The United States Championship has typically been associated with rising stars and mid-card performers looking to establish themselves. However, some of wrestling’s most seasoned veterans have captured this prestigious title during the final years of their careers. These record-breaking champions proved that experience can overcome youthful athleticism.
Some wrestlers achieved their first United States Championship after decades in the business. Others returned to reclaim past glory during career revival periods. The oldest WWE United States Champions represent different eras and showcase incredible longevity in professional wrestling. Here’s our countdown of the 10 oldest WWE United States Champions.
10. Jeff Hardy – 40 years, 8 months (April 16, 2018 – Raw)
Jeff Hardy won the United States Championship for the first time by defeating Jinder Mahal on Raw after being traded to the red brand. The match was competitive, with Mahal trying to grind down Hardy’s momentum. Late in the match, Hardy dodged a Khallas and connected with Whisper in the Wind, followed by a Twist of Fate and Swanton Bomb for the win.
9. Booker T – 40 years, 10 months (July 24, 2006 – Raw)
While holding the King of the Ring crown, Booker T won the U.S. Title by defeating Chris Benoit in the Best of Seven Series finale, filling in for an injured Randy Orton. The match was technically sound, with Benoit nearly securing the Crippler Crossface late. However, a distraction from Queen Sharmell allowed Booker to hit a Scissors Kick to seal the victory.
8. Bobby Roode – 41 years, 8 months (January 16, 2018 – SmackDown)
Bobby Roode won the United States Championship by defeating Jinder Mahal in the finals of a tournament on SmackDown. After countering Mahal’s Khallas attempt, Roode hit a spinebuster and then executed the Glorious DDT for the clean win.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 United States Championship Reigns of All Time
7. AJ Styles – 42 years, 1 month (July 7, 2019 – Extreme Rules)
AJ Styles defeated Ricochet at Extreme Rules 2019 to win the United States Championship as part of his heel turn and reunion with The Club. The match featured Ricochet’s dazzling athleticism against AJ’s veteran precision. After Gallows and Anderson distracted the referee, Styles caught Ricochet mid-flight and delivered a thunderous second-rope Styles Clash for the win.
6. Rey Mysterio – 44 years, 11 months (August 11, 2023 – SmackDown)
Rey Mysterio won the United States Championship from Austin Theory on SmackDown, filling in for an injured Santos Escobar. Rey countered Theory’s speed and strength with lucha finesse, including a signature sliding splash and springboard senton. After escaping the A-Town Down, Rey hit the 619 followed by a top-rope splash for the pin.
5. Bobby Lashley – 45 years, 11 months (May 17, 2022 – Raw)
Lashley defeated Theory on Raw to recapture the U.S. Title. The match was part of their ongoing feud, with Theory mocking Lashley’s age and dominance. Lashley absorbed Theory’s cheap shots and reversals before catching him in the Hurt Lock. Theory tried to escape, but Lashley wrenched back with full force, forcing the tap-out.
4. Chris Jericho – 46 years, 5 months (January 9, 2017 – Raw)
Chris Jericho won his first United States Championship by defeating Roman Reigns in a handicap match with Kevin Owens on Raw. After multiple close calls, Owens hit Reigns with a superkick behind the ref’s back. Jericho capitalized with a Codebreaker and pinned Reigns clean.
.@IAmJericho pins @WWERomanReigns to win the #USTitle for the first time ever! #RAW @FightOwensFight pic.twitter.com/AwcweDFGw7
— WWE (@WWE) January 10, 2017
3. R-Truth – 47 years, 10 days (May 20, 2019 – SmackDown – Taped May 14)
R-Truth defeated Samoa Joe to win the U.S. Title in a surprise roll-up on SmackDown. Joe dominated the match with his strikes and power moves, but Truth used his agility and awareness to stay alive. As Joe attempted to lock in the Coquina Clutch, Truth shifted his weight and trapped Joe in a sudden small package for the three-count.
2. Finlay – 48 years, 6 months (July 11, 2006 – SmackDown)
Finlay won the United States Championship by defeating Bobby Lashley on SmackDown. Lashley’s power dominated the early portions, but interference from Hornswoggle and a hidden shillelagh turned the tide. As the referee was distracted, Finlay struck Lashley with the weapon and quickly executed a short-arm clothesline to get the pinfall.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 Youngest United States Champions of All Time
Who is the oldest WWE United States Champion of all time?
Bret Hart – 52 years, 10 months (May 17, 2010 – Raw)
Bret Hart defeated The Miz on Raw to win the United States Championship, marking his first U.S. Title and his final in-ring title win. Protected heavily due to health concerns, the match saw the Hart Dynasty (Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith) neutralize Miz’s interference attempts. After Miz was distracted and rolled back into the ring, Bret capitalized with a weak clothesline and locked in a symbolic Sharpshooter. Miz quickly tapped out, making Hart the oldest WWE United States Champion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age difference between the youngest and oldest WWE United States Champions?
The age difference is approximately 28 years and 2 months. Bret Hart was 52 years, 10 months when he won the title, while Austin Theory was 24 years, 8 months, 16 days during his championship victory.
How many wrestlers won their first WWE United States Championship after age 45?
Three wrestlers achieved this milestone: Bret Hart (first U.S. Title at age 52), R-Truth (age 47), and Chris Jericho (age 46). Jericho’s victory completed his Grand Slam achievement.
What makes Bret Hart’s United States Championship victory so special?
Bret Hart’s victory was remarkable because it came after his career-ending concussion and stroke. At 52, this was his first United States Championship and final in-ring title win.
Did any of these older champions win the United States Title as their first WWE championship?
Yes, several wrestlers, like Bret Hart, captured the United States Championship as either their first WWE title in years or a new achievement late in their careers, adding special significance to their victories.
