Carmelo Hayes has held the United States Championship for 77 days since defeating Ilja Dragunov. The former NXT standout has maintained the tradition of defending the title through Open Challenges on SmackDown. However, with WrestleMania 42 approaching, several WWE stars are positioned to potentially claim the Carmelo Hayes US Title and create fresh storylines.
Potential Challengers to Carmelo Hayes’ United States Championship
The United States Championship could change hands soon to inject new energy into the title picture. Below are six WWE Superstars who have credible reasons and momentum to dethrone Carmelo Hayes before WrestleMania 42.
6. The Miz’s Chance for Redemption
The Miz has been embroiled in a heated feud with his former tag team partner, repeatedly falling short in previous encounters. If WWE aims to reignite this rivalry, The Miz could be the next to accept Hayes’ open challenge and capture the US Title. This move could set the stage for a WrestleMania-ending rematch, providing compelling motivation for Hayes to reclaim the championship.
5. Johnny Gargano’s Opportunity to Reignite His Career
Johnny Gargano has appeared emotionally affected by Tommaso Ciampa’s departure, often seen in vulnerable backstage moments. Challenging Carmelo Hayes for the United States Title could provide Gargano with a chance to regain his confidence and earn his first main roster singles title. A victory would not only revive Gargano’s momentum but also spark a captivating feud with Hayes.
4. Aleister Black’s Fresh Start
With Randy Orton now targeting the undisputed WWE Championship, Aleister Black’s brief storyline with the veteran appears concluded. WWE could capitalize on this by positioning Black to challenge and potentially unseat Hayes for the US Title. This victory would boost the Dutch Destroyer’s presence and lead to a compelling rivalry developing over the upcoming months.
3. Ilja Dragunov’s Intense Rivalry Potential
Known as the Mad Dragon for his fierce in-ring style, Ilja Dragunov remains a prominent figure on SmackDown. Answering Hayes’ open challenge again would provide Dragunov a high-profile storyline leading into WrestleMania 42. A heel turn could elevate his character further, allowing him to showcase greater aggression and mic skills, ultimately aiming to wrest the championship from Hayes and engage in a drawn-out feud.
2. Matt Cardona’s Possible Transformation
Although Matt Cardona recently failed to defeat Carmelo Hayes, he may still be in pursuit of the US Title. Having returned as a babyface, Cardona could shock audiences by turning heel with a surprise attack on Hayes. This would open the door for another championship bout, potentially culminating with Cardona winning the title and distancing himself from his Zack Ryder persona. Such a shift would introduce the WWE Universe to Cardona’s edgier “Indy God and Deathmatch King” persona.
1. Tama Tonga’s Unexpected Breakthrough
Tama Tonga has been featured in several backstage segments alongside Shinsuke Nakamura, discussing stepping out of Solo Sikoa’s shadow and targeting the United States Championship. As a former member of the Bullet Club, Tonga dethroning Carmelo Hayes would create an intriguing dynamic within the MFTs faction while allowing Tonga to emerge as a notable singles competitor. This surprising angle offers a fresh storyline ahead of WrestleMania 42.
The possibility of these six Superstars claiming the Carmelo Hayes US Title injects a strong sense of urgency and unpredictability into the current WWE landscape. Each contender brings unique motivations and character developments that could shape the narrative toward WrestleMania 42. Fans can expect intense rivalries and storyline twists as the title picture heats up in the coming weeks.
“This would give Hayes the motivation to try and get it back at WrestleMania 42, while also setting up the conclusion to their storyline.” – Source
“Perhaps Johnny Wrestling could find his old self again and dethrone Carmelo Hayes to win his first main roster singles title.” – Source
“Dragunov needs a prominent storyline to get into ahead of WrestleMania 42, and a heel turn could skyrocket his stock.” – Source
“This would separate him from his Zack Ryder gimmick once and for all, and would give the WWE Universe a glimpse of what the Indy God and Deathmatch King looks like.” – Source
“They have talked about going after the United States Title, and it makes the most sense for the former Bullet Club member to dethrone Carmelo Hayes next.” – Source
Tama Tonga is a current WWE Tag Team Champion.
Shinsuke Nakamura has been trying to get him away from MFT.
He has pinned Nakamura, Carmelo Hayes & Ilja Dragunov in consecutive weeks.
Interesting. pic.twitter.com/6KFNzWcA7G
— Finesse (@ProWFinesse) February 21, 2026
