Ricky Saints became the No. 1 [2] contender for the WWE United States Championship after defeating Carmelo Hayes on Friday [1].
The victory establishes a new challenger for the title and sets the stage for a high-stakes clash at the upcoming Night of Champions event. This development shifts the momentum in the championship race, positioning Saints as a primary antagonist in the current title picture.
The match took place during the June 19, 2026 [1] episode of WWE SmackDown. While the contest featured athletic exchanges, the finish was defined by an underhanded tactic. Saints utilized an exposed turnbuckle to secure the win over Hayes [2], [3].
By securing this victory, Saints has earned the right to challenge the current champion, Trick Williams [3]. The official announcement confirms that the two are set to face off for the U.S. Championship at Night of Champions [3].
This win follows a series of matchups designed to determine the top contender for the belt. The use of the exposed turnbuckle ensures that the upcoming title match will likely center on the conflict between Saints' willingness to cheat and Williams' championship tenure.
The broadcast was aired across the USA Network, Peacock, and ESPN platforms [4]. The fallout from the match is expected to dominate the next several episodes of SmackDown as the promotion builds toward the title bout.
“Ricky Saints became the No. 1 contender for the WWE United States Championship”
Saints' victory via an exposed turnbuckle establishes him as a 'heel' character who prioritizes victory over sportsmanship. By securing the No. 1 contender spot through cheating, the narrative for the Night of Champions match is now framed as a battle of integrity versus opportunism, increasing the dramatic tension for the championship bout.
