WWE just made a late change to the February 27, 2026 episode of Friday Night SmackDown — and it could shake up the entire night.
Just hours before the Elimination Chamber go-home show from the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky, WWE confirmed that Carmelo Hayes will defend his WWE United States Championship in an open challenge. The announcement came directly from WWE’s official Twitter account.
“Who will step up to HIM?! @Carmelo_WWE holds a United States Open Challenge TONIGHT on #SmackDown! 📺 8 ET/7 CT on @USANetwork”
Hayes last issued an open challenge on January 30, when he successfully retained the United States Championship against Rey Fenix. Now, with no…