Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes Booked for SmackDown on July 10 in Oklahoma City — U.S. Title Not on the Line

A simmering rivalry is about to boil over. WWE has made it official: United States Champion Trick Williams will face Carmelo Hayes in a non-title one-on-one match on the July 10 episode of SmackDown in Oklahoma City.

The bout stems from a tense in-ring confrontation on the July 3 edition of SmackDown, where Hayes interrupted Williams and his manager Lil Yachty. Hayes acknowledged the champion’s recent success but pointedly argued that Williams had never truly gotten the better of him — and that the United States Championship should be carried by the hardest workers in WWE. He made his demand for a title shot clear.

Lil Yachty fielded the challenge in his own way, putting the question directly to the crowd before agreeing to give Hayes a match the following week. The caveat, however, was firm: the title would stay off the table. Yachty’s reasoning was blunt — Hayes already had his shot and came up short, so Oklahoma City would serve as his opportunity to prove he’s even worth another opportunity.

As Williams and Yachty moved to exit, Hayes made sure he had the last word. He launched himself over the ropes with a dive that took out both men, sending a clear message about how seriously he’s taking this feud.

For context, Hayes recently lost a number-one contender’s match to Ricky Saints, who subsequently challenged Williams for the United States Championship at Clash of Champions without capturing the title. The rivalry between Williams and Hayes, built over years dating back to their NXT days, now has fresh stakes as Hayes looks to finally establish a definitive edge over the man who currently holds one of WWE’s most prestigious championships.