Absent star sitting on the sidelines, Return of Logan Paul? - 4 potential challengers for the WWE United States Championship
WWE has several major championships, with some titles' lineages going back decades. This includes Cody Rhodes' world title, the Intercontinental Championship, and LA Knight's United States Title.
The United States Championship was introduced in World Wrestling Entertainment as part of the Invasion angle in 2001. Despite that, the company recognizes the history of the title dating back to the late 1970s.
With well over 40 years of history, the gold is one of the most prestigious in the world. The current holder of said title is LA Knight, who captured the prized championship at SummerSlam this year and has since successfully defended it against Santos Escobar, Andrade, and Ludwig Kaiser.
While three defenses are impressive, numerous other stars are chomping at the bit to take on the champion. This article will take a look at four possible challengers for the title, including a few absent names and a despised former champion.
#4 Giovanni Vinci could be an interesting opponent
Giovanni Vinci is a former member of Imperium. He was a key member of the group for quite a while, even holding the NXT Tag Team Title alongside Ludwig Kaiser. Unfortunately, he was kicked out of the WWE faction earlier this year.
While Vinci was away from television for quite some time after being kicked out of Imperium, he recently made his return with an updated gimmick on WWE Friday Night SmackDown. Unfortunately, he is 0-2 thus far, having lost two bouts to Apollo Crews.
Despite his lackluster record, Vinci could be the next star to challenge for the United States Championship. He could promise to change the title to the Italian Championship if he wins it, which would be quite interesting to see. Ultimately, though, he needs to pick up some victories first.
#3 Shinsuke Nakamura has been absent from WWE television
Shinsuke Nakamura is an accomplished pro wrestler who made a name for himself in Japan before joining WWE many years ago. Since signing with the sports entertainment titan, Nakamura has won multiple titles.
The King of Strong Style has been competing at live events and international tours, but he hasn't appeared on television since being drafted to WWE Friday Night SmackDown earlier this year.
Shinsuke is a two-time United States Champion, and he'd no doubt like to add a third reign to the list. He could potentially return to television and try to win the gold he once held. The Japanese veteran could then defend it against Andrade and Carmelo Hayes. Moreover, Knight vs. Nakamura just makes sense.
#2 Logan Paul could try to regain the belt
Logan Paul is a surprising and rare case of a real-life celebrity excelling in pro wrestling. Nobody expected him to be good in WWE, yet he took to the industry like a duck to water and even won the United States Title from the legendary Rey Mysterio.
The Maverick was the United States Champion up until SummerSlam of this year. Following a lengthy title reign, Paul lost his coveted WWE title to LA Knight. This came after only defending the gold a few times.
Notably, Logan has yet to come hunting for a rematch. That could change soon, however, as he could attempt to be next in line to challenge for the title.
#1 Defeating Omos would be a tall task for LA Knight
Omos is the biggest WWE Superstar in modern history, and he towers over the rest of the promotion's roster. His size has served him well too, as he's a former RAW Tag Team Champion alongside AJ Styles.
The giant has been away from WWE television for quite some time. He has appeared in a few Battle Royals over the past year and a half, but otherwise, his last singles match on a televised show took place at Backlash 2023 against Seth Rollins.
Omos could soon return to television, however, and become the new number one contender for LA Knight's United States Title. The powerhouse has never held a singles belt in World Wrestling Entertainment, so it would make sense for him to pursue LA Knight's gold. In that same vein, this would be a big test and a tall task for Knight.