Top 10 greatest United States Champions in WWE history

These superstars are among the biggest names in professional wrestling

Throughout the illustrious history of WWE, the United States Championship has been a symbol of excellence, valor, and determination. The championship was established on January 1, 1975.

Since its inception the title has been held by some of the greatest Superstars to grace the squared circle, and their reigns have left an indelible mark on wrestling history.

In this article, we celebrate the top 10 greatest United States Champions of all time, their memorable journeys, and the impact they had on the WWE landscape.

10. Rick Rude

‘Ravishing’ Rick Rude made his promotional debut during the WWF days in 1987. Rude was known for his chiseled physique and cocky persona. Rude was one of the founders of the D-Generation X stable which he founded alongside Shawn Michaels, Triple H, and Chyna.

Rude won the United States Championship in 1991 after defeating Sting. His US title reign lasted 378-day which makes it the second longest reign in the title’s history. However, he was forced to vacate the title in December 1992 after suffering a neck injury.

9. ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin

One of the biggest names in wrestling even today ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin was an integral part of WWE during the ‘Attitude Era’. Steve was known for his brassy persona and rebellious attitude. Austin was the United States Champion from 1993 to 1995.

Austin’s 240-day reign as United States Champion showcased a different side of his career before attaining main-event stardom. Due to knee and neck injuries, Austin retired from wrestling in 2003. Since then he has made several appearances in the promotion with a single in-ring performance against Kevin Owens in 2022.

8. Dean Ambrose

Dean Ambrose won the US title on May 19, 2013, and kicked off his 351-day reign which was the longest reign under the modern WWE banner. As part of The Shield, Ambrose displayed an unmatched tenacity and a penchant for mayhem.

Ambrose broke the previous record held by Montel Vontavious Porter during his title reign. Ambrose left the promotion in 2019 and is currently signed with the AEW where he performs under the ring name Jon Moxley Ambrose is the current AEW World Champion.

7. Bret Hart

Considered one of the most technical wrestlers in WWE history, Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart made his WWE debut in the 1980s. Hart quickly became one of the top names in the pro wrestling game displaying his immense technical game.

Hart compiled four reigns as the United States Champion and has memorable bouts with the likes of Diamond Dallas Page, and Roddy Piper among others. Hart defeated The Miz for the US title in 2010 and cemented himself as the greatest international talent to ever hold the US crown.

6. Sting

Wrestling legend and WWE Hall of Famer ‘The Hooligan’ Sting recently announced on an episode of AEW Dynamite that he would be retiring from in-ring competition in 2024. Sting was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 2, 2016. He is one of the most celebrated United States Champions of all time and gained huge recognition during his WWE run.

However, before WWE fans knew him for his signature colors, black and white. The WWE legend painted red, white, and blue across his face on multiple occasions. Sting won the US title in Baltimore, Maryland on July 7, 1990. He has held the US title twice in his WWE career with his second title reign lasting 148 days.

5. Lex Luger

Lex Luger is best known for his career in WCW and the WWE. Luger’s unmatched strength, combined with his All-American persona, made him a formidable force during his US title reign.

Luger had a physique like very few and entertained fans during the wrestling boom in the mid-to-late 1990s. Lex Luger, held the title an astonishing 523-day which is the longest in the promotion’s history. His championship run solidified his status as one of the most dominant United States Champions in WWE history.

Also Read: Top 10 greatest WWE champions in history

4. MVP

Montel Vontavious Porter better known among fans by three letters that is ‘MVP’. MVP is the highest-paid free agent in the history of SmackDown. He holds the fourth position with an impressive 343-day reign as United States Champion.

MVP has held the prestigious title multiple times and is well-known for his flashy persona and fashion choices. Currently, the former US champion is signed with the AEW where he is the leader and on-screen manager for The Hurt Syndicate.

3. Booker T

The final WCW World Heavyweight Champion and WCW United States Heavyweight Champion under the WCW banner Booker T held the prestigious title on four occasions. The Hall of Farmer was known for his distinct voice and his flashy persona that made him a legend among fans.

The Hall of Famer was only the second African-American to hold the US title. Booker’s US title reign boosted his wrestling career. He is currently signed with the WWE where he serves as a color commentator on the NXT.

Related: List of all United States Champions in WWE history

2. Ric Flair

‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair is Widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. Falir’s unmatched charisma, slick style, and signature “Woo!” captured the hearts of fans worldwide.

The Nature Boy holds the record for the most reigns as WWE United States Champion with six. He also is tied with John Cena for the most reigns as WWE Champion at 16. Flair’s championship reign was a true display of excellence which is reflected in his career achievements.

1. John Cena

Sitting at the top of the list is none other than ‘The GOAT’ himself, the ‘one you can’t see’ John Cena. Cena has a plethora of accolades in the ring and was the face of the company for a very long time. He is tied with WWE legend Ric Flair for the record of being the 16-time world champion.

After winning the title, Cena took the US title to new heights in his career. Cena made the US title feel as important as world titles due to the open challenge every week. The former WWE champion in his last two title reigns defended the title every week in an open challenge that made fan favorite.

He has held the U.S. Title more times than anyone since the championship was absorbed by WWE. Although Cena isn’t even in the top ten list of longest-reigning US champions his title reign added importance and prestige to the title.

Do you agree with our list of the greatest United States Champions? Do you think we have missed any stars on the list? Let us know your thoughts and opinions on this topic in the comments section below.

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