[8.0] "They really gave us an epic match. Not quite as epic as some of their previous encounters, but it was still really cool, dynamic and fluid. That's why we appreciate both of them : because they're always capable of delivering outstanding, thrilling performances that truly reflect their talent."
[8.0] "Hayes/Dragunov is an incredible pairing and the chemistry between the two is unmatched. The wrestling mechnaices were on-point impressive. It was technical which could later transition to a heated hard-hitting and evenly matched exchnage of heavy shots back and forth. The ribs of Hayes trouble him and catch the attention of Dragunov who pounces on it like a rabid dog and targeted it to soften up Hayes. It was a test of toughness, endurance and resilience but Dragunov has the upper-hand with regards to that area. Hayes is however able to muster enough energy to sneak off a victory due to a clear hole in his armor (injured ribs). Strong story-telling ability and ring-psychology presence. Brilliant in-ring work. ****"
[8.0] "Dragunov and Hayes had a very good match as they always do together, their chemistry is crazy. These two are the future of SmackDown and they show that the future is in good hands, because wow this was good. The action was awesome to watch, however I didn't really like the roll up ending. Both these guys should be on the WrestleMania card by now, but even if they aren't I'm sure they will be in the main event a few years down the line."
[7.0] "****1/4 Very good match, very good chemistry, they always shine together, very good sequences, very good intensity, very good constant rhythm, perhaps the match becomes somewhat repetitive in formula but it is functional, although they do not reach their maximum level, very good ending. Dragunov connects the Torpedo Moscow and goes for a powerboom but Carmelo reverses it into a roll-pin and retains the title"
[7.0] "It's good, I'm not disputing that, but is it THAT good? I guess by fed standards, this is the second coming of Christ, but both have better matches in their repertoire (even against each other). Maybe it's WWE's visual production style that's keeping me from truly connecting with this one."
[8.0] "Very good TV match here between Hayes and Dragunov who have been battling over titles for years now. These two have gained a unique and very entertaining chemistry in the ring with a great sense of energy. The match definitely felt like an NXT highlight but on the main roster as both have been elevated since their NXT days. Great intensity and multiple surprising kick outs. Hayes takes a torpedo moscow but recovers to get the victory via sunset roll-up ****.25"
[6.0] "A solid confrontation that's becoming a classic. The midcard placement and the fact that the match was held before WrestleMania led me to believe the finish wouldn't be clean, which it was. It's not a major issue, but despite the quality of the match, it seems to me to be just a taste of what I hope will be an even better fight in the future. In-ring quality: 1.75/4. Stakes: 1.5/2. Justification: 0.75/1. Card placement: 0.5/1. Suspense: 0.5/1. Bonus/Penalty: None. Total: 6/10. Match watched on Netflix (FR)."
[8.0] "Even better than their last match in my opinion. Effortlessly smooth and impactful, both delivering on that stiffness and ferocity that is sorely lacking in WWE. Carmelo Hayes had me sold as soon as he starting selling the ribs after he full sent it into the announce table and followed it up with a frog splash. Ilja Dragunov also looked as amazing as he always does, the guy never flinches and it brings such an authentic believability to his work. The moment where Carmelo catches Ilja with the First 48 and then Ilja falls into an H Bomb which Carmelo gets out of by putting his foot on the ropes was magic. I don't think this match brough anything new to these guys besides cleaning up a bit of the awkwardness from their last match but I could watch these guys forever and never get bored"
[8.0] "Excellent tempo and intensity right out the gates; Ilja never fails to disappoint and Hayes undoubtedly makes for a great opponent. Commentary no-selling the H-bomb from Dragunov was terrible but only took so much away from the spectacular moment. The top-rope cutter counter was another moment of beauty, the striking sequence that followed was gritty, and the second first-48 counter of the match was every bit as sensational as the first. The only let-down here for me is the finish. Give these two twenty minutes at Wrestlemania and let them steal the show."
"What a match! Simply amazing for a Tv weekly show, the flow was awesome and even the Technical view of the match, very good the fact that Ilja lost with a roll up, he s protected, hope will get bigger title soon. 8, 5 stars"
[9.0] "Absolute smoker of a match here, these two just never miss, this is probably my favorite match that these two have had on the main roster, I hope they can both get on the Mania card, because they both deserve it after carrying this division for the back half of last year."
[8.0] "Great match. That had some small elements we already saw in previous matches with them, but they went into a more agressive and realistic style sometimes with clear kicks and punches that got my love here. Hayes is just a wrestler too good and I am pretty happy that his chemistry with Ilja is being well explored on free TV. They should work at WrestleMania tho, maybe with some stipulation this time, all their six previous matches were single ones."
[8.0] "Another banger from these two. I don't know if there was their best match, but I like it from the start to the end. I have only one issue - when after codebreaker dragunov immediately doing his h-bomb. But everything else I liked, especially the result, because Melo vs ilja story is closed and we finally can move to WrestleMania season, where I hope the US championship will get something intresting."
[9.0] "There isn't anyone in the mens division in WWE that currently has the chemistry that these two have. Every time they meet in the ring it's just the MOTN. It's insane how they manage to pull off the craziest spots and impress me every single time they do it. What a match."
[9.0] "These two have incredible chemistry. We expected greatness and we got it. I could watch Ilja in particular all day long, he's the very definition is wrestling bigger than you are. Some may find this a bit rinse and repeat from previous matches these two had, but I'd need to see this a lot more before I got bored of it."
[9.0] "Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov are wrestling soulmates. They have countlessly had amazing matches, after amazing matches with each other, I can also confidently say you can make a case of them being one of the best rivals of this 2020 Decade. But this match was awesome, this was one of my favorite matches of this year. I was on my feet, I thought we could see a title change, and I liked how the finish went. Do I want this feud to end in a Two Out of Three Falls Match at WrestleMania? Yes. I want these two by the end of this year, chasing the World Title because they are amazing talents that every time they are allowed to wrestle, they deliver. They can wrestle a broomstick, and it would be entertaining. I loved this so much, it's one of my favorite matches from WWE this year. Please give me more of this style of matches because it's so refreshing to see, instead of an MFTs Match that is filled with outside interference. Give me a wrestling match every single week. Amazing stuff, I do see this ending in a WrestleMania Match."
[9.0] "The definition of wrestling soulmates. Melo and Ilja have unbelievable chemistry. Intense offense, and great selling. Will never get tired of seeing these two do the dance together."
[7.0] "For the 800th time they lock up. No character development, no superstar clout. Just bread and butter matches, of course these aren't bad but they will never make these two superstars. The match was the exact same as their last bout. Ilja Dragunov has been turned into a firm jobber."
[8.0] "Really good match for the US title. Melo and Dragunov once again deliver a hard hitting, fast paced and entertaining battle. They're simply made to wrestle each together. Good attention to detail with them having counters ready with all of the times they've faced off. Nice finish with Dragunov about to put Melo away with a powerbomb and Melo hitting a desperation sunset flip to scrape by with the win. Wouldn't mind seeing one last rematch to settle things at WrestleMania. 8.5/10"
[9.0] "Thanks to Sami Zayn for reviving the USA Open Challenge. Since then, it's practically always the best match on SmackDown. Plus, these two seem incapable of having a bad match together. Their match has always been a pleasure to watch, whether on NXT or SmackDown. In the end, Mello wins through trickery. I hope that when a heel takes the title, the concept will still continue."
[9.0] "Excellent match. These two always manage to deliver when paired against each other. Thought they did a good job of building towards the finish. Final few minutes were amazing."
[9.0] "This match was freaking phenomenal. I've said it before and I'll say it again, these two, are just allergic to having bad matches with each other. These two are just unbelievable together, literally when these two are in a ring together, they just create magic. The strikes, counters, sequences, and physicality are all fantastic as always between these two. The chops and elbows were brutal as well. Nothing is ever held back with those in their matches. The first 48 counter was great, but immediately after Ilja hit the H-Bomb was fantastic, Melo getting his foot on the rope was insane and perfectly timed. I always love that cutter counter that Melo does from the top rope, it's amazing. The final moments were incredible, just back and forth fast pace action."
[9.0] "The U.S. Open Challenge is one of the best things in wrestling right now. In the sea of mediocrity that is Smackdown, it's an oasis in a desert. Almost every match is a banger and this match is no exception. Carmelo and Ilja have some of the best chemistry in WWE at the moment."
[9.0] "Whenever these two get in the run, it's a masterclass in selling that pain, in making these matches look like they really do hurt. Since Sami Zayn's open challenge started, and Dragunov kept it going, and Hayes did the same, these two have been going at it hard and fast, and it's entertaining to watch whenever they go for it in the ring (take that how you will). Is this over? Probably not, but this is certainly a fight forever situation. ****1/2"
[10.0] "Absolutely phenomenal match, it always is between these two but this was a real all-timer. The athleticism and intensity on display was something else. Bit of a flukey victory with Melo's roll-up so will we see them run it back at Mania?"
[8.0] "Finally, the spotlight is back on the U.S. title, and already we're treated to another solid match. The pace is breakneck, perhaps a bit too much at times, the moves are executed with clinical precision, and in the end, it's a Sunset Flip that secures the belt for Hayes. It's a treat to watch on TV, and since this only happens on SmackDown! we can definitely give it a round-up."
[8.0] "Fantastic match. The banger belt lives on! Dragunov finally being treated like he should be and Melo continues to grow every time we see him. Excellent match."
[9.0] "Put this match on a PLE and take away the commercials and it could very well have been the greatest US championship match this side of 2000. Amazing chemistry, and they could go run it back 10 times and it would never feel repetitive and always be amazing. Wrestling soul mates on full display"
[8.0] "Another fantastic bout between those 2. Only downside is that I would've had Ilija going over here to set up the rubber match at Mania (hopefully 2 out of 3 falls or Iron man) but maybe they are saving Ilija's big win for Mania, especially with the story being about Ilija on a losing streak and trying to overcome that"
[9.0] "These two NEVER miss man! Carmelo Hayes has been a constant rare highlight on Smackdown. Ilja Dragunov is unlike any other wrestler. The intensity he brings is so fun to watch. More of these two please"
[9.0] "Melo/Ilja is the match of the night. The match was epic with excellent in-ring action. It was intense, fast-paced and beautiful. Give Melo some proper storylines."
[8.0] "Another banger of a match between Melo and Dragunov, they're true soulmates in that squared circle and they proved it once again with yet another excellent match. I loved the action, but I loved the story of the match even more, with Dragunov always ready for every one of Melo's attacks, always able to regain the upper hand when his opponent makes a mistake, and always knowing how to capitalize on Melo's risky style. He always had a way of countering Melo's creative moves because he'd already been on the receiving end of them, except that he was up against a tenacious champion, and Dragunov stubbornly stuck to his game plan--so he ended up regretting it by rushing things too much at the end. As soon as he lost focus for a few seconds, Melo seized the opportunity to pin him. Brilliant storytelling, honestly, with top-notch execution."
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