In the third match of tonight's WWE Payback event, WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio successfully retained the WWE United States Championship against former champion Austin Theory.

Match results:

Rey Mysterio Defends United States Championship Against Austin Theory

The anticipation was palpable inside the packed PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA, as fans geared up for the first title match of WWE Payback 2023. Austin Theory, the former longest-reigning U.S. Champion of the past decade, made his way to the ring amid roaring crowd noise.

Not to be outdone, WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio, flanked by the entire LWO group, emerged to an equally electric ovation. After the LWO left the arena, Mysterio climbed into the ring to defend his United States Championship.

The match was an exhilarating rollercoaster of action. Theory, full of youthful vigor, gave Mysterio a run for his money with a series of powerful maneuvers. After a series of counters and near-falls, Theory seemed to be inching closer to reclaiming the U.S. title. The crowd, sensing the urgency, began rallying behind Mysterio.

In a suspenseful twist, Rey Mysterio managed to avoid Theory's A-Town Down finisher not once but twice. As Theory went for another finishing move, Mysterio countered with a surprise pin, clinching a 1-2-3 victory to retain his United States Championship.

With the #USTitle on the line at #WWEPayback, @reymysterio shows @_Theory1 why he is truly timeless! pic.twitter.com/7TamZy37ej

, WWE (@WWE) September 3, 2023

 

#USChampion @reymysterio has one tough task in defending against former champion @_Theory1 at #WWEPayback! pic.twitter.com/q4Pe81gCL3

, WWE (@WWE) September 3, 2023

 

#USChampion @reymysterio wins big at #WWEPayback!#AndStill pic.twitter.com/RGA5PpokPb

, WWE (@WWE) September 3, 2023

⚡ WWE Payback Coverage & Results (09/02/2023)

The following are the results of tonight's WWE Payback premium live event, courtesy of Matt Boone of Rajah.com: WWE PAYBACK RESUL [...]

, Caylon Knox Sep 02, 2023 08:30PM