World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk is aiming to capture the WWE United States Championship, seeking to add another major accolade to his decorated career. Having already secured multiple titles and headlined numerous marquee matches, Punk is now focused on claiming a title he has never held, vowing to challenge Carmelo Hayes for the championship. This move could disrupt current brand dynamics, but pursuing the US Title could crown Punk as a dual champion alongside Dominik Mysterio, who currently holds both the Intercontinental and AAA Mega Championships on RAW.
Royal Rumble Win and US Championship Essential to Punk’s Legacy
During the Countdown to Royal Rumble, CM Punk discussed the milestones he still wants to achieve in WWE. Although he is the reigning Heavyweight Champion, which excludes him from this year’s Royal Rumble event, he emphasized the importance of winning the Rumble for career fulfillment. In addition to that, Punk highlighted the United States Championship as the one title he has yet to conquer, stating that holding it would establish him as a modern Grand Slam Champion. He directly called out Carmelo Hayes, signaling a high-profile rivalry on the horizon.
“I feel like at this stage, I’ve done everything twice! The only thing I haven’t done is win the Royal Rumble. So, if I want to be a completionist, I think I need to win the Rumble. And there’s a title out there I need to win to kind of make me a new age Grand Slam Champion. I think it’s the US Title. So, CARMELO HAYES! I’m coming for you,” CM Punk said.
Carmelo Hayes Responds to Punk’s Challenge with Open Invitation
Carmelo Hayes quickly acknowledged Punk’s callout through social media, reminding the World Heavyweight Champion that challenges are available every Friday on SmackDown. Hayes suggested that any upcoming contests would carry significant stakes where the victor could claim everything on the line.
“Challenge open every Friday, Champ. Winner takes all tho 😉,” wrote Hayes.
Background on Carmelo Hayes’ Reign and US Title Significance
Hayes captured the United States Championship from Ilja Dragunov in December and has successfully defended the title multiple times since then. His reign upholds a tradition popularized by John Cena over a decade ago and revitalized recently by Sami Zayn, followed by Dragunov. Hayes continues this legacy as a determined champion facing a high-stakes challenge from CM Punk, who aims to join the exclusive ranks of WWE Grand Slam Champions with a US Title victory.
The Potential Impact of Punk’s Pursuit on WWE’s Landscape
CM Punk’s pursuit of the US Title adds an intriguing dimension to WWE’s storylines, particularly concerning dual championship status within the current brand split era. If Punk succeeds, it would underscore his career completion and enhance his legacy as one of WWE’s most decorated and versatile superstars. Meanwhile, the rivalry with Carmelo Hayes is set to generate considerable excitement on Friday Night SmackDown, keeping fans eagerly anticipating future matchups and title implications.
Challenge open every Friday, Champ. Winner takes all tho 😉 https://t.co/ARiRHSNYYg
— Carmelo Hayes (@Carmelo_WWE) January 31, 2026
