Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty Images
The idea that in 2025, people are arguing that CM Punk, Roman Reigns, or John Cena would have made better Royal Rumble winners than Jey Uso is mindblowing. They are likely the same fans who, five years ago, would have scoffed at the idea that established stars of that magnitude would have a Rumble win wasted on them instead of a fresh face in the main event scene.
In his 14 years with WWE, Uso has risen from tag team specialist to the breakout star of The Bloodline story, became an undeniable singles star, and is as popular as any of those three aforementioned Hall of Fame-worthy competitors. He sells a ton of merch and fans genuinely want to see him win.
If that is not a story that the WWE faithful should get behind and embrace on this road to WrestleMania 41 and what will likely be a World Heavyweight Championship match against Gunther, who has repeatedly referred to him as a “cartoon character” or “mascot,” nothing is.
Uso’s story is not dissimilar to that of Daniel Bryan or Kofi Kingston, two underdogs who got over with audiences until there was no choice but to book them in the main event. Some may argue that we have seen Uso lose to Gunther already, as recently as on Saturday Night’s Main Event.
The Movement – Pro Wrestling @TheMovementXx
“I’m from the Tag Division, they don’t see us coming… I just won the Royal Rumble… I bet you didn’t see that coming!” – Jey Uso#RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/IpYXh6AKei
Bryan wrestled Randy Orton in three straight pay-per-views before beating him for the title at the following spring’s WrestleMania. Kingston lost to Bryan inside the Elimination Chamber just over a month out from the show, then again as part of a gauntlet match, before beating him at the Showcase of the Immortals.
The difference between those situations and Uso’s is that Triple H and Co. recognized Uso’s ascent earlier and planned on it, rather than being forced into a corner.
In an industry becoming more reliant on established stars, both in WWE and AEW, Uso emerging from where he did, breaking out thanks to some intensely personal promos, establishing a catchphrase, and becoming one of the most popular guys on any wrestling show, is something to be celebrated.
Read the full article here