Carmelo Hayes Teases Teaming With Kelani Jordan Against Johnny Gargano And Candice LeRae

Carmelo Hayes successfully defended the WWE United States Championship against Johnny Gargano on Friday’s WWE SmackDown.

It was his first successful title defense.

After the match, Gargano posted that he would be coming back for Hayes and the title.

Hayes replied, “This was an NXT dream match and I actually got a lil bit of respect for you. We can run it back whenever, leave your wife in the back…or I can make a call and we can even it out.”

This was an NXT dream match and I actually got a lil bit of respect for you.

We can run it back whenever, leave your wife in the back…or I can make a call and we can even it out 👀 https://t.co/EDbOdfHww5

— Carmelo Hayes (@Carmelo_WWE) January 4, 2026

Gargano is married to Candice LeRae, who is regularly by his side on television, but hasn’t wrestled since September 2025.

Hayes is engaged to Kelani Jordan, who is part of the NXT roster.

Fans can find Fightful’s coverage of WWE SmackDown here.