How Did Another Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov Clash End on 3/20 WWE SmackDown?

Carmelo Hayes has had an outstanding run as WWE United States Champion. Since winning it off of Ilja Dragunov in December, he’s had a string of matches that showcased his skills greatly. He’s beaten guys like The Miz, Rey Fenix, and El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. in incredible matches. However, Dragunov has been wanting his title back ever since he lost it three months ago. They had a rematch two months ago, but he failed to regain the title. For weeks, Hayes has been wanting a rematch, but he hasn’t felt ready.

On the March 20, 2026 episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown, he was finally ready for another confrontation with Hayes. Would this prove to be a mistake, or would he become the United States Champion once again?

Hayes Again Triumphs Over Dragunov

The two men have had a year-long history from NXT to the main roster. Hayes defended his NXT Championship against Dragunov at the Great American Bash three years ago, lost it to him at No Mercy, and failed to regain it at Halloween Havoc.

The next time they met on television was on December 5, 2025, SmackDown, three weeks before Dragunov lost the United States title. Their rivalry has brought the best out of them, with this latest confrontation proving that. Dragunov controlled the early part of the match, giving Hayes chops, headbutts, the Constantine Special, and elbows to the back. After an unsuccessful pinfall,

Hayes got some momentum going. After a failed pin himself with the Dirty Diana, he ran at Dragunov with an uppercut and chopped him to the outside before jumping on him. However, he hit his ribs on the announcer’s table, severely limiting his offense.

After more failed pinfalls by both men, Dragunov hit the H-Bomb, and Hayes hit the First 48 at the same time. Dragunov pinned Hayes, but the foot on the rope invalidated the pin. Frustrated, he delivered a Death Valley Driver on the edge of the apron.