Kevin Owens WWE reaction drew attention after Carmelo Hayes achieved a major milestone by winning his first championship on the WWE main roster. On December 26, 2025, during WWE SmackDown, Hayes defeated Ilja Dragunov to seize the United States Championship in a match taped the previous week, marking a pivotal point in Hayes’ career and generating an outpouring of support from fellow wrestlers and fans.
Carmelo Hayes Makes History on SmackDown
Carmelo Hayes secured his historic victory over Ilja Dragunov to claim the United States Championship, signaling his arrival as a force on the main roster. The match, which aired on December 26, 2025, showcased Hayes’ determination, culminating in a win that brought both personal and professional fulfillment. Immediately after the televised broadcast, Hayes responded to WWE’s coverage of the event with a heartfelt message, reflecting on the significance of the accomplishment for himself and his supporters.
I felt the people lift me to top rope, can’t even explain it.
— Carmelo Hayes, WWE Superstar
Kevin Owens and Peers Applaud Hayes’ Achievement
Kevin Owens, known as the ‘Prize Fighter’ and a former Universal Champion, was among the WWE personalities to promptly express admiration for Hayes’ breakthrough. Responding on social media, Owens shared his genuine enthusiasm and encouragement for the new champion, adding an emotional layer to an already memorable night.
Special moment.
Well-deserved moment.
Congrats, man! https://t.co/0SkeN22RPR
— Kevin (@FightOwensFight) December 28, 2025
— Kevin Owens, Former Universal Champion
WWE veteran Shane Helms also chimed in with his respect for Hayes’ hard-earned win, emphasizing the recognition Hayes now enjoys among established industry figures.
Deserved and earned!! 👊🏻
— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) December 27, 2025
— Shane Helms, WWE Producer
Carmelo Hayes’ Rising Profile in WWE
By capturing the United States Championship, Carmelo Hayes added to a growing résumé that already included the 2025 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal and several dominant runs in NXT. Among his prior accomplishments, Hayes has held the NXT World Championship, the NXT Cruiserweight Championship, and won the NXT North American Championship on two separate occasions.
The United States Championship serves as a defining achievement for Hayes on WWE’s main stage, setting the stage for future opportunities and rivalries that could further elevate his profile within the company.
Kevin Owens’ Own Battle and Continued WWE Involvement
While Hayes’ victory took center stage, Kevin Owens’ career has recently been marked by a hiatus as he recovers from neck surgery performed in July. Owens addressed his uncertain future during a public appearance at a NASCAR event in August, where updates on his recovery and hopes for a return were candidly shared with fans and the wrestling community.
Fingers crossed, I get to come back to wrestling in the next year,
— Kevin Owens, Former Universal Champion
I really don’t know. My goal is to come back, so hopefully that happens.
— Kevin Owens, Former Universal Champion
Despite his recovery process and time away from in-ring action, Owens is expected to stay active within WWE, with reports indicating he will participate in the upcoming season of WWE LFG on A&E, maintaining his connection to the brand and its storytelling beyond the ring.
Looking Ahead: Impact of Hayes’ Victory and Peer Reactions
Carmelo Hayes’ triumph and the widespread Kevin Owens WWE reaction highlight the sense of community and respect shared among WWE performers. For Hayes, this title win may serve as a launching pad toward even greater accolades, while Owens’ engagement from the sidelines underscores his enduring influence in the wrestling world. As Hayes continues to build his legacy and Owens eyes his return, the momentum generated by this emotional moment is likely to resonate throughout the WWE Universe in the coming months.
Special moment.
Well-deserved moment.
Congrats, man! https://t.co/0SkeN22RPR
— Kevin (@FightOwensFight) December 28, 2025
Deserved and earned!! 👊🏻
— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) December 27, 2025
