United States Champion Sheamus def. Cesaro

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United States Champion  Sheamus loves a good fight. The Celtic Warrior found his perfect opponent in  Cesaro when the he successfully defended the stars-and-stripes title in a battle at Night of Champions.

In the weeks leading into Night of Champions, Cesaro lurked at ringside during The Celtic Warrior’s non-title matches, disrupting his rhythm and slowing his momentum before their showdown. Cesaro’s biggest offense came when Sheamus faced Seth Rollins on Sept. 8’s Raw. After helping Rollins eke out a victory with a timely distraction, Cesaro stood over the weakened Sheamus and screamed “Fella!” before adding injury to insult with a Neutralizer and proudly raising the U.S. Title.

Sheamus talks about fighting his “favorite opponent”

The combatants wasted little time in dishing out punishment to one another at Night of Champions, exchanging brawling blows and reversing one another’s best moves. Cesaro slowed Sheamus significantly with a sleeper hold that threw off  The Celtic Warrior’s equilibrium. Sheamus tried to regain momentum with a suplex, but Cesaro continued to reverse or counter whatever Sheamus threw his way. He even powered out of Sheamus’ signature 10 Beats of the Bodhran, a WWE first.

It appeared to be Cesaro’s night when he successfully ducked a Brogue Kick and followed up with a devastating European Uppercut for a two count. Cesaro ultimately countered three Brogue Kicks, but became frustrated when Sheamus repeatedly kicked out every pinning attempt. In a rage, Cesaro slapped The Celtic Warrior repeatedly and unleashed a series of punches to Sheamus’ ribs in the corner.

Cesaro was backed off Sheamus by the referee, creating a short window of opportunity for the U.S. Champion. Sheamus unleashed a brutal Brogue Kick to Cesaro’s face to barely retain his United States Championship.

See photos of the brawl at Night of Champions