Spoiler: Shocking WWE Title Change Rocks SmackDown

With the holiday season approaching, WWE has been pre-taping episodes to give its talent and staff much-needed time off.

The December 26 episode of SmackDown was taped on December 19 from the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

On the latest episode of the blue brand, Ilja Dragunov teamed up with Carmelo Hayes to face Johnny Gargano and Tomasso Ciampa of #DIY.

In an intense back-and-forth action, the babyfaces secured the victory after Dragunov hit the H-Bomb on Ciampa, and Hayes followed it up with Nothing But Net for the pinfall.

For the Boxing Day episode, Dragunov resumed his United States Championship open challenge, which was answered by Carmelo Hayes.

Melo previously challenged The Mad Dragon on the December 5 episode, but lost after Ciampa’s interference. After seeing the replay, Dragunov was livid, knowing that his victory was tainted.

This time around, though, Hayes got the best of the 32-year-old Russian superstar. Reportedly, Dragunov hugged and put the title on Hayes.

WWE Was Criticized For Treatment Of Carmelo Hayes

Carmelo Hayes debuted on the main roster from NXT on the April 26, 2024, episode of SmackDown.

In his first match, he wrestled and lost to the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. He subsequently competed in multiple PLEs and tournaments like Money in the Bank and King of the Ring, but did not win either.

In early 2025, he allied with The Miz, whom he would ultimately betray due to the latter often stealing tags in matches when he had done all the hard work.

Hayes previously challenged for the US Championship when Sami Zayn was the champion, but lost.

The frustration set in for many fans when he was confronted by Kit Wilson, setting up a match between the two. At the time, Wilson had disappeared from the main roster, and setting him up as Hayes’ rival made no sense.

Fortunately, WWE opted not to pursue it as a storyline.