WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio shocked the wrestling world when he defeated Austin Theory a couple of weeks back to win the United States Championship. It is the first championship win of ‘The Master of 61’9 in the last two years.
On the August 11 episode of SmackDown, LWO member Santos Escobar was scheduled to face Austin Theory for the United States Championship. Escobar had earned the right to face Theory after winning a tournament to determine the challenger for the US title, where he defeated his stablemate Mysterio as well.
However, Theory attacked Escobar twice before their match had even begun. This led to Rey filling in for his injured friend and facing Austin Theory for the championship in Escobar’s place. Rey went on to win the match and capture the US title for the third time in his long career.
Rey Mysterio defeats Grayson Waller
On Friday Night SmackDown this week, WWE aired a tribute to honor the recently deceased Bray Wyatt and Terry Funk. In addition to that, Iyo Sky defended her title against LWO member Zelina Vega, while Rey Mysterio was involved in a match against Grayson Waller. After a few back-and-forths between Waller and LWO backstage, The Master of 619 took him on in singles action last night.
👊 #SmackDown: Rey Mysterio defies the odds against Grayson Waller! A stunning victory by Rey! 🙌 #ReyMysterio #GraysonWaller #Tribute pic.twitter.com/4VJW8pg0m6
— Wrestle Buddy (@WrestleBuddy_Ak) August 26, 2023
During the match, Austin Theory tried to interfere at one point. This distraction almost cost Rey the match, but Santos Escobar came out to make the save. He attacked Theory and allowed Rey to focus on the match. The Hall of Famer quickly nailed Waller with the 619 and pinned him after a frog splash. The LWO members celebrated their win while Theory was staring them down.
Rey Mysterio set to face Austin Theory at WWE Payback
After Rey Mysterio defeated Grayson Waller in their singles match at SmackDown last night, it was announced that the Hall of Famer would have his first title defense at WWE’s upcoming Premium Live Event ‘Payback’, next month and his opponent would be Austin Theory, who would get a chance to reclaim the title that he had held on to for so long.
During his long title reign, Austin defended the US Championship against the likes of Seth Rollins, AJ Styles, John Cena, Bobby Lashley, and Edge to name a few. Now, he is set to get a shot at getting back the championship in his match against the legendary luchador.
On a separate note, although Theory has accomplished a great milestone by being the US champion for so long, he has failed to win over the fans. Some think that he was being prepared to become the next John Cena. However, poor booking by WWE Management is considered the primary cause behind his current state amongst the viewers.
It should be noted that Rey Mysterio’s current contract expires soon. His winning the US Championship might be a way for WWE to keep the legendary luchador on board. On the other hand, Rey has gone on record to say that he would like to stick around as well. as he likes to mentor the younger stars.
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