Image via WWE
This Friday night,
Carmelo Hayes
will make his biggest move yet on the WWE main roster as he attempts to capture his first championship. Hayes is scheduled to challenge
LA Knight
for the
United States Championship
on the October 11 episode of
WWE SmackDown
, and the match promises to be a thrilling encounter. The episode will be held at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, a fitting stage for what could be a career-defining night for Hayes.
Path to the WWE United States Championship Title Shot
Logan Paul vs. LA Knight – United States Championship Match: SummerSlam 2024 highlights
Hayes earned his opportunity in dramatic fashion last week.
In a high-stakes match against AJ Styles, Hayes secured the win via referee stoppage after Styles was unable to continue due to injury. The contest was hard-fought, but the referee called for the bell when Styles was deemed unfit to continue. This victory, though unconventional, fulfilled a stipulation that LA Knight had put forward. Before the match, Knight told Hayes that if he could defeat the veteran Styles, he would grant him a shot at the United States Championship.
Despite Hayes' victory, the moment was marred by LA Knight’s post-match assault. As Hayes was being announced as the winner, Knight attacked him, sending a clear message ahead of their upcoming championship showdown. This aggression from Knight adds extra intensity to their impending clash, with Hayes looking to not only win his first title but also to settle the score with the champion.
Exploring Hayes' Rivalry with Andrade
While Hayes has his eyes on the U.S. title, he's also entangled in a fierce rivalry with another main roster superstar, Andrade. The two have been involved in a heated back-and-forth series on SmackDown, with their rivalry standing at an even 3-3. The competition between Hayes and Andrade has become one of the most engaging storylines on the blue brand, and it’s widely expected that a seventh match will be announced soon to decide their feud once and for all.
This rivalry has allowed Hayes to showcase his versatility and tenacity, gaining momentum as he balances his feud with Andrade while also pursuing championship gold. The outcome of his match against Knight could shape the future trajectory of both his championship aspirations and his ongoing rivalry.
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Stacked SmackDown Lineup for October 11, 2024
Carmelo Hayes overcomes Andrade in thriller: SmackDown highlights, Aug. 30, 2024
This week’s episode of SmackDown promises to be an exciting one, not just because of the United States Championship match, but also due to other major segments and matches. Roman Reigns, the reigning Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, is scheduled to address the WWE Universe, possibly setting the stage for his next title defense. His appearances always carry significant weight, and fans are eagerly awaiting what Reigns has to say.
Additionally, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship will be on the line. Current champions Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill, who have formed a dominant alliance since Cargill's debut, will defend their titles against NXT’s rising stars Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson. This match will be an opportunity for Legend and Jackson to prove themselves on a larger stage, but Belair and Cargill will be looking to further solidify their reign.
High Stakes for Hayes on WWE SmackDown
For Carmelo Hayes, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Winning the United States Championship would be a monumental step in his career, marking his first main roster title and cementing his place among WWE’s top superstars. However, standing in his way is LA Knight, one of the most popular and confident champions on SmackDown. Knight’s experience and swagger make him a tough opponent, but Hayes’ hunger and recent momentum give him a real shot at victory.
With his ongoing feud with Andrade simmering in the background and a potential United States Championship win on the horizon, this Friday could be the night that Carmelo Hayes finally breaks through into superstardom. Fans will be watching closely to see if Hayes can seize the moment or if LA Knight will once again prove why he is the United States Champion.
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