Rusev Should Retire United States Championship Following Win Over Sheamus

Former United States champion Sheamus recently spoke with Jack De Menezes of The Independent, (h/t WrestlingInc.com), and he wasn't shy about his intentions to seek a rematch with Rusev: 

"I obviously want a rematch," said Sheamus. "I want to prove I can beat Rusev."

But with the anti-American Russian sympathizer vowing to present the United States Championship to Vladimir Putin, now would be the perfect time to retire a championship that has meant little to nothing since it arrived in the WWE.

Since the storyline of Rusev besmirching the United States Championship was sped up for purposes of pimping the WWE Network, WWE would be remiss if there wasn't a rematch. After all, most kayfabe contracts do come with a rematch clause.

If the stakes were raised to the point where their next match was Sheamus' last shot and Rusev would give the championship to Putin if he retains, it would be the hottest U.S. title match in years.

For a secondary title destined to fade into oblivion, WWE suddenly has a creative goldmine on its hands. And in a transitional period where the WWE Championship has been rendered a special attraction, other championships are in need of compelling short-term storylines until incumbent Brock Lesnar returns.

There will be little potential for the Untied States Championship past Rusev's reign. He has caught fire as a xenophobic villain, and any storyline that follows will downplay the title's true patriotic value. 

Like menial labor for an undocumented immigrant, the U.S. title was treated as an afterthought before Rusev had it. But now that he does, WWE's pro-American fanbase will not stand for it. WWE needs to milk this dynamic for everything it's worth. The political and socioeconomic implications have come together to create something special.

Most Rusev feuds need a blue-collar American to be used as a foil for the arrogant, honorary Russian. Irishman Sheamus is the plug-and-play babyface this time around, but that's perfectly okay. At this point, the U.S. title acts a better foil than most humans ever could.

The mere sight of Rusev carrying that title will get him more heat than he already has—not that he needs it.

The tweet below could be a glimpse into what may be a grim future for the once-prestigious championship:

"

Will this be the new @WWE #USTitle? #RAW #SmackDown #MainEvent @RusevBUL pic.twitter.com/e6xJqrexwx

— Andrew Arbuckle (@REWrestling) November 5, 2014"

With Rusev eventually retiring the U.S. Championship, WWE wouldn't have to worry about eventually having Rusev, who has never been pinned or submitted, drop the title.

It's a small sacrifice for a WWE Superstar who is quickly becoming a big deal.

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