From the WWE Rumor Mill: Huge spoiler on WWE's plans for the United States Championship
What’s the story?
Multiple local advertisements pertaining to WWE’s upcoming house shows may have spoiled WWE’s plans for the United States Championship.
Apparently, the ads are promoting Baron Corbin as the WWE United States Champion, with names of his challengers also being revealed.
In case you didn’t know…
SmackDown Live General Manager Daniel Bryan announced on the most recent episode of SmackDown Live that after Dolph Ziggler having ‘voluntarily relinquished’ his title, an 8-Man Tournament will determine the new WWE United States Champion.
Accordingly, two 1st round matches transpired this past Tuesday night, as Bobby Roode defeated Baron Corbin, and Jinder Mahal beat Tye Dillinger.
The heart of the matter
The WWE advertises appearances from its top Superstars for its upcoming live events well in advance, and although the card of a given event is subject to change, more often than not the fans get exactly what they’re advertised.
Several local advertisements for the WWE’s live events extending from December all through January, are showing ‘The Lone Wolf’ Baron Corbin as the WWE United States Champion.
Per the adverts, Corbin will defend his title against Bobby Roode and Dolph Ziggler at a few events. One ought to note that although Ziggler may compete at WWE’s house shows, he will not appear on the promotion’s TV programming (SmackDown Live) owing to an ongoing storyline meant to create a buzz by keeping him off-screen.
What’s next?
The WWE is yet to announce the remaining matches in the tournament’s 1st round.
Furthermore, WWE will provide further details as to who Bobby Roode and Jinder Mahal will face in their next matches in the tourney, likely on next week’s episode of SmackDown Live.
Author’s take
The WWE has done a commendable job of spicing up the United States Championship picture by having Dolph Ziggler dramatically vacate the title and deliver one of the most convincing promos ever.
Nevertheless, it’ll be interesting to see how—if at all—the WWE does somehow manage to re-insert Baron Corbin into the US title picture after his loss to Roode.