Following his NXT departure, Carmelo Hayes showcased his talents on SmackDown, making a bold statement about his destiny in WWE.
With the 2024 WWE Draft underway, SmackDown secured a promising talent by drafting the ex-NXT Champion, Carmelo Hayes. On his first night, Hayes didn’t hesitate to put his skills to the test, challenging none other than the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes to a match – an invitation that Rhodes accepted, setting up an electric main event.
The bout between Hayes and Rhodes was a crowd-pleaser, with Hayes displaying his impressive arsenal of moves and charisma. The Champion, Cody Rhodes, ultimately won with his signature Cross Rhodes finisher, but not before Hayes left a lasting impression on the WWE Universe.
Despite the defeat, Hayes, in a post-match interview with Byron Saxton on The SmackDown Lowdown here, conveyed his optimism and confidence regarding his trajectory on the blue brand.
Reflecting on the night’s events, Hayes acknowledged Rhodes’ status as a top-tier champion but was content with the statement he made in their match. He saw his draft pick as validation of his potential to rise to the top of WWE.
“I went into this thing, win or loss, I wanted to make that statement. At the end of the day, I know I’m destined for greatness. Going [up] against a guy like Cody Rhodes, WWE champ for a reason. I might not have made it through, [and] I might not have beat Cody Rhodes but I shot from the low go and I hit rim on that. They could’ve picked anybody, there’s a room full of them but [they] came and they picked me second in the first round because they know that Carmelo Hayes is Him.”
Hayes has indeed begun his SmackDown journey with a strong start, and many eyes will be on him to see how his career progresses from here. As the WWE Draft continues on Monday Night RAW, anticipation builds for what’s in store for the WWE superstars.
Let us know your thoughts on Carmelo Hayes’ SmackDown performance in the comments below!
FAQs About Carmelo Hayes and His SmackDown Debut
- Who is Carmelo Hayes?
- Carmelo Hayes is a former NXT Champion who recently made his debut on the main roster of WWE during the SmackDown brand.
- What did Carmelo Hayes do on his SmackDown debut?
- On his SmackDown debut, Carmelo Hayes challenged the current Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, to a match, which marked a significant moment for the newly drafted star.
- Did Carmelo Hayes win his debut match against Cody Rhodes?
- No, Carmelo Hayes did not win his debut match. The victory went to Cody Rhodes who finished the match with his signature Cross Rhodes move.
- Why does Carmelo Hayes feel he is destined for greatness?
- Carmelo Hayes expressed a strong sense of confidence and belief in his abilities, despite the loss to Cody Rhodes. He feels that his performance and being drafted second in the first round are indicative of his potential in WWE.
Conclusion
Although he did not secure a win against Cody Rhodes, Carmelo Hayes has entered the WWE main roster with determination and a powerful declaration of his impending success. With his talent and sheer confidence, Hayes left an indelible mark on the WWE Universe and has set high expectations for his path in WWE. His journey on Friday Night SmackDown has begun impressively, and fans are eager to see his evolution into a WWE superstar. As the saying goes, oftentimes it’s not just about the destination, but the journey—and for Carmelo Hayes, the journey towards greatness looks promising.