Theory is the new WWE United States Champion

Theory defeated Finn Balor on this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw to win the WWE United States Championship.

It's a THEORY CELEBRATION on #WWERaw! pic.twitter.com/cv0ugGXCZd

— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2022

Theory worked over Finn Balor’s neck after severely injuring it with a neck breaker off of the ring apron and down to the floor. The action went back and forth, but Balor couldn’t overcome that setback. After the win, he celebrated in the ring and then was lifted onto the shoulders of the Raw heels. As they raised his arms in victory, Vince McMahon made his entrance. Theory met McMahon at the top of the ramp and took a selfie with him. McMahon then raised his arms in victory.

Theory has been McMahon’s protege since being drafted to Monday Night Raw in the fall 2021 WWE Draft. He faced Pat McAfee at WrestleMania 38 with McMahon in his corner. Theory lost the match, but then helped McMahon win an impromptu match with McAfee. McMahon defeated McAfee, but was then faced off with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Austin hit the Stunner on Theory, McMahon, and McAfee too.

After WrestleMania 38, Theory revealed that he had dropped “Austin” from his name at the request of Mr. McMahon. This championship win on Monday was Theory’s first title victory since joining the company in August of 2019. He spent time in NXT as part of The Way alongside Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae, and Indi Hartwell.

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