Carmelo Hayes has maintained a strong hold on the WWE United States Championship since capturing it on the last SmackDown of the previous year. Continuing the tradition of an open challenge initiated by Sami Zayn, Hayes kept the title defense open to any contender, following the precedent set during both Zayn’s and Ilja Dragunov’s reigns.
After reclaiming the championship from Dragunov last week, Hayes announced another open challenge for the SmackDown event held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aiming to prove his dominance with another successful defense.
Rey Fenix Steps Up for the Open Challenge on SmackDown
The Luchador Rey Fenix accepted Carmelo Hayes’ latest US Title defense challenge on Friday Night SmackDown, seeking to claim the championship himself. Fenix had previously attempted to win the belt while Sami Zayn was champion but was unsuccessful.
Both wrestlers pushed their limits throughout a tense, high-impact match marked by near victories on each side. The battle tested their endurance and skill, with neither competitor yielding ground easily.
In a critical moment, Fenix appeared poised to finish off Hayes after a series of rapid strikes, but Hayes countered with a move known as First 48. Then climbing the top rope, Hayes delivered the Nothing But Net finisher to secure his victory and retain the United States Championship.
Other Headlines from WWE SmackDown and Beyond
Seth Rollins’ staged injury leading up to SummerSlam 2025 caught many fans off guard, sparking widespread reaction within the WWE community. Meanwhile, speculation surrounds AJ Styles potentially retiring at the upcoming WWE Royal Rumble event.
Chris Jericho is expected to make a notable return to WWE at the Royal Rumble, but news about his appearance carries an uncertain tone. Tony Khan expressed clear excitement after signing a former WWE champion, signaling ongoing competition between wrestling promotions.
Debate continues over Vince McMahon’s possible return to WWE, with some insisting it should depend on certain unresolved issues. Additionally, a former WWE champion has shared details about a new career path following their departure from the company under difficult circumstances.
Insights from Seth Rollins have revealed original plans for The Shield’s breakup, highlighting the memorable moments created by Rollins, Roman Reigns, and Dean Ambrose during their time together.
The Significance of Hayes’ Latest Title Defense
Carmelo Hayes’ ability to fend off strong challengers like Rey Fenix highlights his growing status as a formidable champion in WWE SmackDown’s United States division. Holding the title amid fierce opposition in Riyadh underscores both Hayes’ resilience and WWE’s investment in increasing the championship’s prestige globally.
As Hayes continues this open challenge format, the title defenses are likely to remain intense and unpredictable, keeping fans eager about who may next rise to challenge him. His reign represents a decisive era for the US Title, emphasizing athleticism and high-stakes competition on an international stage.
