Rey Mysterio has undoubtedly been a fighting United States champion in the current scenario. It was the August 11 episode of SmackDown when the luchador beat Austin Theory. However, his participation in the match was not pre-planned. Since then, Mysterio has had a few successful title defenses including one against fellow LWO member Santos Escobar.

However, remaining a champion would surely be an uphill climb for Mysterio. The 48-year-old is certainly surrounded by potential threats that are looming over his head. Even though he is not booked for a title defense at Fastlane, he could face some formidable challenges soon Who exactly? Well, there are various names that could take the U.S. Championship off the WWE Hall of Famer. But who are the prime candidates for Mysterio’s United States gold? Let’s dive deep into the discussion.

Santos Escobar could turn his back on Mysterio

Ever since Rey Mysterio joined forces with the LWO, his prospects with the stable have been a huge matter of anticipation. While dealing with The Judgment Day, Mysterio got crucial aid from the Latino faction, which even got the fans at the edge of their seats. In fact, other than Mysterio, the guy who proved to be a key figure factor for the LWO was Santos Escobar. Well, Escobar has proven himself to be the right hand of Rey Mysterio time and again.

However, one should not forget the fact that WWE loves an internal conflict. Hence, there are chances for Escobar to turn his back on Mysterio. How? The perfect platform for him to change his character would be the forthcoming event of Fastlane, where LWO is booked to face The Street Profits and Bobby Lashley in a six-man tag team set-up.

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Moreover, Escobar has a storyline reason to go after Mysterio. When Mysterio won the U.S. title from Theory, the actual match was supposed to be between Escobar and Theory. But Theory took him out before the match, promoting Mysterio to take his place. Escobar could argue that Mysterio stole his spotlight to ignite a feud.

Even if this doesn’t happen, Escobar could still indulge in a healthy kayfabe with Mysterio, where he might stand triumphant against the legend and showcase a passing-the-torch scenario to the fans.

Having said that, let’s find the next potential foe who could beat Mysterio for the United States championship.

Bobby Lashley is also among the top guns to face Rey Mysterio

Another name that is in the pipeline is former WWE champion Bobby Lashley. Evidently, the year 2021 saw one of the dominant reigns of Lashley as a champion. Defeating the likes of Drew McIntyre, Goldberg, and Omos, The Almighty made it clear why he was a mountain that was hard to climb. But ever since Lashley made an exit from the title picture, he seemingly lost that dominant status and thus needs a title on his shoulder to add to his credibility again.

He even attacked Mysterio from behind last Friday and responded to him while sitting on the recent episode of WWE’s The Bump.

Now that he is an integral part of the beef against the LWO, which includes Rey Mysterio as well, he could be on the brink of initiating a singles feud against Rey Mysterio and ending up taking the title from him. Also, his alliance with The Street Profits is indeed a good angle that could take him towards the United States gold.

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He might win the United States championship anytime soon after Fastlane gets over and carry on his dominant run until WrestleMania or maybe further. A dominant Lashley is always good for business.

The possible chances of Grayson Waller locking horns against Rey Mysterio

Grayson Waller has proved that he can hang with some of the biggest names in WWE. Being an intrinsic element for promotion, this Australian superstar is also among the key hurdles Rey Mysterio might face to keep his US strap. Waller, 33, has been a standout figure in the WWE and has gained attention through his talk show, The Grayson Waller Effect. Furthermore, Waller has also become a hot topic for playfully poking fun at John Cena. However, his deeds unwillingly made him the recipient of an Attitude Adjustment in London. Waller though remains undeterred.

This verbose superstar didn’t think twice before shooting salvos at ‘The People’s Champion,’ Dwayne Johnson. Targeting Johnson through his X account he quoted, “This biggest debut in Madison Square Garden since that bloke who wore the cringe tassels”.

Having said so much, it is high time for him to prove his in-ring prowess and further build himself as a star in WWE by defeating Rey Mysterio. Winning the United States championship would surely be a starting point in the journey of Grayson Waller. He would keep an eye on two of the major straps the SmackDown has to offer.

With Mysterio’s next opponent, there could be a big debate; however, these three stand as the prime candidates to fight the 48-year-old legend in the near future. Do you agree with the picks or is there someone else you think should get a title shot? Let us know in the comments.

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