UNIONDALE, N.Y. – Shelton Benjamin defeated Matt Hardy at The Great American Bash in the legendary Nassau Coliseum to become the new United States Champion – making history and ending a “Bash” streak, becoming the first Superstar to ever challenge for the U.S. Title at the event and win it the same night.
In a clash of two of WWE’s high-flying, risk-taking Superstars, Benjamin added to his impressive championship résumé that already included reigns as an Intercontinental Champion and Tag Team Champion, capitalizing on one mistake by Hardy in a match that was back-and-forth from start to finish. Hardy seemingly became disoriented after a moonsault, and Shelton Benjamin used that split second to bring Hardy down and earn the victory.
Now, the Gold Standard can call himself United States Champion, earning another title and bringing the gold with him to Friday Night SmackDown. Throughout his career, Benjamin has proven himself to be a fighting champion when he carries gold around his waist – and now, after more than two years without a major singles title to call his own, Shelton Benjamin will undoubtedly look to cement his legacy with his newly-won United States Championship.