Despite fan expectations, the US Championship match may not be featured at SummerSlam, but rather an upcoming SmackDown episode
The WWE is ramping up momentum toward SummerSlam with an expected United States Title match stealing the spotlight. The recent developments hint at a clear roadmap that the WWE has for the much-anticipated summer spectacle.
The US Championship scenario is becoming clearer with recent reports about Austin Theory’s title defense and the ongoing US Title Invitational tournament. The plan seems to be materializing gradually for the fans via their TV screens.
Over the past few weeks, SmackDown has been the battleground for an intense tournament to determine the next US Championship contender. Two fierce competitors, Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar, have surfaced as the finalists, ready to clash in the tournament’s grand finale.
Rey Mysterio fought his way into the finals by conquering LA Knight, Sheamus, and Cameron Grimes in an electrifying four-way match aired on July 21st. A week earlier, Santos Escobar secured his spot in the finals by triumphing over formidable opponents including AJ Styles, Butch, and Grayson Waller.
Contrary to the widespread assumption that the eventual US Title match would be featured at SummerSlam, Dave Meltzer reports that the current plans do not propose the inclusion of the US Championship contest in the premium live event on August 5th. According to Meltzer’s Wrestling Observer Daily Update on June 21, the title match was initially scheduled for an upcoming SmackDown edition.
Santos Escobar, following his non-title victory over US Champion Austin Theory on the July 21st show, is set to face his fellow LWO member Rey Mysterio in the tournament finals. This unexpected match between stablemates promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Despite the range of options WWE has, it seems that LA Knight’s defeat in this week’s match has disappointed many fans. However, there are whispers about WWE’s intentions for LA Knight, with a recent report suggesting that they have significant plans to promote him after SummerSlam.
