Carmelo Hayes, the United States Champion, was all set to defend his title on SmackDown once again. This time, however, he decided to spice things up by issuing an Open Challenge to a non-WWE opponent. The challenge was answered by none other than the AAA Latin American Champion, El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. This match had significant implications as the winner had the opportunity to hold both a WWE and an AAA title simultaneously, a feat never achieved before by an AAA star.
The match kicked off with El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. gaining early momentum, showcasing his strength and skills. However, Carmelo Hayes, known for his agility and quick thinking, turned the tables in his favor as the match progressed. Dr. Wagner Jr. tried to showcase his aerial prowess with a moonsault but unfortunately missed, allowing Hayes to capitalize and hit his finisher, the ‘Nothing but Net,’ securing the victory and retaining his championship. The Portland crowd was left in awe as the champion celebrated another successful defense.
Prior to the match, in a backstage segment, Carmelo Hayes had a conversation with GM Nick Aldis. Aldis informed Hayes that his open challenge had caught the attention of various companies, hinting at a non-WWE opponent for the night. Excited at the prospect, Hayes requested Aldis to keep the surprise until the actual match. The revelation that it was El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. from AAA added an extra layer of excitement to the showdown.
Post-match, both champions shared a moment, raising their titles in a show of respect and sportsmanship. The historic encounter between Carmelo Hayes and El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. not only showcased the talent of both individuals but also highlighted the cross-promotional opportunities within the wrestling world.
The clash between these two talented competitors on SmackDown was a testament to the global reach and impact of professional wrestling. With Carmelo Hayes continuing to reign as the United States Champion, and El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. representing AAA with pride, the future looks bright for both men in the world of sports entertainment.
This article was edited by Neda Ali.
