On the March 20 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Carmelo Hayes defeated Ilja Dragunov to retain the United States Championship.
After seemingly putting to rest his lingering issues with Dragunov, this could lead to Hayes reintroducing his open challenge for the U.S. Title for the upcoming WWE WrestleMania 42 premium live event.
Considering the number of talent not yet scheduled for matches at Mania, there could be just about anybody who might step up to the plate to challenge Melo for the gold come April 18 and 19 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Here are eight potential Carmelo Hayes WWE WrestleMania 42 open challenge opponents.
8. Ilja Dragunov
Back in October 2025, Ilja Dragunov made his return to WWE and immediately defeated Sami Zayn to win the United States Championship.
Following in the footsteps of Zayn, “The Mad Dragon” proceeded to do the U.S. Title Open Challenge over the next two months before he ran into Carmelo Hayes who dethroned him for the gold.
After suffering another loss to Melo, Dragunov might not be ready for another showdown with his rival, but WrestleMania 42 is too big of an event to pass up on this opportunity.
Dragunov and Hayes doing battle on the Mania stage has all the makings of a bonafide showstealer on the card in every way possible, making it too good to pass up on.
7. Tama Tonga
Over the last couple of months, fans have seen Tama Tonga step up as a singles star on Friday Night SmackDown.
Through a series of wins over Ilja Dragunov and Shinsuke Nakamura, Tonga has more than showcased why he is a threat to any champion on the blue brand.
After confronting Dragunov and Hayes as the United States Champion in recent months, Tonga has yet to get his chance at the title on Friday Night SmackDown.
Taking the opportunity on the biggest stage possible, Tonga has more than earned the chance to challenge for the United States Championship at WrestleMania 42 and could answer the call from Hayes in Vegas.
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6. Johnny Gargano
Over the past few weeks, Johnny Gargano has been down in the dumps, dealing with his own personal depression.
After suffering a loss to Axiom and losing possession of his mask, Gargano has been lying face-down backstage with his wife Candice LeRae trying to cheer him up.
Trying to rediscover his passion for the business, Gargano could be the perfect individual to step up to the plate to answer the United States Championship Open Challenge at WrestleMania 42.
Gargano clashing with Carmelo Hayes is another matchup that could steal the entire WrestleMania weekend in a major way.
5. Royce Keys
At WWE Royal Rumble 2026, Royce Keys made his debut with the company as an entrant in the Men’s Royal Rumble Match.
While he had a strong showing in the Rumble, Keys has not been seen on WWE television in the two months since the premium live event.
After making his name in All Elite Wrestling, many fans expected some big things for the former Powerhouse Hobbs in WWE.
Keys making his next appearance as the individual to answer the United States Championship Open Challenge against Carmelo Hayes would be a great way to highlight the former AEW star on the huge stage that is WrestleMania 42.
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4. Aleister Black
Since making his WWE return in April 2025, Aleister Black has been reestablishing himself on the roster as a member of the Friday Night SmackDown brand.
While he has faced off with the likes of Damian Priest, Sami Zayn and Randy Orton, Black has not yet won a championship in the company since his comeback.
Currently, Black does not have a concrete direction for the WrestleMania 42 premium live event and could find one by answering the United States Championship Open Challenge.
Black facing Carmelo Hayes for the U.S. Title at Mania could be the time that he finally captures gold on the SmackDown roster.
3. Sami Zayn
In August 2025, Sami Zayn defeated Solo Sikoa to win the WWE United States Championship.
Getting the blessing of John Cena, Zayn reintroduced the U.S. Title Open Challenge and proceeded to elevate the prestige of the title.
With wins over Aleister Black, Rey Fenix and Je’Von Evans, Zayn placed the title on a higher level and proved himself to be a fighting champion.
Considering the fact that he does not have a scheduled match for WrestleMania 42, Zayn could be the individual to accept the United States Championship Open Challenge against Carmelo Hayes at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
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2. Trick Williams
Ever since getting called up to the WWE main roster after over four years on the NXT brand, Trick Williams has quickly become one of the most popular stars in the entire company.
The two-time NXT Champion has showcased his undeniable charisma and impressive talking ability that has created a strong connection with the audience.
Dating back to their days on NXT, Williams formed one of the most memorable partnerships and friendships with Carmelo Hayes that fans still talk about to this day.
Trick and Melo doing battle over the United States Championship could truly be a star-making matchup for both men at WrestleMania 42.
1. GUNTHER
After retiring John Cena, Goldberg and AJ Styles over the past year, GUNTHER has become known as “The Career Killer.”
GUNTHER is among the most decorated stars on the current WWE roster as a two-time World Heavyweight Champion, a King of the Ring winner and the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time.
This is why many fans believe it is very surprising that WWE currently does not have a clear direction for “The Ring General” at WrestleMania 42.
Considering his stature as one of the top stars on the WWE roster, GUNTHER would be the perfect opponent for Carmelo Hayes at WrestleMania 42 and might be the biggest threat to his reign as United States Champion.
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