The belt that Dolph Ziggler left vacant a month ago now has a new owner. Bobby Roode defeated Jinder Mahal in the final of the tournament and won the United States Championship, the first one on the main roster, on SmackDown in Texas.
Although the belt match was not scheduled, Daniel Bryan decided to arrange the fight after the 'Maharaja' attacked the 'Glorious'. The fact happened after the former NXT champion defeated Mojo Rawley in the semifinals.
Mahal, taking advantage of having fought earlier and won against Xavier Woods, attacked Roode. This prompted Bobby to request the fight on the same blue show; however, the Indian did not want to accept it, but to postpone it for the next week.
However, he forgot that the one who gives the orders is the SmackDown manager. Daniel Bryan came out and, seeing that the two finalists of the tournament were already known, decided to confirm the fight as the main event of the evening.
Roode defeated Rawley in the semifinals. (WWE)
In the fight, Mahal was about to be the winner, thanks to his 'Khalas', but Roode prevented the three count. Minutes later, the former NXT wrestler dodged a move and applied his 'Glorious DDT' to secure the victory.
PREVIEW:
Dolph Ziggler's resignation continues to affect WWE as they had to hold a new tournament to determine the United States champion. Tonight (8:00 pm, via Fox Sports 3), the semifinals will take place.
Jinder Mahal and Xavier Woods are participants in one bracket, while Bobby Roode and Mojo Rawley are in the other. The final will take place next week.
On the women's side, Charlotte Flair, Naomi, and Becky Lynch will team up to clash against The Riott Squad. Last week, Ruby Riott lost to Becky Lynch, which sparked today's rematch.
After losing last week to Randy Orton, Shinsuke Nakamura, and AJ Styles, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are hoping for an opportunity to win a title at the Royal Rumble. The event will take place on January 28th.