Tye Dillinger's Best Possible Feuds to Boost Star on WWE SmackDown Live

One month ago, Tye Dillinger hardly had a presence on WWE SmackDown Live, but his impressive outings against AJ Styles and Baron Corbin recently have caused fans to think twice about writing him off after his lack of success upon arriving on the main roster.

On two different occasions, Dillinger vied for the United States Championship in open challenge matches with Styles. While he was unsuccessful in both attempts, he proved he could hang with the top-tier talent of SmackDown when he took The Phenomenal One to the limit on the Sept. 12 episode.

It was obvious Dillinger wouldn't win, nor should he have, but it was an opportunity for him to showcase his skills at long last. Prior to that point, he was merely known as the guy who had a fascination with the number 10, but now the WWE Universe can rally behind him as an underdog who is in hot pursuit of the star-spangled prize.

Despite his defeat to Styles last week, he appears to still be in championship contention after he saved Styles from an attack at the hands of Corbin this past Tuesday night. Perhaps the third time challenging for the U.S. title would be the charm for The Perfect 10 as long as he can ensure Corbin doesn't interfere again.

Beyond Corbin and Styles, there are a handful of other potential feuds for Dillinger on the blue brand that could help boost his stock in WWE.

Credit: WWE.com

As seen on SmackDown this week, Rusev will be rekindling his rivalry with Randy Orton from SummerSlam, but how much that program will benefit either one of them once it's over remains to be seen. Rusev has struggled to maintain momentum this year, but a feud with Dillinger could bring out the best in him.

After all, the Bulgarian brute had one of his strongest showings in recent memory when he and Chad Gable squared off in late July. Dillinger is similar to Gable in that he's a great wrestler and a resilient babyface that could play off Rusev nicely.

Another heel on the roster who has been conspicuous by his absence lately is Mike Kanellis, who debuted with a bang and faded into obscurity soon after. He, too, is a much better performer than fans give him credit for and has yet to be given a chance to show what he's capable of.

It might not be the most high-profile feud, but it would at least give both men meaningful direction for the foreseeable future. Add in some character development and promo time, and it could prove to be a positive for Dillinger and Kanellis if done right.

Ultimately, a rivalry with Kevin Owens, arguably SmackDown's greatest heel at the moment, would undoubtedly elevate Dillinger to the next level.

Ideally, WWE champion Jinder Mahal should be the person that everyone wants to work with so they are guaranteed the most television time, but everything he has been a part of this year has been pretty abysmal. Owens, on the other hand, has thrived with whatever he's been given and continues to kill it on a weekly basis.

Owens finds himself feuding with SmackDown Live commissioner Shane McMahon, a hot storyline set to culminate at Hell in a Cell on October 8. It is easily the most must-see program on the blue brand right now, and Dillinger eventually mixing it up with Owens would be a major step forward for him.

The two have traded Twitter jabs in the past and Owens even referred to Dillinger as NXT's most underutilized talent years ago (h/t Wrestle Zone), so there is history there. As two proud Canadians, they would surely have chemistry as opponents and the promos could be entertaining as well.

It will take time for fans to view Dillinger as a credible competitor, but his recent interactions with Styles and Corbin have helped with that. He hasn't stacked up too many wins lately, but those constant losses were part of his appeal in NXT and what got him over with the audience.

With more elaboration as to what The Perfect 10 moniker is all about and involvement in a significant feud, it is merely a matter of time before Dillinger cements himself as a star on the rise on SmackDown Live.

Graham Mirmina, aka Graham "GSM" Matthews, is an Endicott College alumnus and aspiring journalist. Visit his website, Next Era Wrestling, and "like" his official Facebook page to continue the conversation on all things wrestling.