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 WWEs official Twitter account. Hayes last issued an open challenge on January 30, when he successfully retained the United States Championship against Rey Fenix. Now, with no opponent announced in advance, the door is wide open for a surprise. The timing is interesting. SmackDown already features the six Mens Elimination Chamber participants Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, JeVon Evans, Jey Uso, LA Knight, and Trick Williams set to come face-to-face before competing for a WrestleMania title opportunity against Drew McIntyre. The WWE Womens Tag Team Championships are also on the line as Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY defend against Lash Legend & Nia Jax. Oba Femi vs. The Miz, Jordynne Grace vs. Candice LeRae, and Uncle Howdy vs. Solo Sikoa are also scheduled. But Hayes putting the United States Championship on the line without knowing his challenger instantly raises the stakes. Open challenges have historically created breakout moments and on a go-home show, anything can happen. With Hayes continuing to brand himself as HIM, the pressure is now on whoever decides to answer. WWE SmackDown February 27, 2026 Full Card Mens Elimination Chamber Participants Face Off WWE Womens Tag Team Championship: Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY (c) Lash Legend & Nia Jax Oba Femi vs. The Miz Jordynne Grace vs. Candice LeRae Uncle Howdy vs. Solo Sikoa WWE United States Open Challenge: Carmelo Hayes (c) vs. TBA Be sure to tune in tonight and joinRingside Newsfor full live coverage and play-by-play results as everything unfolds on SmackDown. G Add as a preferred source on Google
