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WWE Superstar Carmelo Hayes clinched his first main roster title on this week’s episode of SmackDown. He defeated Ilja Dragunov on his second attempt to become the new United States Champion. Following this victory, Melo has shared a new update with the WWE Universe.
Taking to Instagram, Hayes posted a picture of himself while looking at the belt. Another picture showcased him holding the belt high as spectators in Grand Rapids, Michigan, celebrated his victory.
Captioning the post, Melo wrote:
“Delayed Not Denied 🎯.”Carmelo Hayes had said the same words to Cathy Kelley in a backstage interview right after his title win, while thanking Ilja Dragunov for the title shot.
"I was delayed, but I was not denied. Ilja Dragunov, I just want to thank you for elevating this championship. I want to thank you for elevating me, and I want to thank you for reminding me who I am. And that is HIM. The jerseys are going back in the rafters, the division is on notice....."Before Hayes could speak further, he was attacked by Johnny Gargano. The DIY member was still carrying Axiom’s mask, which his wife, Candice LeRae, had taken off the Spanish luchador several weeks ago.
Gargano said the title belonged to him and that Carmelo Hayes had ruined everything. Perhaps the former WWE Tag Team Champion was planning to ambush Dragunov to get another title shot, but Melo dethroned The Mad Dragon. It would be interesting to see whether Hayes continues the open challenges and whether Gargano gets a shot at the US Title.
Carmelo Hayes celebrates his United States Championship win with his girlfriend
Shortly after SmackDown ended, Carmelo Hayes’ girlfriend, Kelani Jordan, posted images of the two of them together in comfortable Christmas outfits on X. Melo was holding the United States Championship while celebrating his win and the holidays.
Feels like Christmas all over again ❤️🇺🇸🏆 @Carmelo_WWE
Kelani Jordan is the inaugural NXT Women’s North American Champion. She is also a former TNA Knockouts World Champion. Interestingly, she also represented TNA at the Showdown Premium Live Event in the Women’s classic Survivor Series-styled match while holding the belt.
Following his championship match victory, Melo has ended 2025 on a high note after chasing the US Championship since the beginning of the year, when LA Knight was the champion. It would be interesting to see what lies ahead for the US Champ in 2026.
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Edited by Neda Ali
English (US)