A big title match is now set for WWE Night of Champions after Ricky Saints picked up a huge win on the June 19 episode of SmackDown. By defeating Carmelo Hayes, Saints earned a shot at Trick Williams and the United States Championship next week.
Last week, WWE announced that the winner of Ricky Saints vs. Carmelo Hayes would get a US Title match against Trick Williams at Night of Champions.
Meanwhile, Trick Williams has continued his impressive run on SmackDown. Since winning the United States Championship at WrestleMania 42, he has established himself as the fan favorite. Because of that success, a lot of challengers have been lining up for a chance at his title.
For Ricky Saints, this match was an opportunity to show that he belongs in the main roster. Carmelo Hayes had his own reasons for wanting the win, believing that previous setbacks involving Williams and Sami Zayn had held him back from reaching his full potential.
Ricky Saints outlasts Carmelo Hayes at SmackDown
The match was fast-paced from start to finish.
Late in the match, Hayes looked close to victory after hitting Dirty Diana and a Suplex Lift Cutter. He then went for Nothing But Net, but Saints avoided it and nearly stole the match.
Both men continued trading counterattacks and near falls as the momentum shifted back and forth. Saints tried for the Revolution DDT, but Hayes escaped and regained control. Hayes then connected with First 48 and appeared to be seconds away from earning the title shot.
After Hayes went for the pin, Saints kicked out and sent him crashing into an exposed turnbuckle. The back of Hayes’ head hit the steel. Saints quickly took advantage and scored the winning pinfall.
With that victory, Ricky Saints officially became the number-one contender for the United States Championship.
Read More: Major New Title Match Planned for WWE Night of Champions — Report
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