In a jaw-dropping turn of events, Carmelo Hayes clung to his WWE Men's US Title with a little help from an unexpected ally, leaving fans buzzing with questions. On a recent episode of SmackDown, Hayes faced off against the formidable Ilja Dragunov in another thrilling open challenge, but this time, the outcome was anything but straightforward. And this is the part most people miss: The Miz’s interference from ringside sealed Dragunov’s fate, sparking controversy and debate among viewers.
Hayes, no stranger to defending his title, had already successfully fended off challenges from heavyweights like Shinsuke Nakamura, Johnny Gargano, and even TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater in recent weeks. His reign began in December when he answered Dragunov’s open challenge and emerged victorious, vowing to keep the tradition alive. But this latest match? It was a whole new level of drama.
Here’s where it gets controversial: Before the bell even rang, Hayes showed a surprising moment of sportsmanship, checking on Dragunov backstage after his grueling loss to Sami Zayn in a WWE Championship contendership match. Hayes then extended another open challenge, which Dragunov accepted without hesitation. The match itself was a brutal back-and-forth, mirroring the intensity of their December clash. Dragunov’s relentless strikes even prompted Hayes to exclaim, “What is wrong with you?” in a mix of frustration and admiration.
As the match neared its climax, Dragunov gained the upper hand, scaling the top rope for a high-risk maneuver. But here’s the twist: The Miz, who has had a rocky relationship with Hayes since their Miz & Melo days, suddenly appeared at ringside. With the referee’s back turned, Miz shoved Dragunov from the top rope, setting the stage for Hayes to land his signature First 48 move and secure the pin. The referee, oblivious to the interference, counted the three, and Hayes retained the title—though his reaction suggested he wasn’t exactly thrilled with how it went down.
Replays later confirmed Miz’s involvement, leaving fans divided. Was Hayes complicit, or was this a solo act by Miz? Did Dragunov deserve better, or was this just another chapter in Hayes’ cunning strategy? What do you think? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
