After weeks of jaw-jacking back and forth, United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura and rRusev finally collided for the star-spangled title on Christmas Day (and Rusev Day) (and Rusev’s birthday).
Hard hits were the theme from the get-go, with both Rusev and Nakamura exchanging several punishing haymakers. Nakamura used his versatile offense to wear down Rusev with pounding blows and push him to his max with his versatile ground game. The Bulgarian Brute surged back though, using his bruising strength and awe-inspiring athleticism to bring the fight to WWE’s Rockstar.
Nakamura got Rusev in perfect position for the Kinshasa, but The Bulgarian Brute popped up and connected flush with the Machka Kick, only for The Artist to kick out. However, Rusev refused to be deterred by Nakamura’s resiliency, and after finding a way out of a triangle submission attempt from Shinsuke and surviving a knee to his temple, The Super Athlete rallied once more, connecting with a second Machka Kick to win the United States Championship.
So, what do Christmas Day, Rusev Day and Rusev’s birthday all have in common? They’re now all the same day when Rusev became a three-time United States Champion.