Carmelo Hayes, the newly crowned WWE United States Champion, is set to make his inaugural defense of the prestigious title during the December 27 Holiday Tour in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This swift challenge comes immediately following his monumental championship victory.
Hayes secured the coveted gold on the December 26 broadcast of SmackDown, where he bested Ilja Dragunov in a hard-fought contest. This triumph marks a significant career milestone for "HIM," as it signifies his first championship reign on WWE’s main roster.
The reigning champion utilized his social media channels to confirm the upcoming bout, expressing sincere appreciation for the overwhelming fan support he’s received. Hayes conveyed his readiness to tackle the responsibilities that come with holding the gold, posting a message that emphasized his desire to "get to work" and inviting any interested contenders to "ball out" with the "A-Champ" in Pittsburgh.
The ripple effects of Hayes’ championship win have been widely felt across the WWE landscape. His real-life fiancée, Kelani Jordan, has publicly shared her excitement regarding his ascension to the US Championship. Furthermore, WWE’s Chief Content Officer, Triple H, has offered his perspective on the title change, suggesting that a future brimming with "big things" awaits the talented superstar.
