Carmelo Hayes’ Breakout Moment: Rising Star Captures U.S. Championship on WWE SmackDown
In a significant development for WWE’s SmackDown brand, Carmelo Hayes has firmly established himself as one of the company’s most promising talents. The former NXT Champion, who has been steadily building momentum since joining the main roster, has finally received the breakthrough moment fans have been eagerly anticipating. According to reports from WrestleVotes on Fightful Select, Hayes has garnered impressive reviews from WWE officials behind the scenes, with many holding high expectations for his future in professional wrestling. Beyond his in-ring abilities, Hayes has cultivated positive relationships throughout the company, earning the respect of both his peers and higher-ranking executives. This combination of talent and interpersonal skills has positioned him favorably for continued success on the blue brand.
The culmination of Hayes’ hard work and growing popularity came during the final SmackDown taping of 2025, where he answered Ilja Dragunov’s United States Championship open challenge. In what will be remembered as a career-defining moment, Hayes delivered his finishing move, “Nothing But Net,” to secure the victory and claim his first championship on WWE’s main roster. The significance of the moment wasn’t lost on either competitor, as Hayes and Dragunov shared a respectful embrace following the match, highlighting the sportsmanship that exists even amid fierce competition. This victory marks Hayes’ entrance into 2026 as the new United States Champion, a title that has historically served as a stepping stone for future world champions.
Hayes’ journey to this championship moment hasn’t been without obstacles. His previous attempt to capture the United States Championship was derailed by interference from Tommaso Ciampa, creating a storyline rivalry that may continue despite Hayes’ triumph. The unresolved tension between Hayes and Ciampa suggests that while Hayes has claimed championship gold, his challenges are far from over. Wrestling storylines thrive on such ongoing conflicts, and the potential for Hayes to defend his newly-won title against Ciampa in a proper singles match could provide compelling television in the weeks to come. This narrative complexity adds layers to Hayes’ character development as he transitions from challenger to champion.
What remains unclear is whether Hayes will continue the open challenge tradition established by Dragunov during his reign. Open challenges have historically provided exciting, unpredictable television moments while offering opportunities for unexpected talent to showcase their abilities on a bigger stage. Should Hayes adopt this approach, it would not only honor the legacy of the championship but also potentially create opportunities for fresh matchups and rivalries. The United States Championship has long functioned as a workhorse title in WWE, often featuring in weekly television defenses that highlight the incredible talent throughout the roster, and Hayes appears well-positioned to maintain this tradition.
Hayes’ championship victory represents more than just personal achievement; it signals WWE’s commitment to elevating new stars as the company moves forward. As a standout performer from NXT, Hayes embodies the successful talent development pipeline that WWE has established, demonstrating how performers can transition from the developmental brand to championship success on the main roster. His technical prowess, charisma, and ability to connect with audiences have made him a valuable asset to the SmackDown brand. The decision to put the United States Championship on Hayes indicates that WWE officials see significant potential in him as a featured performer who can help carry the company into the future.
As WWE approaches 2026 with Carmelo Hayes as United States Champion, fans can anticipate exciting developments in his championship reign. Whether defending against established veterans or emerging talents, Hayes now has the platform to further showcase his abilities while carrying the prestige of one of WWE’s most storied championships. His journey from NXT Champion to United States Champion illustrates the potential career trajectory for WWE performers who consistently deliver quality performances. With strong backing from WWE officials and growing fan support, Hayes appears poised for a successful championship run that could potentially lead to even greater opportunities in the future. Wrestling fans will certainly be watching closely to see how this talented performer evolves as a champion and what heights he might reach in his WWE career.
