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INDIANAPOLIS — R-Truth probably wishes he heeded U.S. Champion Antonio Cesaro’s advice not to act like a “typical American,” sticking his nose into the Swiss Superstar’s business. At Survivor Series, Cesaro retained his coveted title and quashed the rapping Superstar’s hopes of a second reign with the historic championship. ( PHOTOS)
The animosity began on Raw when R-Truth aided his former tag team partner Kofi Kingston during an attack by Cesaro and The Miz. Tempers flared between the Truth and Cesaro, and Little Jimmy’s guardian added fuel to the fire by pinning the Swiss Superman in a Six-Man Tag Team Match. During the Survivor Series Pre-Show, R-Truth clearly laid out his intentions for his battle inside Indianapolis’ Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Personal acrimony aside, Truth said his objective was securing the U.S. Title around the waist of an American once again.
Perhaps R-Truth would indeed serve as a greater representative for America as the U.S. Champion. Although Cesaro exudes confidence, his latest tirade berating America — specifically, Thanksgiving — while on his way to the ring won’t earn him many fans in the middle of the nation he’s supposed to embody as champion.
As the battle got underway, R-Truth’s agility was on display and he nearly ended the match early on with a handful of near-falls. Cesaro managed to turn the tide in his favor, however, with a powerful headbutt highlighting the Swiss-born Superstar’s uncanny toughness.
Cesaro’s turn in control of the bout put his relentless physicality on display. His raw strength and power kept R-Truth grounded, a strategy the U.S. Champion no doubt planned in advance based on the arsenal of holds used against his challenger. Although the WWE Universe offered support for Truth, Cesaro’s tenacity afforded him a commanding advantage in a contest that initially seemed would be difficult for the Swiss Superstar to keep R-Truth’s swiftness in check.
Each time Truth tried to formulate an offense, Cesaro expertly managed to counter every maneuver with his impeccable Greco-Roman wrestling skill set. Still, R-Truth caught his second wind and sped up his offensive as the WWE Universe waited with baited breath for an American to become U.S. Champion once again.
Unfortunately for Truth, Cesaro’s impressive resilience allowed him to counter a scissor kick from The Rapping Superstar. Seizing the opportunity, The Swiss Superman took down his opponent with a powerful European uppercut and secured the victory with the Neutralizer.
During his diatribe before the bout, Cesaro claimed the WWE Universe should be thankful he is the United States Champion, however, after his hard-fought title defense, the Swiss Superstar should be grateful he escaped with the championship intact.
Regardless, denying a veteran of R-Truth’s experience and caliber a championship only proves the U.S. Champion is a force to be reckoned with and his actions speak as loudly as his words. Will R-Truth continue to pursue the U.S. Championship or will a new challenger emerge for Antonio Cesaro? Find out on Raw, Monday at 8/7 p.m. CT on USA Network.