Carmelo Hayes To Defend U.S. Title In Open Challenge On SmackDown – The United States Championship will be defended tonight on SmackDown during the final show before Elimination Chamber.
WWE has confirmed that Carmelo Hayes will issue an open challenge for his title on the go-home episode. This marks his first defense since defeating Rey Fenix on January 30 to retain the championship. Hayes has remained active throughout his reign, putting the title on the line against Johnny Gargano, Shinsuke Nakamura, Leon Slater, Ilja Dragunov, and Fenix.
By continuing the open challenge format, Hayes follows a pattern previously established by Sami Zayn and Dragunov, who also made regular title defenses a central part of their runs. The approach has kept the championship visible on weekly television and provided Hayes with consistent in-ring opportunities.
Hayes has stated that wrestling frequently on TV has been “crucial” to his development as champion. At the same time, he has expressed interest in adding deeper storylines to his reign rather than relying only on one-off matches. Tonight’s open challenge could serve as the next step in that evolution, depending on who answers the call.
SmackDown takes place in Louisville, Kentucky, on the eve of Elimination Chamber. The episode also marks the show’s return to USA Network after airing on Syfy for two consecutive weeks due to coverage of the Winter Olympics.
With the premium live event just one night away, the open challenge adds stakes to an already important broadcast. Whether Hayes faces a returning star, a rising contender, or an unexpected challenger remains to be seen, but the United States Championship will once again be defended in front of a national audience.
Updated WWE SmackDown Lineup
- Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Je’Von Evans, Trick Williams, LA Knight, and Jey Uso appear ahead of Elimination Chamber
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY defend against Lash Legend & Nia Jax
- Oba Femi vs. The Miz
- Jordynne Grace vs. Candice LeRae
- Uncle Howdy vs. Solo Sikoa
- Carmelo Hayes United States Championship open challenge
Carmelo Hayes To Defend U.S. Title In Open Challenge On SmackDown
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