Tag: Wwe United States Championship

El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. makes surprise appearance on WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Vincent Verhei

Lucha libre legend El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. made his main roster WWE debut on Friday night, answering Carmelo Hayes’ open challenge for the United States Championship.

As Hayes waited in the ring for his mystery opponent, Wagner’s entrance music and video began to play in the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. Wagner was recognized as the reigning AAA Latin American Champion. 

Viewers at home then saw an inset video package. “The most beautiful mask in the world has arrived in WWE,” Wagner said in the video. “I am Dr. Wagner the third and I am the Latin American Champion. Winning this championship represents a community, the Latin American community. Viva Mexico!”

Hayes went on to defeat Wagner, dodging a moonsault and hitting the Nothin’ But Net legdrop. The two shook hands after the match. 

Wagner has wrestled several times in NXT and in co-branded WWE/AAA events in Mexico, but this was his first appearance on Raw, SmackDown, or WWE premium live events. 

Many of Wagner’s relatives were luchadors, including both of his grandfathers and both of his parents. He has been wrestling since 2009, having won many championships in Mexico and also with Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan. 

Click here for full Friday Night SmackDown coverage.

New United States Champion crowned on WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A new United States Champion was crowned on SmackDown.

Carmelo Hayes won the title from Ilja Dragunov in a match that aired on Friday The finish  had Dragunov launch off the top rope, only for Hayes to meet him with the first 48, a codebreaker. Hayes then used that opportunity to connect with his nothing but net finish, scoring his first main roster title win.

After the match, Dragunov grabbed the title from the referee and proceeded to put the United States Championship around Hayes’ waist, showing true sportsmanship. Backstage, Carmelo Hayes thanked Dragunov but then was attacked by Johnny Gargano, who promised to take away everything from him.

Dragunov won the United States Championship from Sami Zayn on the October 17 edition of SmackDown. In the weeks following his win, Dragunov continued Zayn’s tradition by holding an open challenge on a weekly basis, defeating the likes of Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, Axiom, and JD McDonagh. Hayes previously challenged Dragunov on the December 5 edition of SmackDown in a losing effort.

New United States Champion crowned on WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Ilja Dragunov is the new United States Champion.

Dragunov made a surprise return on Friday’s SmackDown, challenging Sami Zayn as he continued his open challenge. The finish had Zayn going for the helluva kick when Solo Sikoa was seen in the entranceway smirking, causing a distraction. Dragunov eventually connected with torpedo Moscow then finished with the h-bomb to win the Untied States Championship for the first time.

After the match, Sikoa and the rest of the MFTs emerged and laid out both men. Rey Fenix, who was attacked earlier in the night by the group, came out to help but the numbers were too much. Sikoa started to cut a promo when suddenly the lights went out and The Wyatt Sicks made their entrance, appearing on the ring apron. After a staredown, Sikoa’s group backed off as the segment ended.

Dragunov had been out of action for over a year, tearing his ACL in a match against Gunther back in September of 2024. In the hours before SmackDown went on air, it was reported that Dragunov had been seen backstage training in the ring wearing a knee brace, which he also wore during Friday’s match.

NXT star answers US title open challenge on WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Bryan Rose

An NXT star has challenged for the United States title.

On Friday’s SmackDown, United States Champion Sami Zayn held an open challenge for his championship. Je’Von Evans ended up answering the call as the two had a match. Evans put up a strong fight, even hitting the OG cutter for a close nearfall. However, Zayn managed to dodge Evans from the top rope and connected with the helluva kick. He finished Evans with the blue thunder bomb for the win.

After the match, Zayn hugged Evans and helped him to his feet as he raised his hand. As Evans was recovering on the outside, he was blindsided by his opponent at the NXT No Mercy PLE on Saturday, Josh Briggs.

Since winning the United States title last month, Zayn has mirrored John Cena in holding an open challenge for anyone in WWE to face him for the title. He kicked off the series with a match against Rey Fenix, successfully defending the title. He followed that with a match against Cena himself, which ended in a no contest after Brock Lesnar interfered. On last week’s show, Zayn retained the title against Carmelo Hayes.

US title match booked for next WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Ethan Renner

The United States Championship will be defended on the Friday, September 19 WWE SmackDown.

US title holder Sami Zayn has initiated a series of open challenges for the title, most recently defeating Rey Fenix in a title defense on this week’s SmackDown episode. His next challenger will be Carmelo Hayes on next week’s show.

The match for next week was set up during a backstage interview segment on Friday’s show. Hayes accepted the open challenge, then his Melo Don’t Miz tag partner The Miz appeared and was upset that Hayes had beaten him to the punch in accepting the title match for next week.

Next Friday’s WWE SmackDown will be the go-home show for next Saturday’s Wrestlepalooza PLE on ESPN. SmackDown is set for the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio, with Wrestlepalooza taking place the next day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

WWE SmackDown, Friday, September 19 —

  • United States Champion Sami Zayn defends against Carmelo Hayes

Title change takes place on WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Sami Zayn is the new United States Champion.

The end of SmackDown on Friday saw Zayn win the title for the first time. Although champion Solo Sikoa had help from the MFT, Jimmy Uso and a returning Jacob Fatu came out to even the odds. Zayn dodged a Samoan spike from Sikoa then hit two helluva kicks for the win. The show in Lyon, France ended with Zayn celebrating with the title as pyro went off.

Several weeks ago on SmackDown Zayn switched brands after Solo Sikoa targeted him during a match on Raw. He revealed to Sikoa he had joined the SmackDown roster and would be going after Sikoa’s title. Leading up to the match, Sikoa had disparaged not only Zayn but also Jimmy Uso.

Fatu’s appearance on Friday was the first since SummerSlam, when he challenged Solo Sikoa to a steel cage match for a change to win back the United States title. Sikoa managed to retain thanks to interference from the MFT. This didn’t stop Fatu from getting a measure of revenge by laying out Tonga Loa and JC Mateo with a moonsault off the steel cage after the match.

Two title matches set for next WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Two title matches are set for the next WWE SmackDown.

Sami Zayn will get his shot against US Champion Solo Sikoa just one day prior to Clash in Paris next Friday in Leon, France. Zayn shocked everyone last week by moving to the SmackDown brand and making it clear he was coming after Sikoa and his championship. 

In a segment that took place on this week’s show, Zayn congratulated Jimmy Uso on he and Naomi’s pregnancy when the MFTs showed up. Sikoa said that Jimmy and Naomi’s newborn would have plenty of family members to welcome them into the world. Zayn told Sikoa that he wouldn’t be facing the underdog next week, he would be facing the WrestleMania main eventer.

The Secret Hervice will also get a title match, taking on Women’s Tag Team champions Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair. Piper Niven wrestled Flair on Friday and scored the upset win after Chelsea Green at ringside raked Flair’s eyes.

A number one contender’s match for the WWE Tag Team titles will also take place when The Street Profits take on Melo Don’t Miz. Both teams won matches on Friday, with the Street Profits defeating JC Mateo & Tonga Loa and Melo Don’t Miz pinning the Motor City Machine Guns.

WWE SmackDown (August 29, 2025):

  • United States Championship: Solo Sikoa defends against Sami Zayn
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team titles: Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair defend against The Secret Hervice (Piper Niven & Alba Fyre)
  • WWE Tag Team title number one contender’s match: Street Profits vs. Melo Don’t Miz

Solo Sikoa retains United States title at WWE SummerSlam

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Solo Sikoa is still the United States Champion.

Sikoa escaped the cage at SummerSlam on Sunday thanks to help from the MFT, who frequently interfered on behalf of Sikoa during the steel cage match. Talla Tonga handcuffed Fatu near the top of the cage at one point. Jimmy Uso came out for the save, and Fatu managed to escape and slam the cage door on JC Mateo. But it was Talla Tonga that was the deciding factor, kicking the cage door into Fatu’s face as Sikoa crawled out of the door for the victory.

As Sikoa and Talla headed up the ramp after the match, Fatu set his sights on Mateo and Loa, taking them both out. He then went to the top rope and hit a giant moonsault off the cage, taking out both men.

Fatu has spent most of the summer feuding with his family, officially turning against Solo Sikoa at Money in the Bank. At Night of Champions, help from the debuting Talla helped Sikoa win the United States title. The build to their SummerSlam match had Sikoa name Fatu as a person of interest in a hit and run accident. Fatu, however, was able to convince police that Sikoa was behind it, leading to his arrest.

Solo Sikoa wins United States title, Hikuelo debuts at WWE Night of Champions

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Solo Sikoa is the new Untied States Champion thanks to help from his relatives.

At Night of Champions, Sikoa pinned Jacob Fatu to become United States Champion for the first time thanks to a ton of interference. JC Mateo came out first, but was taken out quickly. Tonga Loa, who had been out of action since Survivor Series with an injury, returned next but soon after was also taken out. Fatu had Sikoa pinned with a moonsault, but that was when Hikuleo made his WWE debut, chokeslamming Fatu through the announce table. Sikoa then pinned Fatu with the Samoan spike for the win.

Hikuleo was never identified by name, meaning he will likely get a new name moving forward. Michael Cole on commentary identified him as the brother of Tonga Loa and Tama Tonga. All three are the sons of Haku.

After weeks of dissension, Fatu turned against Sikoa during the Money in the Bank match last month. In the weeks after, Sikoa attempted to reconcile but Fatu would have none of it, setting up the United States title match for Saudi Arabia.

Hikuleo signed with WWE last year but hadn’t been used since finishing up with NJPW last June. He resurfaced two weeks ago in a match against Pretty Deadly’s Kit Wilson, then wrestled before last week’s SmackDown against an enhancement talent. Both times he was referred to as Hikuelo.

United States Championship match set for WWE WrestleMania 41

Posted on by Ethan Renner

LA Knight’s WWE WrestleMania 41 United States Championship challenger has been decided.

Jacob Fatu defeated Braun Strowman in a number one contender’s Last Man Standing match on Friday’s SmackDown to earn the number one contendership, with a title shot against Knight at WrestleMania 41 announced.

Fatu put Strowman through a table for the finish of the Last Man Standing bout on SmackDown to secure his championship shot at WrestleMania in Las Vegas set for Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20.

Earlier in Friday’s show, Knight scored a victory over Fatu’s Bloodline teammate Tama Tonga in singles competition in a tune-up bout ahead of WrestleMania.

The main event for each night of WrestleMania is set, with several other matches announced but the night on which they will take place not yet confirmed. The current WWE WrestleMania 41 lineup:

WWE WrestleMania 41 night one, Saturday, April 19 —

  • Main event: Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Seth Rollins

WWE WrestleMania 41 night two, Sunday, April 20 —

  • Main event: Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defends against John Cena

WWE WrestleMania 41, Saturday, April 19 & Sunday, April 20 —

  • World Heavyweight Champion Gunther defends against Jey Uso
  • WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton defends against Charlotte Flair
  • Women’s World Champion IYO SKY defends against Bianca Belair
  • WWE United States Champion LA Knight defends against Jacob Fatu
  • Naomi vs. Jade Cargill
  • AJ Styles vs. Logan Paul
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez defend against TBD

New United States Champion crowned on WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Ethan Renner

LA Knight is once again the WWE United States Champion.

Knight defeated Shinsuke Nakamura in the main event of Friday’s SmackDown in Philadelphia to capture the US title for the second time.

Nakamura defeated Knight for the title at Survivor Series last November in Vancouver, and defended it just once on WWE programming in the interim in a DQ loss to Knight on a SmackDown in January.

It looked as though Friday’s main event might end the same way, with Nakamura taking out one referee with mist to the eyes, and bringing a steel chair into the ring. Instead, he was done in by his own actions, as Knight hit a BFT on the chair. A second referee then ran in to count the pinfall to end Nakamura’s third reign as WWE United States Champion.

Our full report from Friday’s SmackDown which also included promos from Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, plus a Tag Team title number one contender’s match, is available here.

United States title rematch set for next WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Ethan Renner

The United States Championship will be on the line on the Friday, January 10 WWE SmackDown.

As revealed during this week’s show, Shinsuke Nakamura will defend the United States Championship against former title holder LA Knight on next week’s WWE SmackDown.

Nakamura defeated Knight for the title at Survivor Series in November after using black mist to blind the former champ.

Knight attacked Nakamura on Friday’s SmackDown after the champ defeated Andrade in one-on-one competition. Knight then revealed in a backstage segment later in the program that Nick Aldis had booked the title bout for next week.

A future Women’s United States title bout was also set up on SmackDown, though not officially announced. Michin defeated Women’s US Champion Chelsea Green’s ally Piper Niven on this week’s SmackDown, perhaps indicating a future meeting between Green and Michin.

The announced lineup for the Friday, January 10 WWE SmackDown:

  • WWE United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura defends against LA Knight

LA Knight crowned new United States Champion at WWE SummerSlam

Posted on by Bryan Rose

LA Knight is the United States Champion.

Knight defeated Logan Paul to win the United States Championship on Saturday’s SummerSlam. The finish of the match had Paul’s lackeys being taken out by Knight. However, Paul still managed to get the brass knuckles from MGK, who was at ringside. Paul managed to strike Knight with the knuckles, but Knight recovered quickly to hit the BFT on Paul for the win.

Paul had been United States Champion for 273 days, defeating Rey Mysterio last November at Crown Jewel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Knight had spent the last several months lobbying for a US title match, pinning Paul in a Money in the Bank qualifying match. At one point he even appeared at Paul’s house in Puerto Rico. Paul eventually signed a contract for the match at SummerSlam in his home state of Ohio.

Before their match, Knight arrived in the Prime Energy truck he had stole a day prior on SmackDown and smashed one of the windows in.

Logan Paul vs. LA Knight United States title match official for WWE SummerSlam

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The United States title match for SummerSlam is official.

On SmackDown, Logan Paul agreed to defend the title against LA Knight on August 3. This follows the contract signing that took place on Friday’s show.

Paul initially balked at the idea of defending the title against Knight. He called Knight by his given name Shaun, telling him that he isn’t “him” and accused Knight of copying The Rock. Knight shot back, saying that Paul’s brother Jake had the balls to face Mike Tyson but Logan didn’t have the balls to face Knight. That caused Paul to sign the contract, telling Knight that he’ll take everything away from him at SummerSlam, including the “yeah” catchphrase.

Knight has been trying to get the attention of Paul in recent weeks, including showing up to Paul’s home in Puerto Rico in an attempt to get a United States title match.

Here’s the current SummerSlam card with both official and expected matches based on recent TV:

  • WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes defends against Solo Sikoa
  • WWE World Heavyweight Champion Damien Priest defends against Gunther
  • WWE Women’s Champion Bayley defends against Nia Jax
  • WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan defends against Rhea Ripley
  • WWE U.S. Champion Logan Paul defends against LA Knight
  • CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre

US title contender’s tournament semifinals set for next WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Ethan Renner

The United States Championship contender’s tournament semifinals, an NXT North American title bout, plus an eight-woman tag match are set for next week’s WWE SmackDown.

Kevin Owens and Carmelo Hayes advanced in the title contender’s tournament on this week’s episode to advance to the semifinals. Owens defeated Austin Theory, while Hayes beat Grayson Waller to advance. Owens and Hayes will now square off on next week’s show. The other semifinal bout is already set, as Bobby Lashley will face Santos Escobar. The eventual tournament winner will challenge Logan Paul for the United States Championship. 

Also set for next week, NXT North American Champion Dragon Lee will defend his title against Butch of The Brawling Brutes. 

A “Holiday Havoc” tag match will also be held, with Damage CTRL’s IYO SKY, Bayley, Asuka, and Kairi Sane facing Bianca Belair, Shotzi, Zelina Vega, and Michin. 

Next week’s SmackDown is being taped tonight in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The announced lineup for the Friday, December 22 SmackDown: 

  • United States title contender’s tournament semifinals: Bobby Lashley vs. Santos Escobar
  • United States title contender’s tournament semifinals: Kevin Owens vs. Carmelo Hayes
  • NXT North American Champion Dragon Lee defends against Butch
  • Holiday Havoc: Damage CTRL (IYO SKY, Bayley, Asuka & Kairi Sane) vs. Bianca Belair, Shotzi, Zelina Vega & Michin