Carmelo Hayes Ends Ilja Dragunov’s Title Reigns, Becomes The New WWE United States Champion

Carmelo Hayes defeated Ilja Dragunov and became the new United States Champion in a hard-fought match that should be a contender for the “Match of the Year.” This victory gives Carmelo Hayes is maiden title on the main roster and shifts the landscape in the blue brand of WWE.

Ilja Dragunov’s 70-day title reign, in which he defeated Tomasso Ciampa, JD McDonagh, Aleister Black, Axiom, Johnny Gargano, and Carmelo Hayes himself, ended tonight. The match between Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes was part of the Open Challenge. The contrast in style was evident from the beginning, where the Mad Dragon Unbesiegbar persona clashed with the high-flying and agile Carmelo Hayes.

HE DID IT!!!! @Carmelo_WWE beat @UNBESIEGBAR_ZAR for the United States Championship!! 👏 pic.twitter.com/n56mC6xVzE
— WWE (@WWE) December 27, 2025

A New Era Begins With Carmelo Hayes’ Title Reign

The match was one of the most brutal and intense matches in WWE and took both superstars to their breaking point. The match reached a fever pitch when Ilja Dragunob attempted a high-risk Coast-to-Coast dropkick. Carmelo Hayes intercepted the flying champion mid-air and delivered a First 48 to shock the champion.

Nothing but respect between these two 🤝@Carmelo_WWE @UNBESIEGBAR_ZAR pic.twitter.com/dY8PPHJ5Hz
— WWE (@WWE) December 27, 2025

Carmelo Hayes followed it up with a Nothing But Net to put down Ilja Dragunov, who was already gasping for air. The three-count by the referee officially made Carmelo Hayes the champion. The crowd erupted in support of Carmelo Hayes as he ascended to the turn buckle to acknowledge him. Ilja Dragunov, though devastated, showed why he was the most respected champion.

AND NEW! @Carmelo_WWE is your NEW United States Champion! 🏆🔥 pic.twitter.com/sfpfXPtxUR
— WWE (@WWE) December 27, 2025

Ilja Dragunov took the belt from the referee and demonstrated great sportsmanship by wrapping the belt around the new champion’s waist, hugging him, and announcing him as the new champion. This passing of the torch moment marked the end of the dominance of Ilja Dragunov and put Carmelo Hayes as the top-tier star heading into 2026.

The year isn’t over until the bell rings… Congratulations @Carmelo_WWE on becoming the NEW United States Champion.

Big things on the horizon…#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/lBTfMeQS2y
— Triple H (@TripleH) December 27, 2025

Image Credit: WWE.com

Carmelo Hayes

Carmelo Hayes vs Ilja Dragunov

Friday Night SmackDown

Ilja Dragunov

WWE

WWE SmackDown

WWE United State Championship

Ashish Negi

nfl

wrestling

I am Ashish Negi, and I work as a WWE and NFL writer at The Playoffs. I have 5 years of experience in content writing, and I have written in different domains like Real Estate, but I found my love while writing in sports. I love watching sports and have been a fan of WWE and cricket. I got an opportunity to write full-time on WWE and NFL here, so following the footstep of my hero John Cena, I turn heel on my last company