After this week’s SmackDown episode, WWE superstars shared their reactions to their initial victories on the main roster. On the December 26th SmackDown, Ilya Dragunov successfully defended his United States Championship title against Carmelo Hayes. Hayes, a former NXT North American Champion, ultimately won the match, marking his first traditional championship since joining WWE’s main roster in April 2024.
Following his victory, Carmelo Hayes expressed his excitement on Twitter, sharing a video clip and stating it was an incredible feeling, as if the crowd lifted him to the top rope, which left him speechless. He also posted a photo of himself with the US title belt, captioning it, “Delays are not denied 🎯.”
This title change ended Dragunov’s 70-day reign, which started after his gold medal win against Sami Zayn on October 17. Additionally, WWE executive Triple H acknowledged Hayes’ championship win and hinted at exciting developments for 2026. Fans can stay updated with the latest WWE news and match highlights through official WWE channels and WrestleTalk.
Fan Take: Carmelo Hayes’ triumph represents a significant milestone in his WWE career, signaling the rise of fresh talent on the main stage. This shift not only energizes the roster but also promises engaging storylines, keeping WWE fans eagerly anticipating the future of the sport.
