An argument for–and against–Jey Uso

We wouldn’t be having this discussion had CM Punk won the Rumble…

Jey Uso/WWE

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Extra Mustard is a weekly column looking at the highs and lows–and everything in between–in combat sports and beyond.

If you’re Paul “Triple H” Levesque, the decision makes complete sense.

Whenever possible, you always choose to build a new star.

And that’s why Jey Uso won the Royal Rumble.

There is no doubt that Uso has a powerful ally in Roman Reigns, but it is insulting to imply that is why he was victorious in this year’s Rumble. Uso won because his connection with the crowd since last summer has intensified by the week. Unlike Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa, he has thrived in stories outside of The Bloodline–and there is even an argument to be made that Uso should have won the Money in the Bank contract last summer.

Uso is one of WWE’s most popular acts, bringing out a caliber of enthusiasm from live crowds that is rarely on display. His run as a singles star feels fresh, so it makes sense that Levesque would have him win the Rumble as opposed to an already established star like CM Punk.

There is a lot of criticism over Uso winning the Rumble, and a lot of it is valid. There were many, many deserving options to win that match–and not just John Cena, Punk, and Seth Rollins. Drew McIntyre would have made a compelling choice, and the same can be said for the newly returned AJ Styles. All those wrestlers share one distinguishable skill that is the precise area where Uso struggles: they consistently put on captivating matches, while Uso does not.

Jey Uso has a lot to prove at WrestleMania 41, especially after delivering a disappointing match at last year’s event/WWE

A year ago at WrestleMania, Uso wrestled brother Jimmy in a match that failed to connect. It is remarkable to think that, just one later, Uso will get a world title match at the event–but that is a direct result of his charisma, promos, and overall connection with the fan base. When you watch the crowd react to Uso, it is an outrageous outpouring of support.

Uso, however, is not someone who consistently has good matches, which was once a prerequisite for a WrestleMania main event. Despite Michael Cole’s call at the Rumble that Uso is going to the main event, it is highly unlikely that he’ll be anywhere close to a main event spot at either night of WrestleMania 41. Cody Rhodes should close the show, and while there is a chance that Uso could headline the opening night, that spot could also belong to Charlotte Flair, Roman Reigns, or even Kevin Owens and Zayn.