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In an eventful Friday night episode of "SmackDown," Austin Theory held on to his coveted WWE United States Championship in a somewhat contentious victory over Sheamus. The electrifying clash unfolded at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York, adding extra intensity to the already heated encounter.
The match turned unexpectedly when Theory was entangled in a web of interference. Pretty Deadly, a notorious duo known for their cunning tactics, seized the opportunity to wreak havoc at ringside, causing a considerable distraction for both competitors.
However, before they could cause further chaos, The Brawling Brutes—comprising the formidable duo of Ridge Holland and Butch—swiftly intervened, driving Pretty Deadly away from the scene.
Theory's Controversial Triumph Stuns SmackDown
Amidst the chaos, Theory capitalized on the confusion and struck Sheamus from behind, delivering a devastating blow that left the Celtic Warrior reeling.
Seizing the moment, Theory unleashed his signature A-Town Down finisher, effectively pinning Sheamus to secure the hard-fought victory. The encounter lasted just over ten minutes, but its impact reverberated throughout the arena, leaving fans both exhilarated and perplexed by the strange turn of events.
Remarkably, this marked Theory's second successful defense of the U.S. Title at Madison Square Garden, adding another accolade to his already impressive resume. Previously, in March, he bested Seth Rollins in a thrilling steel cage match during a non-televised live event, demonstrating his resilience and determination.
However, it is worth noting that Theory's initial foray into Madison Square Garden was met with a humbling defeat at the hands of the unbeatable Brock Lesnar in March 2022, in a match that lasted a mere 90 seconds. With his victory over Sheamus, Theory's reign as the U.S.
Champion now extends to 224 days. Yet, as SummerSlam looms on the horizon, speculation runs rife regarding the identity of his next challenger. The theory has been absent from the past two WWE premium live events, leaving fans and pundits alike to speculate on the reasoning behind this decision.
As the WWE universe eagerly anticipates Theory's next move, one thing remains certain: the young champion has repeatedly proven that he possesses the tenacity and skill required to hold on to his coveted U.S. Title. With each successful defense, Theory solidifies his standing among the elite ranks of WWE superstars, leaving fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in his championship journey.