Carmelo Hayes Wins US Title After Ilja Dragunov Match on SmackDown
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Carmelo Hayes Overcomes Ilja Dragunov To Win US title On WWE SmackDown
Carmelo Hayes won his first title on WWE’s main roster, defeating Ilja Dragunov to become the new United States Champion on the May 3, 2024, episode of SmackDown. The match was a hard-fought contest, showcasing the athleticism and skill of both competitors.
What Happened?
The match began with a fast pace, with both Hayes and Dragunov exchanging strikes. Dragunov, known for his powerful offence, quickly established dominance, but hayes proved resilient, utilizing his speed and agility to counter. The match featured several near falls, with both wrestlers coming close to securing the victory.A key moment came when Hayes countered Dragunov’s signature Torpedo Moskau with a springboard cutter. Ultimately, Hayes secured the win with his finishing move, the Nothing But E. The match lasted approximately 18 minutes.
The Meaning of the Win
This victory marks a critically important milestone in Carmelo Hayes’ career. Having dominated in NXT for an extended period, winning both the NXT Championship and the NXT North American Championship, Hayes’ move to the main roster was highly anticipated. Winning the US Title so quickly establishes him as a credible threat on SmackDown and positions him for a potential run at the WWE Championship
