Money in the Bank 2016 Rusev v Titus O’Neil

If America is the land of opportunity, then Titus O’Neil took that message to heart: After weeks of aggressively pursuing a U.S. Championship Match, The Big Deal will officially challenge Rusev for the prestigious championship at Money in the Bank.

Like all opportunities, however, this one didn’t exactly get handed to O’Neil without a few hurdles. The former WWE Tag Team Champion seemed to appoint himself as The Super Athlete’s challenger almost as soon as Rusev won the U.S. Title from Kalisto, taking particular exception to the Bulgarian’s claim that he is a true “American hero.” The championship, according to Rusev, should go to the Superstar who displays the kind of superiority and resolve that is symbolic of the United States, which makes him, one of the most ferocious competitors in the ring today, the rightful bearer of the title.

Given those boasts, O’Neil, man known for his philanthropic ventures as well as his in-ring prowess, challenged The Bulgarian Brute to put his money where his mouth was after almost each and every one of his matches and put the U.S. Title on the line as any honest American would for a worthy challenger. Each time, Rusev refused to grant Titus the opportunity, even when O’Neil hauled off and slapped The Super Athlete in the mouth.

But where Rusev was stubborn (some would say cowardly), WWE officials apparently recognized the kind of enterprising spirit that comprised the very backbone of the American dream all those years ago, and sanctioned a bout between the two at Money in the Bank. If nothing else, it’s safe to say that Titus O’Neil has made his own opportunity. That’s about as American as it gets. Now it’s on him to follow through.