Carmelo Hayes, the reigning United States Champion, recently paid tribute to Shinsuke Nakamura after defending his title against the WWE veteran during SmackDown. This recognition highlights Hayes’ respect for his fellow competitor and emphasizes his journey as Carmelo Hayes United States Champion.
Hayes’ Successful Defense Against Nakamura on SmackDown
On the latest episode of SmackDown, Carmelo Hayes faced longtime WWE Superstar Shinsuke Nakamura, successfully retaining his United States Championship. Hayes, who secured the championship on December 19 by outperforming Ilja Dragunov in an open challenge, demonstrated his determination and resilience throughout the match. This defense against Nakamura, a former US Champion himself, further bolstered Hayes’ reputation on the main roster.
After the bout, Hayes used social media to acknowledge Nakamura’s influence and legacy within WWE. With a brief but meaningful post, Hayes shared a public gesture of respect by calling Nakamura a legend: “Legend @ShinsukeN,”—Carmelo Hayes, WWE United States Champion.
Rise to the Main Roster and Championship Victory
Carmelo Hayes advanced to WWE’s main roster as part of the 2024 Draft, where he was a top pick for the SmackDown brand, selected third overall. His debut match on the main roster saw him take on Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, where Hayes came up short but gained valuable experience. Not deterred by the loss, Hayes set his sights on the United States Championship, eventually securing a significant victory against Ilja Dragunov, which marked his ascent to one of WWE’s prized titles.
Post-Match Reflections and Gratitude
Immediately after claiming the United States Championship, Carmelo Hayes sat down with Cathy Kelley for a backstage interview. He shared how the journey to the championship was not without obstacles, emphasizing persistence and the support of his predecessors, especially Ilja Dragunov. Hayes commented on the honor of following in Dragunov’s footsteps and how the former champion inspired him to reach new heights:
“I was delayed, but I was not denied. Ilja Dragunov, I just want to thank you for elevating this championship. I want to thank you for elevating me, and I want to thank you for reminding me who I am. And that is HIM. The jerseys are going back in the rafters, the division is on notice.”
This respectful acknowledgment signaled Hayes’ intent to build upon the legacy left by Dragunov and to set a higher standard for the division as champion.
The Road Ahead for Hayes and the WWE United States Title
Ilja Dragunov’s prior run helped restore attention to the United States Championship before Hayes’ victory. Dragunov had captured the title from Sami Zayn after returning from injury and held it until facing Hayes. Now, as United States Champion, Carmelo Hayes stands at a pivotal point in his WWE career, determined to raise the championship’s profile further and challenge anyone who steps into the division.
As Hayes continues to defend his title against top WWE talent, his energetic performances and willingness to honor his peers hint at an impactful reign. His recent defense against Shinsuke Nakamura and public acknowledgment of the Japanese superstar underscore the champion’s blend of pride and respect—elements vital for sustaining the legacy of the United States Championship within WWE’s fast-paced environment.
Legend 🤝 @ShinsukeN pic.twitter.com/jIOH2aeka8
— Carmelo Hayes (@Carmelo_WWE) January 10, 2026
