10 Booking Steps For WWE Raw (August 22)

4. Rusev Beats Sami Zayn But Roman Reigns Demands WWE United States Title Rematch

Finn Balor WWE Raw Debut
WWE.com

It'd be genuinely great to see Rusev defend the WWE United States Title against Roman Reigns at SummerSlam. Admittedly, Reigns is a fine choice as champ himself, but there's a sense that Rusev would be taking a step backwards into the shadows if he lost the gold on the pay-per-view.

The match could be mired in controversy, the 'Bulgarian Brute' growing frustrated that he's unable to put Roman away and therefore resorting to cheap tactics. Eventually, they pay off, and both he and Lana act as though they've won the lottery. That momentum carries over for Rusev the next night on Raw, facing Sami Zayn in a non-title match.

After forcing Sami to tap out to the Accolade, Rusev is then horrified when Reigns hits the ring and levels him with a thunderous Spear. Only out there for one reason, Roman wants another match for the United States gold.

After Mick Foley and Stephanie McMahon granted second chances for Finn Balor and Charlotte, he demands that he get another crack at Rusev. The answer wouldn't come this week, but the next.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.