was caught suddenly with his back turned after nailing Jeff Hardy with the Brogue Kick.

Priest embraced Hardy post the match as the WWE Universe erupted with joy, much to the dismay of an irate Sheamus.

While Damian Priest did well to win at Extreme Rules, he is still a marked man with more superstars waiting in the wings. With the WWE draft around the corner, The Archer Of Infamy will have competition from both RAW and SmackDown.

This article looks at five potential challengers for U.S. Champion Damian Priest as he marches on from Extreme Rules with his head held high.

#5 Karrion Kross vs Damian Priest

Having moved from NXT to Monday Night RAW, Karrion Kross has made quite the impression. The former two-time NXT Champion made Jeff Hardy tap out to the Kross Jacket on the August 9 episode of RAW.

He also decimated John Morrison on the September 6 episode of RAW, with the same submission move, thereby establishing himself as a destructive force.

Kross could now look to challenge his former NXT rival Damian Priest for the United States Championship. He has already beaten the latter on NXT: New Year's Evil earlier this year.

The contest will be pretty intriguing, pinning a rising heel against an already established babyface on Monday Night RAW.

#4 Sami Zayn vs. Damian Priest

Sami Zayn, a former two-time Intercontinental Champion, would have quite a contest with Damian Priest if they were to lock horns.

Having beaten Dominik Mysterio thrice in a row on SmackDown, Zayn is oozing with confidence. He could certainly put his hat in the mix to challenge Damian Priest for the United States Championship if drafted to RAW.

Sami will undoubtedly want to add the elusive U.S. title to his trophy cabinet to further his championship credentials.

#3 Apollo Crews vs. Damian Priest

Apollo Crews lost to King Nakamura on the August 13 episode of SmackDown, after an enviable 124 day run as the Intercontinental Champion. Since then, his momentum on the blue brand has suffered a dent.

In the last episode of SmackDown, Apollo was again unsuccessful in attempting to dethrone the King to reclaim the title. With the WWE draft scheduled for early next month, Crews will hopefully shift to RAW to challenge for the U.S. title.

Moving to a new brand and competing for a new title could be pivotal in stopping Apollo's downward spiral on SmackDown.

#2 Finn Balor vs. Damian Priest

Finn Balor, unfortunately, lost to Roman Reigns at Extreme Rules. He could now set his sights on Damian Priest for the United States Championship.

With Brock Lesnar waiting for the Tribal Chief, Balor needs to look at other opportunities. Nothing could be better than eyeing the United States Championship if he moves to RAW in the WWE Draft.

The two Superstars have squared off previously on NXT, and a battle for the US title will surely be worth watching.

#1 Sheamus vs. Damian Priest (The rivalry is far from over)

This rivalry is far from over. Sheamus, after Damian Priest pinned him at Extreme Rules, was fuming backstage.

The Celtic Warrior could continue to be at the throat of The Archer Of Infamy, possibly leading to another contest between these rivals at either Crown Jewel or Survivor Series. The two back-to-back losses suffered at SummerSlam and Extreme Rules will undoubtedly add fuel to the fire that Sheamus needs to earn his title back.

We will find out what happens next with US Champion Damian Priest tonight on RAW.