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Triple H Reacts To Huge WWE Title Change

By Harikesh Shekhar • Published Dec 28, 2025 08:02 EST
WWE Triple H Christmas Tree

The WWE CCO has taken to X/Twitter to congratulate this newly crowned champion.

SmackDown’s December 26th episode was pre-taped before Monday Night Raw on December 22nd to give wrestlers and staff a break for the Christmas holidays.

The episode played out like a proper holiday special, starting with NXT’s Joe Hendry in his SmackDown debut, singing a rendition of Jingle Bells in which he roasted The Miz. A Miracle on 34th Street fight ensued between the two, and Hendry emerged as the victor. An electrifying start to the night had the fans at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, pumped for what was to come.

Although the Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre feud continued in the show’s final segment, the real main event of the night was a high-stakes, high-energy match between WWE United States Champion Ilja Dragunov and challenger Carmelo Hayes.

Dragunov set the match up himself, claiming that he didn’t like the way their previous title bout had ended due to interference. Before declaring that he would no longer have his “open challenge” for the US title after this night, he challenged Hayes for the US title on the show.

The pair went at it with Dragunov’s explosive offence contrasted by Hayes’ slick timing and agility-driven offence. Hayes managed to secure the pinfall after landing both his signature moves in succession: the “First 48” and “Nothin’ But Net”, becoming the new WWE United States Champion.

Dragunov personally wrapped the belt around Melo’s waist in a show of sportsmanship.

Triple H Congratulates Carelo Hayes On WWE US Title Win

CCO Triple H posted on X/Twitter, congratulating Hayes on his big win and first WWE Title. He also teased what’s to come in the post, saying, “Big things on the horizon”.

Also read:Carmelo Hayes’ WWE Backstage Status Revealed After Title Win