Chaos on SmackDown Leads to Three-Way US Title Match at Crown Jewel

The stage is set for a thrilling triple threat at Crown Jewel featuring LA Knight (WWE)

LA Knight will put his United States Championship on the line against Carmelo Hayes and Andrade at Crown Jewel, following a failed attempt to dodge both challengers on WWE SmackDown. Acting as the special guest referee during “Game 7” between Hayes and Andrade — a match that was supposed to determine his next opponent — Knight disrupted the bout by calling it off.

He delivered BFTs to both wrestlers, announcing that neither deserved a shot at his title. However, things didn’t go as planned, as SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis later reprimanded Knight, telling him that since he wanted the spotlight, he would have to defend his championship against both men at the premium live event.

Knight delivers BFTs to both Hayes and Andrade, denying them a title shot (WWE))

Before Knight’s interference led to the no-contest, the match between Hayes and Andrade had started with high intensity. Both competitors exchanged quick moves, with Andrade executing a Spanish Fly followed by a meteora, nearly securing a pinfall.

As Hayes kicked out, he shoved Andrade into Knight, who missed counting a roll-up attempt. Frustration boiled over when Hayes confronted Knight, intending to land a superkick on Andrade but accidentally hitting Knight instead.

Hayes then tried for a pinfall, but Knight retaliated by dragging him out of the ring and slamming him into the announcer’s table. To finish his chaotic interference, Knight hit both Hayes and Andrade with BFTs and rang the bell himself, declaring the match over on his own terms.