Royal Rumble 2016 results: Kalisto defeats Alberto del Rio to recapture United States Championship

For the second time, Kalisto is the WWE United States Champion, defeating Alberto Del Rio in the third title match between the two.

Kalisto won his first U.S. title shot earlier in the month when he beat Del Rio in a non-title match. That led to him getting a title shot, and he beat Del Rio to capture his first ever singles title in WWE. Del Rio won a rematch, thanks to interference from his League of Nations teammate Wade Barrett, setting up this rubber match at the Royal Rumble.

This match featured all kinds of classic lucha fun, with lots of top rope moves, elaborate counter-attacks and head-scissor takedowns. Kalisto thought he had the win when he countered a stomp attempt from the top rope by Del Rio into a Salina del Sol, but Del Rio was able to grab the rope on the pin.

Del Rio took the padding off one of the corners, exposing a steel turnbuckle. He tried to push Kalisto into it, but he countered, sending Del Rio’s face into the metal. With Del Rio dazed, Kalisto hit Salida del Sol for a second time and scored a pin to recaptured the U.S. title.