WWE SmackDown Results (Dec.27, 2025): Carmelo Hayes Wins United States Championship

WWE SmackDown aired for the final time in 2025, marking the end of its two-hour format before the show moves to three hours in 2026. The earlier test run this year did not bring great results, so there is some curiosity around whether this longer format will work better next time.

This holiday episode was mostly quiet but still had something at stake. The United States Championship was defended, and the show was pre-recorded to give wrestlers time off during the festive season. Despite the calm pacing, a few moments stood out.

Joe Hendry Feels Like He Belongs on SmackDown

Joe Hendry’s appearance during Christmas week was exactly the kind of light moment the show needed. His Jingle Bells remix aimed at The Miz was silly but fun, and the crowd clearly

enjoyed it. Even without being fully settled on the roster, Hendry already feels popular with fans.

The segment worked because of everything around it. Alpha Academy was involved, and R-Truth appeared in a bunny suit, which felt like a callback to the Rosebuds days. It was loose, playful, and different from the usual serious tone WWE has had lately.

If SmackDown plans to lean into lighter moments at times, Hendry’s energy fits well. His presence adds something fresh to a show that could use it.

Aleister Black Signals an Ending to a Long Feud

Aleister Black appeared in another dark vignette aimed at Damian Priest. Their rivalry has gone on for months, with neither man able to move on.

It now seems their story may finally wrap up next week on SmackDown, where they are expected to face each other one last time. For Black and Zelina Vega, there is still room to grow on SmackDown, especially if they work across divisions.

Priest, however, feels stuck. After a quiet 2025, he will need a clearer direction going into 2026.

Giulia Beats the Champion but Still Feels Stuck

Giulia entered WWE as a major signing and looked like a future star during her NXT run. On the main roster, that promise has not fully carried over.

Even her time as Women’s United States Champion never felt important. The title run lacked focus, her pairing with Kiana James went nowhere, and she has hovered around the championship scene without real momentum. On SmackDown, she pinned Chelsea Green, the current champion, once again. The moment barely landed with the crowd.

WWE may be setting up another title change, but it won’t matter unless things change. Giulia needs stronger booking, and the title needs to feel meaningful. Right now, neither does.

Trick Williams Makes His Presence Felt

Trick Williams appears to be officially stepping onto the main roster. After showing up on SmackDown, Cody Rhodes interrupted him to talk about Drew McIntyre. Pairing Williams with a top star right away was a smart move.

Williams returned moments later and warned Rhodes to hold onto his title “real tight.” The line gave him a strong moment and made it clear he is here to make an impact.

Carmelo Hayes Finally Gets His Big Moment

Carmelo Hayes’ main roster journey has been slow since being drafted early in 2024. That high draft spot created big expectations, but he never got the chance to build momentum. His long feud with The Miz did little to help.

SmackDown finally changed that. Hayes won his first main roster title by capturing the United States Championship. The win felt important, much like when Sami Zayn helped elevate Ilja Dragunov earlier this year.

For all the uneven booking this year, WWE’s use of the United States Championship to build new stars has worked well, and Hayes now has the spotlight firmly on him.