Carmelo Hayes United States Championship win electrified fans as he overcame fierce competition to secure the prestigious title this past week. His achievement marked a significant milestone, making him the first black superstar since 2022 to win the WWE United States Championship at a major WWE event.
The Path to the Championship and Key Moments
Hayes achieved this landmark by defeating Ilja Dragunov in a hard-fought contest. The decisive moment arrived when Hayes connected with his signature move, Nothing But Net, pinning Dragunov and clinching the title. Notably, this move was the same maneuver Hayes intended to unleash during a previous encounter with Dragunov, a moment that was interrupted by Ciampa.
Dragunov, also known as Mad Dragon, saw his impressive reign come to an end. Before falling to Hayes, Dragunov had successfully defended the United States Championship seven times, solidifying his standing in the division.
Aftermath: Emerging Rivalries and Future Challenges
Shortly after his historic win, Carmelo Hayes was interviewed backstage by Cathy Kelley. However, his victory celebration was brief, as Johnny Gargano launched a sudden attack, signaling a new and immediate challenge for the newly-crowned champion. This confrontation hints at a renewed rivalry and suggests that Gargano may be positioning himself as the next contender for the United States Championship.
“HE DID IT!!!! @Carmelo_WWE beat @UNBESIEGBAR_ZAR for the United States Championship!! ? pic.twitter.com/n56mC6xVzE”— WWE
The championship scene in WWE continues to evolve, with Hayes now joining an exclusive group of superstars to hold the United States title. Bobby Lashley was the previous black champion to hold the belt in 2022, highlighting the significance of Hayes’ victory. With new contenders like Johnny Gargano stepping up, the path forward promises more intense rivalries and high-stakes matches for the United States Championship.
HE DID IT!!!! @Carmelo_WWE beat @UNBESIEGBAR_ZAR for the United States Championship!! 👏 pic.twitter.com/n56mC6xVzE
— WWE (@WWE) December 27, 2025
