Hayes answers open challenge and secures first U.S. Championship reign
Summary
– Carmelo Hayes defeated Ilja Dragunov to win the WWE United States Championship
– The victory came after answering Dragunov’s open challenge on SmackDown
– Dragunov personally presented Hayes with the title following the match
Carmelo Hayes added a major accolade to his main roster résumé by winning the WWE United States Championship on the December 26 episode of SmackDown. Hayes answered Ilja Dragunov’s open challenge and walked away with his first reign as United States Champion.
The match concluded with a fast-paced finishing sequence that showcased the athleticism of both competitors. Dragunov attempted a high-risk maneuver from the top rope, but Hayes intercepted him mid-air with a codebreaker before delivering Nothing But Net to secure the pinfall.
Following the bell, Dragunov placed the championship around Hayes’ waist himself. The moment was presented as a clear sign of respect and a symbolic passing of the torch between two of WWE’s most intense in-ring performers.
Dragunov’s run with the title came to an end after 63 days. During that stretch, he defended the championship seven times, issuing weekly open challenges against a wide range of opponents and quickly establishing the title as must-see television.
For Hayes, the win represents another defining milestone on SmackDown. The championship victory reinforces his growing momentum and supports his long-standing claim that Melo rarely misses.
