Rusev became the new United States champion after he defeated Shinsuke Nakamura last night in the main event of the Christmas Day episode of Smackdown Live.
The match was the main event of the show and it was built over the past few weeks. Rusev won the match after Nakamura tried to hit the Kinshasa but Rusev countered with a big clothesline and then delivered the Machka Kick for the pinfall as Lana went crazy celebrating on the outside.
In a post-match interview, Rusev said this was a dream come true to win this on Christmas Day with his wife by his side and on his birthday. Lana said that it has been a great 2018 for them and they have a lot to be thankful for and this was one of the best Rusev Day ever.
This is Rusev’s third run with the United States title. He won the first one in November 2014 on Raw from Sheamus but lost it to John Cena at WrestleMania 31. His second reign came at Extreme Rules in 2016 after beating Kalisto but he lost it to Roman Reigns in September that year at Clash of Champions.
