John Cena's WrestleMania Win Will Elevate the U.S. Championship

John Cena is once again the man with the gold at WWE.  

This time though, it's not the WWE World Heavyweight Championship belt around his waist, but the United States title.  And the man he took it from was doing all he could to bring respect to the belt.

But Rusev's star is just not bright enough to give the United States Championship the credibility it deserves.  Cena will not have that problem, as he is the man to elevate the title back to its former glory.

Rusev's loss comes after an undefeated streak that saw him become one of the most hated men in the company.  His anti-American rhetoric gave him heat from the live crowds and from fans watching at home, all of whom wanted to see him get what he deserved.

The classic Cold War angle made famous in the 1980s by The Koloffs in the NWA was alive and well today, thanks to Rusev.

credit: wwe.com

Indeed, it was difficult for any fans or Superstars to sit by and just watch Rusev verbally assault the USA.  He was consistently booed out of the building every time he stepped through the ropes, and one worker after another tried to take him down.

But only one man was able to do the job.

Cena had to be the man to stop Rusev.  Despite any criticism he's received over the years, the fact is Cena was the best choice to end the streak, the only choice that really made any sense.  His reputation for being a Boy Scout is one that many feel is well-deserved and that puts him on a different level than any other protagonist in the company.

But it's Cena's connection to the military and his love of country that made him the perfect opponent for Rusev.  Now, that American pride has helped him put down the most menacing heel in WWE next to Brock Lesnar. 

credit: wwe.com

And it could not happen at a better time for the U.S. belt.

The United States Championship was at one time a stepping stone to the World Championship.  Wearing the red-white-and-blue belt meant that you were one step away from wearing the big gold one and that all you really needed was the right opportunity to challenge for it.

That is the sentiment made popular by WWE itself, and for the most part, it's one shared by fans.

However, that was the case back in the NWA, not WWE.  As far as WWE was concerned, the Intercontinental Championship was the one considered to be the top contender for the main title.  So maybe Cena's real purpose is not just to elevate the strap to its former glory but to a standing it's never known at WWE.

And no one on the roster can do it like Cena can.

Just his presence alone is enough to put eyes on the belt.  It will likely be around his waist or on his shoulder during every promo he cuts and every time he steps into the ring.  The fact that WWE chose to put the belt on him should be a major statement to fans: The title is important, and they need to care about it.

And they will, as Cena still has a legion of fans supporting him through it all.  Every time Cena puts the belt on the line, it will be an event, and every Superstar who challenges for it will be facing WWE's big dog.  Every title defense will mean more than it did before thanks to the man now wearing it.

Suddenly, the United States title will go from being at midcard status to being featured on the main event scene every time it's defended.  It's a major change of pace for a belt that could very well be described as irrelevant or even invisible.

But put an irrelevant title on the top guy, and watch how quickly it becomes relevant.

That is what fans are now seeing with Cena and his new championship.  It's the first belt he won in his WWE career and the same one sitting around his waist now.  During an era in which Cena's time in the sun is likely winding down, WWE may be looking for the best way to begin wrapping up his epic run at the top.  His new United States Championship reign could be one step toward making that happen.

Cena is still the top guy.  The United States title may not become the top belt but will become a lot more important than it's been in a very long time.  Cena's star will make the championship shine brighter than it ever has, and he will add credibility to the belt like no one ever could.