The United States Championship is already back on SmackDown.
After defeating Jinder Mahal for the title on Raw last night, Hardy became the second wrestler to move to SmackDown in this year’s Superstar Shakeup. Hardys’ appearance tonight was the first time he’s been on SmackDown since 2009.
In his first match since joining the brand, Hardy defeated Shelton Benjamin with a Swanton Bomb. That came after Benjamin cut a heel promo where he said he never needed Chad Gable, claiming to be hacked when he praised Gable as a partner on Twitter. Benjamin said he talked to Paige and asked her to send him competition, which brought out Randy Orton before Hardy entered.
Hardy defending his US title against Mahal is scheduled for the Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia on April 27th. Orton was supposed to face Mahal for the championship at Backlash on May 6th but could end up challenging Hardy instead.
The Miz was the first person to join SmackDown in this year’s Shakeup.