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Brooklyn, N.Y. — On the Dec. 7 episode of SmackDown, R-Truth responded to United States Champion Antonio Cesaro’s criticism of America, taking the reigning titleholder to task on behalf of the red, white and blue. Truth backed up those impassioned words at WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs with a valiant effort Sunday night, bringing everything he had to his match against Cesaro with the U.S. Title on the line. But the shockingly strong Swiss Superman proved once again to be too much to handle, retaining his championship gold in impressive fashion. ( PHOTOS | CESARO TALKS TITLE)
Coming into the match with two pinfall victories over Cesaro, R-Truth was clearly fired up from the get-go, entering the Barclays Center with a little extra bounce in his step. Truth built up some momentum early on, but a massive back body drop by his Swiss opponent turned the tide and Cesaro immediately went to work on the challenger.
With “USA!” chants echoing throughout the arena, Truth tried to get back into the match. A succession of clotheslines, followed by a picture-perfect scissors kick may have been enough to put away most Superstars, but The Swiss Superman powered through, kicking out of Truth’s pin attempt.
Then, living up to its name, Cesaro caught his opponent with the Neutralizer, and the devastating maneuver kept R-Truth down for the three-count.
After the bell rang, Matt Striker asked the reigning U.S. Champion what he thought of the negative response by the Barclays Center crowd. In typically arrogant fashion, Cesaro answered, “Unlike America, I am the true international superpower. I am the greatest United States Champion in history. Therefore, by booing me, you are booing your own country.” Cesaro went on to say Americans have “no respect for your own country, your fellow citizens or for yourself.”
Even if you don’t agree with him, what can’t be argued is the fact Cesaro is a force to be reckoned with in WWE, as evidence by his walking out of the Barclays Center still adorned in United States Championship gold.