Five potential WWE WrestleMania 42 opponents for US Champion Carmelo Hayes

The US Champion is on an incredible title run with multiple defenses.

United States Champion Carmelo Hayes has been on an incredible title reign since capturing the title in December 2025 after defeating Ilja Dragunov in the US title open challenge.

Hayes has continued the open challenge, defending the title multiple times in his title reign, which has surpassed 50 days. Carmelo has been putting in incredible title defenses almost every week and has shown no signs of stopping.

Hayes could carry this incredible momentum into WrestleMania 42, defending the title in a blockbuster showdown against a top star. Here are the top five opponents he could face at the ‘Grandest Stage.’

5. The Miz

The Miz has been in an ongoing, somewhat stretched too long storyline with Hayes, that started with the two teaming up and ended with a betrayal by Miz. The feud has once again resurfaced as Miz has voiced his title intentions, despite losing in a singles match against Hayes.

Miz can talk to GM Nick Aldis and convince him to book a title match against Hayes at the ‘Grandest Stage’ as he looks to end his winless drought and capture a title in the process.

Also Read: All matches announced for WWE WrestleMania 42 so far 

4. Sami Zayn

After losing another title match at the Royal Rumble, it doesn’t seem like WWE has any plans right now to put the World title on Sami Zayn, despite massive fan outcry. An alternate scenario could see him reclaim the United States title, after all, it was Sami who brought back the US title open challenge, which has now become a staple of SmackDown programming.

Zayn could challenge Hayes for a title showdown, as he never got his rematch after dropping the title during the Open Challenge to Ilja Dragunov.

3. Johnny Gargano

Since Tomasso Ciampa’s exit and losing the mask that he initially stole from Axiom, Johnny Gargano has been very depressed, with his wife and fellow SmackDown star Candice LeRae trying to cheer him, reminding him of the good things that he still has, reminding him of his family.

This has not helped lift Johnny’s mood, and LeRae would have to take some drastic step. Asking GM Aldis to book Johnny in a title showdown against Hayes at Mania would help reignite the fire under Gargano, making him take his singles career seriously, after his tag partner’s exit.

2. Trick Williams

Former NXT and TNA Champion, Trick Williams, has instantly put everyone on notice since his move to the main roster. Williams has been receiving quality TV time with multiple big names and has been cutting incredible promos.

Williams has a long history with Hayes in NXT as the two went from inseparable best friends to the dominant “Trick Melo Gang” into bitter rivals. The two stars have not crossed paths on SmackDown since Williams’ promotion on the main roster. This could change in the coming weeks, with a potential showdown between the two at WrestleMania, with the US title on the line.

1. Ilja Dragunov

As mentioned, Hayes defeated Dragunov to capture the US title and then beat him in the rematch, albeit due to the Miz’s interference. The two babyfaces share immense respect and have vowed to keep things fair. After defeating the Miz, Ilja has once again secured the title shot.

The two were set to collide on the February 13 episode of SmackDown, but an interference by Solo Sikoa’s MFT turned it into a ten-man tag team match. WWE could prolong this storyline and book this match at Mania instead of in the coming weeks on SmackDown. Hayes and Ilja have delivered incredible matches on SmackDown and deserve a spot on the ‘Grandest Stage’ to showcase their skills.

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