The Carmelo Hayes new United States Champion era has officially begun following a high-stakes title change at the WWE SmackDown tapings on Friday, December 19, 2025. In what was described by live attendees at the Van Andel Arena as a “pay-per-view quality” main event, Hayes defeated the reigning champion, Ilja Dragunov, to capture his first piece of singles gold on the main roster.
The path to the Carmelo Hayes new United States Champion victory was marked by mutual respect and high-intensity physical competition. Earlier in the evening, the two had actually competed as a tag team, successfully defeating DIY (#DIY). Following their victory, Dragunov who had previously announced he was retiring his “U.S. Open Challenge” granted Hayes a one-on-one rematch as a show of respect for their shared history. In the closing moments of the championship bout, Hayes countered a Torpedo Moscow attempt into his signature “Nothing But Net” top-rope leg drop to secure the three-count.
Post-match, the Carmelo Hayes new United States Champion coronation featured an emotional moment that has already gone viral among spoiler-hungry fans. Dragunov, known as the “Mad Dragon,” personally fastened the United States Championship belt around Hayes’ waist before raising the new champion’s hand. This win caps off a monumental 2025 for Hayes, who also won the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal earlier this year, solidifying his status as the “Centerpiece” of the SmackDown brand.
While the live crowd witnessed the Carmelo Hayes new United States Champion win this Friday, the episode is scheduled to air on a tape delay on Friday, December 26, 2025, as part of WWE’s holiday broadcast schedule. WWE will officially recognize the start of Hayes’ reign on that date. With “Melo” now holding the gold, the landscape of Friday nights has shifted dramatically as the blue brand prepares for the Royal Rumble and the road to WrestleMania 42.
