An #AndNEW champion was crowned during the December 19, 2025, tapings of WWE SmackDown for its December 26, 2025, show. Fans were left confused this week as the episode taped after WWE Monday Night Raw on December 15, 2025, for SmackDown, was supposed to be aired on December 26, 2025. What happened was that the show taped on Monday also aired this Friday. We go into WWE SmackDown spoilers territory as in a match between United States Champion Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes during the taping for the December 26, 2025, SmackDown, Melo cashed in and will come into 2026 as the new United States Champion.
Melo would get the pin on Ilja Dragunov in a hard-fought battle. Post-match, the “Mad Dragon” would show his respect and would place the United States Title around the waist of Carmelo Hayes.
Arguably, Dragunov had his best match with Hayes a few weeks ago. And WWE has been hot and cold when it comes to Melo since his debut on the WWE SmackDown brand. Now, it seems like the company is behind Melo all the way, as he ends 2025 with gold around his waist and momentum on his side.
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