10 Compelling Contenders For John Cena's US Title Open Challenges
Who should be the next to answer John Cena's call?
WWE may have just struck gold. Since winning the WWE United States Championship from Rusev at Wrestlemania 31, John Cena has put the title on the line in a series of open challenges on Monday Night Raw. Two weeks in and it has inarguably been a smashing success.
Not only is the title being defended weekly, thus garnering the belt more exposure than it has had in years, but it is gaining prestige by being around the waist of a fighting champion. The fact that that Champion's name is John Cena doesn't hurt either. Furthermore the matches have been great showcases for guys that don't get to regularly work with Cena, making them look great even in defeat for hanging with a star of his calibre.
It isn’t hyperbole to say that these open challenge bouts have without question been the most enjoyable thing going in the WWE coming out of Wrestlemania 31. The question is how long can they keep these bouts going? How many fresh and captivating opponents are there in the WWE for Cena to lock horns with?
This article lists 10 stellar opponents that should answer John Cena's United States Championship Open Challenge, to keep the good will the U.S. Title and John Cena have been building for the last two weeks. Let’s Rock n’ Roll!
10. Goldust
It’s easy to look at the name Goldust on this list of fresh opponents for John Cena and think “what’s so fresh about a 46 year old WWE Superstar facing John Cena with the United States Championship on the line?” It’s fresh because Cena and Goldust have seldom of ever waged war with one another inside the squared circle.
A matchup with Goldust isn’t only fresh, but it is also compelling. The last time that Goldust ever captured a significant championship in singles competition for the WWE was in 1999. In fact yesterday, April 12th, 2015, is the 16 year anniversary (to the day) of the last time Goldust held the Intercontinental Title. It would be riveting TV to see Goldust come to the ring tonight on Raw, to answer Cena’s open challenge. Have the announcers remind us how long Goldust has been around, and how long it’s been since he’s experienced singles title success in the WWE. Have Goldust push Cena to the limit, scoring multiple very near falls before ultimately being defeated.
Then have Cena grab a microphone and tell Goldust that he’s given his entire life to the business, and while he came up short tonight, he is a living legend whose contributions helped change the way people look at the business. The son of the legendary Dusty Rhodes had mighty big shoes to fill, and he more than exceeded expectations. John Cena then raises Goldust’s hand, and hugs him. We all know Goldust’s days as an active competitor on the roster are numbered. Hard to think of a better way to appreciate the Bizarre One while he’s still at it.