Ilja Dragunov's reign as the United States Champion will continue on SmackDown, but it wasn't without controversy. On the latest episode of SmackDown, a 40-year-old star interfered, playing a pivotal role, and the Champion was furious.This week on SmackDown, Tommaso Ciampa thought he would go for the US Title, as he has been teasing recently. However, what ended up happening was that the incredible Carmelo Hayes swooped in, said he was already booked for the match, and insulted Ciampa on his way out. During the match, the Austin, Texas, crowd was heavily pro-Carmelo Hayes, who took his old rival, Ilja Dragunov, to the limit.While Carmelo Hayes was nearly on the verge of victory, the 40-year-old Ciampa would interfere while Hayes was on the top turnbuckle. This was right after a crucial spot where Ilja Dragunov got his head spiked on the ring apron and then slammed against the barricade. So, because of that, referee Charles Robinson was checking on Dragunov. Even the US Champion didn't know there was an interference, and post-match, when he saw the replay, he was furious about it.This essentially confirms two things: One, Dragunov vs Ciampa is only a matter of time, and two, Carmelo Hayes is more than likely going to get another shot at the US Title should Dragunov remain the Champion.What was incredible to see was the support that Carmelo Hayes received from the audience, and there seems to be a clear appetite to see him succeed. After over a year and a half, where he was once the first-round draft pick from NXT to SmackDown, he seems to be getting his momentum rolling, finally.It's going to be interesting to see what the future holds for Carmelo Hayes, who could very well be the next United States Champion.