This Friday, Carmelo Hayes will defend his WWE United States Championship against Rey Fenix on SmackDown, continuing a tradition started by Sami Zayn’s revival of John Cena’s US Title Open Challenge. The match unfolds amid a buildup of anticipation, as Fenix is a rarely spotlighted babyface on the current roster, now given a significant opportunity to prove himself against the reigning champion.
Reunion Disruptions and Rey Fenix’s Solo Path on SmackDown
The Lucha Brothers previously reunited in December; however, Penta was unable to compete at the AAA Guerra de Titanes event due to injury, forcing WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio to step in. Mysterio has since taken Penta and Dragon Lee under his guidance on RAW, leaving Rey Fenix to navigate SmackDown without their support. Despite a promising WWE debut in April 2025 and consistently strong in-ring performances, Fenix has struggled to gain the momentum expected by fans.
SmackDown Event from Riyadh to Feature Intense Matches and Rivalries
WWE SmackDown is scheduled to take place from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, just one night before the Royal Rumble, spotlighting several high-stakes encounters. Reports confirm that Rey Fenix will challenge Carmelo Hayes for the US Title. Hayes has successfully defended his championship against top competitors including Ilja Dragunov, Leon Slater from TNA, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Johnny Gargano. An ongoing storyline with The Miz, Hayes’ former tag partner, adds an extra layer of tension, especially after The Miz’s recent interference during Hayes’ defense against Dragunov.
Additional highlights for tonight’s SmackDown include Sami Zayn confronting Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre ahead of their Royal Rumble clash, a surprise appearance by Cody Rhodes following his Rumble announcement, and matches such as Ilja Dragunov versus The Miz and Axiom taking on Johnny Gargano, setting the stage for a night filled with high suspense and competition.
Significance of the Match and Potential Future Impact
Rey Fenix’s unexpected shot at Carmelo Hayes’ US Title could be a turning point in his WWE career, providing a rare platform to showcase his skills on a major stage. For Hayes, each defense solidifies his reign and builds momentum heading into the Royal Rumble. The outcome of this match will not only influence SmackDown’s storyline trajectory but could also affect alliances and rivalries within WWE’s competitive landscape, making tonight’s event critical for multiple wrestlers involved.
Welcome the newest addition to #SmackDown, @ReyFenixMx! 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/gvk4ILX8He
— WWE (@WWE) April 5, 2025
