WWE United States Champion Trick Williams announced a plan to establish the U.S. Championship as the main event of SmackDown [1].
This shift in positioning represents an effort to redefine the hierarchy of titles on the blue brand. By moving the championship to the final slot of the evening, Williams intends to increase the prestige of the title and demonstrate his own dominance as the current holder [1].
Williams outlined this strategy during the May 2026 broadcast of SmackDown [1]. He said that the championship should serve as the centerpiece of the show to prove why he is the champion [1]. The move suggests a departure from traditional booking, where the top-tier world championships typically anchor the final segment of the program.
Throughout the segment, Williams focused on the perceived value of the U.S. title. He said his goal is to ensure the championship is viewed as the primary attraction of the television program [1]. This ambition aligns with a broader effort to raise the profile of mid-card titles within the organization.
By centering the show around the U.S. Championship, Williams aims to create a new standard for future titleholders [1]. He said this approach will show the world why he currently holds the belt [1]. The plan emphasizes a shift in focus toward the athletic and narrative importance of the U.S. title over other secondary belts.
“Trick Williams announced a plan to establish the U.S. Championship as the main event of SmackDown.”
This initiative signals a potential shift in WWE's creative direction for SmackDown, moving away from a rigid hierarchy where only world titles headline. By elevating the U.S. Championship to a main-event status, the company may be testing whether a strong champion can drive viewership and engagement independently of the primary world title, effectively increasing the value of the mid-card division.
