Zack Ryder is rumored to be the next challenger for United States Champion Rusev, according to NoDQ.com. The report says Ryder's recent victories could lead to a match with Rusev, potentially at Battleground.
A renewed push for Ryder
After a mid-card push in 2011 came to a screeching halt after WrestleMania 27, WWE used "The Long Island Iced Z" on television. When the company used the former Major Brother, it was as an enhancement talent. Ryder eventually went down to NXT to team with Mojo Rowley as the Hype Bros, finding better success as a fun mid-card team.
Over the past few months, Ryder has undergone a resurgence on the main roster. WWE placed Ryder in a multi-person ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship at this year's WrestleMania, a spot originally earmarked for the injured Neville. While many expected Kevin Owens or Sami Zayn to win the match and continue their feud, it was Ryder who ended up with the title. While Ryder's title run was short lived, he lost it to The Miz the next night on RAW, he was featured on television more than he was the past couple years. Last week, Ryder won an elimination match in the main event of the July 4th RAW, last eliminating Sheamus. Ryder pinned Sheamus again with an Elbro Drop on SmackDown and challenged Rusev to a title match.
The Report says the potential feud with Ryder marks the end of the "Bulgarian Brute's" feud with Titus O'Neil. Rusev forced O'Neil to submit to the Accolade on the Independence Day RAW to retain his championship. In a backstage promo on SmackDown, Rusev dared Ryder to challenge him in person and disparaged the Ryder and Americans in general.
Will Ryder win the title?
Ryder is in a better place creatively now than he was even a year ago when it was a surprise to even see him on TV. Ryder appears to be another person for Rusev to mow through and continue as champion. WWE has done a nice job rehabbing Rusev over the past couple of months after that horrible love triangle storyline and place in the directionless League of Nations. Ryder is not and should not win this feud, but hopefully, gets used on TV more in the future.
UPDATE: WWE is advertising Ryder vs. Rusev for the U.S. Title for this Monday's RAW.