On this week’s SmackDown, Sami Zayn continued the tradition of the United States Championship open challenge, a concept popularized by John Cena, by defeating a well-known former champion. This Sami Zayn US Title Challenge caught the attention of fans due to both the opponent and the surprising outcome.
Details of Sami Zayn’s Match Against Carmelo Hayes
While Sami Zayn’s open challenges are promoted ahead of time, this week’s match featured Carmelo Hayes, a highly regarded 31-year-old former NXT Champion, stepping up to compete. Unlike typical matches where interference or outside assistance can tilt the odds, Carmelo Hayes received no help from The Miz, who was on commentary during the bout.
In a rare twist, Sami Zayn secured the win using his blue thunder bomb move. Generally, Zayn relies on his signature helluva kick to finish matches, making this victory somewhat unusual and unexpected for fans familiar with his typical in-ring style.
The Role and Reception of Carmelo Hayes in WWE
Carmelo Hayes put forth a strong performance that reinforces his reputation as a rising star deserving of more spotlight. Despite consistent criticism of Triple H’s booking decisions in WWE, fans often highlight Carmelo’s underused potential, especially given his promotion from NXT to SmackDown nearly a year and a half ago.
While Carmelo Hayes does receive significant television exposure, many argue the issue lies in how his character is portrayed and utilized instead of the quantity of air time. Early expectations positioned him alongside other emerging talents like Bron Breakker and Jacob Fatu, who have been given substantial pushes. So far, however, Hayes’s trajectory has yet to reach a comparable level.
Implications for WWE Booking and the Future of Top Talent
Sami Zayn’s latest win highlights the ongoing challenges and debates surrounding WWE’s talent booking strategies. Carmelo Hayes’s continued presence in significant matches underscores his potential, yet questions remain about WWE’s long-term plans for younger stars. Fans and observers await further developments to see if future booking choices will better capitalize on emerging talents like Hayes, or if similar frustrations will persist.
“The blue thunder bomb is a popular move, but it never usually wins Sami Zayn a match. That is reserved for the helluva kick. However, that wasn’t the case this time around.” ?The Miz, commentator
SAMI WINS OFF THE BLUE THUNDER BOMB 🤯
LOVE WHEN THIS MOVE PICKS UP A WIN 🔥🔥🔥#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Z81TiTeTOi
— The Movement – Pro Wrestling (@TheMovementXx) September 20, 2025
