Rey Mysterio Relinquished The WWE United States Title To THIS Star On Raw

It may be some time before we see the lucha legend compete again.

by Andy H Murray
Samoa Joe
WWE.com

Samoa Joe is your new WWE United States Champion.

The 40-year-old was handed the midcard strap in a segment on last night's WWE Raw, with former champion Rey Mysterio forced to relinquish the belt due to a shoulder injury suffered at Money In The Bank 2019, where he first took the strap from Joe. It's currently unknown when the lucha legend will be able to compete again.

Mysterio's promo was interrupted in less than a minute, with Joe claiming he'd "heard the word 'champion' and thought it was [my] cue." The former NXT Champion then ran Mysterio down, saying that he was relinquishing because he never truly pinned him at MITB, pointing out, rightly, that his shoulders never touched the mat.

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After asking Joe for a moment, Rey confirmed that he'd be passing the United States Title over to Joe. He placed the strap on the mat and backed off, but Joe attacked, locking Mysterio in the Coquina Clutch before eventually letting go, then leaving up the ramp with his new prize.

It's a shame Rey's reign had to end this way, but he came off sympathetic in the wake of Joe's latest act of bullying. Mission accomplished.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.