All Carmelo Hayes’ US title defense before losing to Sami Zayn on WWE SmackDown (March 27, 2026)
(Courtesy : WWE)
Carmelo Hayes lost his US Championship against Sami Zayn on WWE SmackDown
Carmelo Hayes won the United States Championship on December 26, 2025, and went on to defend it eight times on SmackDown. He faced legends, rising stars, and former rivals before finally dropping the title to Sami Zayn on March 27, 2026.
Carmelo Hayes arrived on SmackDown with a point to prove. He captured the United States Championship on December 26, 2025, and wasted no time making it the most active title on the brand.
Over three months, Hayes defended the belt eight times, taking on a mix of veterans, international stars, and intense rivals.
His reign became one of the most talked-about title runs in recent SmackDown history. Then came March 27, 2026. Sami Zayn walked in and walked out as the new US Champion. But before that night, Hayes built something special.
Every Carmelo Hayes US Title defense on WWE SmackDown
Here is every defense Hayes made before losing the title to Sami Zayn.
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| January 2, 2026 | Johnny Gargano |
| January 8, 2026 | Shinsuke Nakamura |
| January 16, 2026 | Leon Slater |
| January 23, 2026 | Ilja Dragunov |
| January 30, 2026 | Rey Fenix |
| February 27, 2026 | Matt Cardona |
| March 6, 2026 | El Hijo De Dr. Wagner Jr. |
| March 20, 2026 | Ilja Dragunov |
| March 27, 2026 | Sami Zayn (Title Change) |
Hayes did not get easy defenses. His first match as champion came against Johnny Gargano, a fan favorite with years of experience. He followed that up against Shinsuke Nakamura, one of the most decorated international superstars in WWE history.
He then turned his attention to younger threats. Leon Slater brought high-flying action, while Rey Fenix brought a different kind of chaos on January 30. Hayes handled both with the kind of confidence that made him a standout champion.
Ilja Dragunov became Hayes’ most persistent challenger. The two clashed on January 23 and then again on March 20. Dragunov’s hard-hitting, relentless style pushed Hayes to his limit both times. The rematch on March 20 was one of the most physical SmackDown matches of the year.
Hayes survived both encounters. That said, the wars with Dragunov may have taken something out of him heading into WrestleMania season.
Two of Hayes’ defenses stood out for the global names involved. Shinsuke Nakamura carried the credibility of a former WWE Champion and NXT Champion into their match. El Hijo De Dr. Wagner Jr., a lucha libre legend in his own right, brought a completely different style on March 6. Hayes handled both with ease, reinforcing his status as a reliable, top-level champion.
Sami Zayn ended his reign
On March 27, 2026, Sami Zayn ended the reign. Hayes had defended the title eight times in three months, a number that reflects both his willingness to work and the quality of the SmackDown roster.
It was a reign worth celebrating, even if it ended in defeat. Carmelo Hayes proved he belongs at the top of SmackDown. The question now is how long before he gets back there.
How many times did Carmelo Hayes defend the US Championship before losing it?
Carmelo Hayes defended the United States Championship eight times on SmackDown before losing it to Sami Zayn on March 27, 2026.
When did Carmelo Hayes win the United States Championship?
Carmelo Hayes won the United States Championship on December 26, 2025.
Who ended Carmelo Hayes’ United States Championship reign?
Sami Zayn ended Carmelo Hayes’ US Championship reign on the March 27, 2026 episode of WWE SmackDown.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Wrestling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram & Whatsapp.
Blesson Daniel is a sub-editor who spends his days organizing words and managing social media, crafting bursts of creativity designed to make people smile. He occasionally dives into writing as well — whether it’s crafting articles, brainstorming ideas, or finding the perfect caption. Believing that every piece of writing offers an opportunity to tell a story, Blesson brings creativity and thoughtfulness to every project he takes on. When he’s not glued to his laptop, Blesson is likely planning his next travel adventure or losing himself in music. A passionate explorer of new places, sounds, and ideas, he believes in balancing work, play, and a good playlist in the background. Whether he’s editing, writing, or daydreaming about his next trip, Blesson is always chasing that sweet spot where creativity and curiosity collide to create something memorable.