3 WWE Superstars to have issued United States Championship Open Challenge

Overview

• The Concept of the United States Championship Open Challenge emerged in 2015 when John Cena won the mid-card title at WrestleMania, elevating it like never before
• Sami Zayn brought back the concept to reality with Cena's permission when he won the mid-card title from Solo Sikoa
• Ilja Dragunov continued the tradition after beating Sami to win his first title on the main roster

The mid-card titles in WWE have existed for a long time. Most notably, the Intercontinental Championship is one of the oldest titles in the history of WWE, whose existence dates back to the 20th century. After WWE's brand split in 2002, SmackDown was formed, which also led to the creation of the secondary world title and the mid-card title.

Through it, the United States Championship was formed. The mid-card title had lost its value in the PG Era when something significant happened. The Concept of the United States Championship Open Challenge emerged in 2015 when John Cena won the mid-card title at WrestleMania, elevating it like never before. 

3 WWE Superstars who have issued the United States Championship Open Challenge

John Cena

The Concept of the United States Championship Open Challenge emerged in 2015 when John Cena won the mid-card title at WrestleMania, elevating it like never before. The Leader of the Cenation Army beat Rusev to win the title and defended it every week against Dean Ambrose, Neville, Sami Zayn, Stardust, and others by issuing an Open Challenge.

He also had longer feuds against Rusev, Kevin Owens, and Seth Rollins, along with weekly defenses against others like Antonio Cesaro, Kane, Big E, and others. Many wrestlers got huge attention and momentum after going one-on-one with Cena in the ring. It elevated the title big time and made it feel more important than the world titles at that point.

Sami Zayn

Sami Zayn brought back the concept of the US Title Open Challenge back to reality with Cena's permission when he won the mid-card title from Solo Sikoa. On John's last appearance on WWE SmackDown, Sami issued an open challenge to Cena for the title. The match was great, which had a disqualification, following the attack from Brock Lesnar on both of them.

However, the US Title Open Challenge continued, as Sami had matches against Aleister Black, Carmelo Hayes, Rey Fenix, Je'Von Evans, and Ilja Dragunov. Each of these matches was great, and Sami ensured that the title regained its lost relevance. His match against Ilja witnessed the end of his 49-day title run, following an incredible match.

Ilja Dragunov

Ilja Dragunov continued the tradition after beating Sami to win his first title on the main roster. The star wrestler returned on the October 17 episode of WWE SmackDown as the challenger for the US Title. It was a great match, and Dragunov had the best moment of his career on the main roster.

Following the Czar of NXT's big win, Sami had an interaction with him backstage, where they discussed the importance of the mid-card title. Earlier in the night, Ilja claimed to continue the tradition of the US Title Open Challenge. Sami appreciated the move and wanted the title to be on someone like Dragunov's waist, who defended it against Aleister.