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What's the story?
Rusev will defend his United States Championship at The Royal Rumble against former Champion Shinsuke Nakamura, a match that was announced last night on SmackDown Live.
In case you didn't know...
Rusev has an interesting history with the United States Championship but was able to lift it on the Christmas Day episode of SmackDown Live when he defeated Shinsuke Nakamura.
The Artist has made it clear over the past few weeks that he is coming for his Championship and shockingly, Rusev's wife Lana has found herself in the middle of the issues between the two men.
The Bulgarian Brute has attempted to defend his wife and his honour over the past few weeks, but things between the two men have reached boiling point ahead of The Royal Rumble.
The heart of the matter
After weeks of issues between the two men, it was announced last night on SmackDown Live that Rusev will be forced to defend his United States Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura at Chase Field on January 27th, after Nakamura seemingly cashed in his rematch clause.
It is expected that both men will now be forced to pull double duty, since already announcing their places in the annual Royal Rumble match. Nakamura won the 30-man match last year, but the former NXT Champion will now be looking to win back-to-back Rumble matches as well as looking to become United States Champion once more.
What's next?
The Royal Rumble takes place in less than two weeks' time on January 27th live from Phoenix, Arizona and will mark the beginning of the Road To WrestleMania.
Do you think Rusev will be able to defend his wife and his title at The Royal Rumble? Have your say in the comments section below...
