A big title change just took place tonight during the December 26 episode of WWE SmackDown at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
For those who don’t wish to be spoiled about next week’s title change, back out now.
Carmelo Hayes answered Ilja Dragunov‘s WWE United States Title Open Challenge during tonight’s SmackDown tapings in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Hayes would go on to defeat Dragunov and become United States Champion for the first time.
According to WrestleZone’s live correspondent, who’s currently at the event, the match was very fun live, and everyone in the audience loved it.
Following the match, Dragunov would embrace Hayes and put the title on him.
The backing of Carmelo Hayes from the WWE Universe has finally paid off
In recent months, Carmelo Hayes has undergone a babyface turn on WWE SmackDown. This came after a large wave of fan support for the former NXT Champion on social media.
This overwhelming support didn’t go unnoticed by Hayes, who took to social media on his birthday to respond to the support, tweeting out:
“I appreciate all the birthday wishes, edits and hashtags! I didn’t realize yall ride for me like that. THANK YOU *salute emoji* *red heart emoji,*” Carmelo Hayes said in a post.
WrestleZone will have full spoilers of the December 26 episode of WWE SmackDown later this evening.
In the meantime, you can check out the complete spoilers for this Monday’s episode of RAW by clicking the link below.
READ MORE: WWE RAW Spoilers For 12/22 From Grand Rapids, MI
What do you make of this title change? Are you excited to see Carmelo Hayes kick off the new year as the WWE United States Champion? Who should be his first challenger? Let us know your overall thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below.
