Carmelo Hayes captured the United States Championship on the December 26 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, drawing attention to who his first opponent will be. As anticipation builds for the inaugural Carmelo Hayes US Title Challenge, the wrestling community speculates about which top contender could rise to answer the call.
Carmelo Hayes’ Path to the US Championship
On Friday Night SmackDown, Carmelo Hayes secured the United States Championship after a hard-fought victory over Ilja Dragunov. This notable achievement thrust Hayes into the spotlight, creating a fresh chapter for the title and maintaining the tradition of the US Title Open Challenge.
The open challenge format often brings unexpected matchups and fresh excitement to the championship picture, as any competitor, established or rising, may take their shot. Carmelo Hayes now holds the opportunity to build his own legacy as champion by inviting all challengers.
Possible Challengers for the First Open Challenge
With Hayes set to issue his first open challenge soon, fans and industry insiders are closely watching for announcements on who might step up. Several potential stars could be the inaugural challenger, promising to shake up SmackDown’s main event scene.
Johnny Gargano Emerges as a Leading Contender
After Hayes’s victory over Dragunov, Johnny Gargano became an immediate focal point. Backstage, Gargano interrupted a celebration interview by attacking Hayes and confronting him for “ruining everything.” This move positions Gargano as a logical and compelling first challenger—especially considering his own pursuit of the United States Championship during Dragunov’s reign.
An opening match between Hayes and Gargano would not only continue their heated interactions but could also offer fans a memorable contest to set the tone for Hayes’s tenure as champion.
The Broader Impact of Hayes’ Open Challenge
The Carmelo Hayes US Title Challenge maintains excitement around the United States Championship and provides opportunities for both veteran performers and new talent. With Hayes’s willingness to defend against all comers, SmackDown’s competitive landscape is set for dynamic shifts in the weeks ahead.
As the WWE universe waits for the first challenger to be revealed, the stage is set for Carmelo Hayes to cement his role as a fighting champion, continuing the legacy of the open challenge and offering fresh opportunities in the championship scene.
