WWE Battleground 2016: 10 Wrestling Matches We'd Rather See

6. WWE United States Title Match: Rusev Vs. Apollo Crews

Jericho Reigns Battleground
WWE.com

Rusev Vs. Zack Ryder is the epitome of predictable filler. The old Divas division used to be the designated toilet break - the U.S. championship, which this time last year was arguably as important as the World Heavyweight title, has taken its place. How times have changed.

Ryder's unlikely Intercontinental title win at WrestleMania does establish a precedent, but victory here is even more inconceivable - which renders the whole exercise entirely pointless. Ryder gains nothing in defeat. Rusev gains nothing in victory. Fans will naturally switch off given that the result is nailed on. And, with all due respect to the enduring Ryder, his in-ring game isn't what has endeared him to fans over the years. It is going to be a waste of time, to put it mildly.

Apollo Crews is a far more interesting proposition - he poses a more credible kayfabe threat than the Long Island Iced Z, and the manner in which he's being protected would cast the outcome in doubt.

It's arguably too soon for Crews to be winning a championship, but his stock would rise even in a battling losing effort.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!