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Tag: Carmelo Hayes

  • Ilja Dragunov Reacts To Being Left Off the WrestleMania Card

    Ilja Dragunov Reacts To Being Left Off the WrestleMania Card

    Ilja Dragunov is keeping things positive.

    People have been frustrated with both Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes being taken out of the US Title picture weeks before WrestleMania. The two had been involved in an intense rivalry over the belt leading up to the Show of Shows, and fans feel disappointed that neither of them have been given a place on the PPV card.

    The Russian star was asked about this turn of events and if he felt disappointed at not getting the chance to showcase his talent at the biggest stage of them all during his recent interview with Ringer Wrestling. Though Ilja Dragunov did not complain about the situation, claiming that nobody can take away what he and Carmelo Hayes have achieved working together both in NXT and main roster:

    “I mean, you kind of roll with the punches in life. What would you say? Disappointment is such a hard word. I’m literally living my absolute best life. I have amazing performances with Carmelo. And I think honestly everything that we achieved together from NXT to the main roster.

    Not having a match at WrestleMania this year is only one thing that we don’t have, compared to all the things that we achieved in front of the audience. All the memories and moments we gave to the people that were watching us fighting. There’s nothing that anyone can take away from us. And people will remember this. Somewhere down the line, it’s all gonna make sense.”

    Dragunov later mentioned how Carmelo Hayes has developed a genuine connection with the crowd in his two years on the main roster. He claimed that not having a match at WrestleMania will not do any harm to that. Hayes himself had also spoken on this topic recently, though he was not so positive. You can check out his comments here.

  • Roman Reigns Praises Young Star After WrestleMania Snub

    Roman Reigns Praises Young Star After WrestleMania Snub

    Roman Reigns talks about Camelo Hayes.

    Fans have been unhappy with the former US Champion losing his title to Sami Zayn only days before WrestleMania. People have especially complained about Trick Williams getting the title shot at the Show of Shows instead of Hayes, despite the 31-year-old having worked hard to elevate the championship over the last few months.

    During his recent appearance on ESPN First Take, the OTC was asked which superstar from the WrestleMania card he feels could step up to him down the road. The Head of the Table picked the most obvious answer, naming Oba Femi as someone to keep an eye on.

    I’ve Liked The Resiliency: Roman Reigns

    Roman Reigns then gave a shout-out to both Trick Williams and Je’Von Evans. The final name he brought up was Carmelo Hayes. Despite the WrestleMania snub, the former World Champion claimed that he sees big things in the future for the former champion:

    “He’s been up for a little while. He’s had a different route than the other guys, I’ve really liked the resiliency that he’s shown, and he’s torn it up on SmackDown for a while now, so I’m looking for big things from him too.”

    Hayes himself has recently spoken about being left off the card for the Show of Shows, suggesting that hard work does not get you success in WWE. You can check out his remarks here.

  • Carmelo Hayes Talks Frustration on Being Left Off WrestleMania Card Again

    Carmelo Hayes Talks Frustration on Being Left Off WrestleMania Card Again

    Carmelo Hayes is waiting for his opportunity.

    A lot of fans have been feeling frustrated with the former US Champion being left off the WrestleMania card, especially after he spent the last few months elevating the belt to new heights with his feud with Ilja Dragunov.

    The former NXT star was asked about his feelings on missing the Show of Shows for the second year in a row during his recent interview with Nightcap. Carmelo Hayes first said that he knows he is talented enough and explained that in WWE, the name of the game is staying ready for your opportunity to come:

    “I feel like it’s staying ready, and just knowing that I’m talented enough to, if they give me the ball, it’s guaranteed. I think that’s really what my mentality has always been.”

    Until They Put You On The Field: Carmelo Hayes

    While Carmelo Hayes is sitting on the sidelines, Trick Williams is getting ready for his first WrestleMania moment only a few months after officially joining the main roster. He will challenge Sami Zayn for the US title on Night 2 of the event at Allegiant Stadium.

    Without directly naming the fellow NXT alumnus, Carmelo Hayes suggested that getting picked by the top brass is the way to success in WWE. He mentioned how you can’t prove yourself on the big stage until the company decides to give you the opportunity:

    “You ever heard that phrase ‘Success is not earned, it’s given’? I feel like that’s a lot with WWE is, anybody really, it’s like until they give you the ball, how will they know if you can score?

    Until they put you on the field, how will they know if you can make a play? I think that’s really what it comes down to with what we do is just waiting for the ball, or waiting for them to put you in.”

    What do you think about Carmelo Hayes missing WrestleMania again? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

  • Trick Williams Explains Why Carmelo Hayes Should Not Be Part of His WrestleMania Match

    Trick Williams Explains Why Carmelo Hayes Should Not Be Part of His WrestleMania Match

    Trick Williams doesn’t want to embarrass Carmelo Hayes.

    Fans were unhappy with Carmelo Hayes losing the US title to Sami Zayn only a few weeks before WrestleMania. Many believe that both Melo and Ilja Dragunov deserve to be a part of the title match at the biggest wrestling event of the year, after they elevated the championship with their feud over the last several months.

    During a recent interview with The Sun, Trick Williams, who is scheduled to challenge Zayn for the title at the PPV was asked about the possibility of Hayes being added to the bout. The former NXT Champion noted that he does have a story with the fellow NXT alumni, but claimed that he doesn’t want to embarrass Carmelo at his very first WrestleMania:

    “We definitely have a story and, you know, as far as what it would mean to the people, I think that’d be a beautiful moment. But, the truth is, whoever is in front of me got to get it. And as much as I care about Carmelo Hayes and as much of a friend that he once was to me, I don’t want to beat him down on the biggest stage of them all like that and embarrass him for his first WrestleMania.”

    Trick Williams claimed that it will be ‘a little cruel’ to do that to one of your friends. Though he later claimed that whoever is in front of him at the show has ‘got to get it.’

    The match between Williams and Zayn is set for Night 2 of the Show of Shows this year. Though it seems unlikely that Carmelo Hayes will be added to the bout after he lost the title rematch to Sami on this past Friday’s SmackDown.

  • Carmelo Hayes Addresses Speculation About US Title Loss

    Carmelo Hayes Addresses Speculation About US Title Loss

    Carmelo Hayes is not taking time off from WWE.

    People speculated that the SmackDown star might be going on a hiatus after he unexpectedly lost the US Championship to Sami Zayn only a few weeks before WrestleMania 42. These rumors were fuelled by what appeared to be wedding photos the 31-year-old posted on social media recently.

    The now former Champion seemingly addressed these talks during his appearance on the Battleground podcast. When asked about his wedding preparations, Carmelo Hayes confirmed that his wedding with fellow WWE star Kelani Jordan is still months away:

    “It’s going good. Kelani is handling a lot of it. She’s on top of it. And I’m giving my two cents when warranted. A lot of people thought that we already got married, I guess, that was like the big thing. But the wedding is in October, everybody. Those are engagement photos. I’m super excited, and we’re halfway there really.”

    General Manager Nick Aldis had told Trick Williams that he would be getting a match at WrestleMania before the title change on SmackDown. After the match, Aldis confirmed that Williams will actually be challenging Sami Zayn for the championship at the Shows of Shows.

    WWE has announced a multi-person ladder match for the IC title at the PPV. It seems likely that Carmelo Hayes and one or two other names could be added to the US title bout before Mania as well.

  • Trick Williams Defends Carmelo Hayes: ‘He Deserves His Moment’ at WrestleMania 42

    Trick Williams Defends Carmelo Hayes: ‘He Deserves His Moment’ at WrestleMania 42

    Former NXT Champion Trick Williams recently secured his spot at WrestleMania 42, but he believes his former ally Carmelo Hayes deserves one too.

    Following Friday’s SmackDown in Pittsburgh, Williams was announced as the challenger for Sami Zayn’s newly won WWE United States Championship at “The Grandest Stage of Them All.” However, Hayes remains without an announced role for WWE’s biggest show of the year.

    During an appearance on Mornings With Mero on HOT 97, Williams spoke passionately about Hayes’ situation and their history together.

    “Me and Melo, we go way back, of course,” Williams said. “And I would love to see him get his moment, and he deserves that. And you never know, he probably still will. You know what I mean, he carried that US title great. So he deserves his moment and I’m sure he’s going to get his moment.”

    Hayes had been riding high as United States Champion with a 98-day reign before losing the title to Zayn on SmackDown. The defeat came with help from Williams himself, who blindsided his former friend and NXT ally with a punch during the match.

    Williams also highlighted the current wave of young Black talent in WWE, which includes rising stars like Oba Femi and Je’Von Evans.

    “First of all, what a time, man,” Williams said. “Some of these things you can’t control. It is the right time. I got to say, shout out to the guys who came before us.”

    The comments show the respect between the former allies despite their recent in-ring conflict. While Williams has his WrestleMania 42 opportunity locked in against Zayn for the US Championship, Hayes’ fans will hope WWE finds a meaningful spot for the talented performer on the card.

    With WrestleMania 42 still building its lineup, there remains time for Hayes to secure his moment on wrestling’s biggest stage.

  • Ex-WWE star Upset With Carmelo Hayes Losing WrestleMania Spot

    Ex-WWE star Upset With Carmelo Hayes Losing WrestleMania Spot

    Baron Corbin is not happy with the SmackDown results.

    Tonight’s episode of the Blue Branded Show featured an unexpected title change as Sami Zayn beat Carmelo Hayes for the US title with some help from Trick Williams. Zayn was informed afterward that he will be defending his championship against Hollywood Trick at WrestleMania 42.

    The former WWE star questioned this booking decision after the match on X. Baron Corbin advocated for Hayes to get a spot on the Mania card, suggesting that he should be the one defending the title at the PLE:

    “Just my opinion but @Carmelo_WWE got screwed. He deserves a mania match!! Him and Ilja made that title matter again! Shit give me Ilja vs @_trickwilliams vs Melo at mania”

    Carmelo Hayes won the title from Ilja Dragunov on the December 19 SmackDown after a series of highly praised matches. He had continued the tradition of Open Challenge after that, beating opponents such as Shinsuke Nakamura, Rey Fenix and Matt Cardona to retain his belt.

    It’s possible that the storyline with the title will develop further before the Show of Shows, leading to a multi man match instead of the announced singles bout at the PPV.

  • Surprise Title Change On SmackDown

    Surprise Title Change On SmackDown

    Sami Zayn has found his path to WrestleMania.

    Tonight’s episode of SmackDown featured a backstage segment where Nick Aldis informed Trick Williams that he will be getting a match at Show of Shows. Before the details of the bout could be revealed, Sami Zayn walked in asking about his own path to Mania.

    The Ultimate Underdog started walking away at first after being told that the Mania card was full, but he then changed his mind. Trick Williams ate a right hand for telling Zayn that the catering was the other way, and Sami then told Aldis that he would find a way to get on the PPV.

    We didn’t have to wait long to find out what the wrestling veteran meant as he answered the open challenge issued by US Champion Carmelo Hayes later in the night. Trick Williams walked out before the bell and took a seat at the ringside for this fight.

    The ending of the match saw Hollywood Trick trying to enact revenge on Zayn by using the title belt as a distraction. He ended up hitting Melo while trying to take out Sami however. The shot allowed Sami Zayn to deliver the Helluva Kick on the US champion and pin him for the victory.

    Nick Aldis met the new champion backstage to congratulate him after the bout. The SmackDown General Manager then revealed that Sami will be defending the championship against Trick Williams at WrestleMania.

  • Kelani Jordan Reacts To Fiancé Carmelo Hayes Winning US Title

    Kelani Jordan is proud of Carmelo Hayes.

    The former NXT star had to wait a long time to get his first big accolade on the WWE main roster. Despite being a triple crown champion in NXT, Hayes did not win any belts in almost 2 years after his main roster debut. He finally got the reward for his patience and connection with the crowd last month, when he defeated Ilja Dragunov to win the US championship.

    Hayes\’ fiancé and current NXT star Kelani Jordan, was asked what this win means for him during her recent interview with No-Contest Wrestling. She said that she was very proud of Carmelo, claiming that she has not seen someone more passionate about the business:

    “I’m so proud of him… I don’t wanna say I’m biased but, really, honestly, he’s such a great person. He works really hard. I’ve never seen someone more passionate about this business and what he does. He studies all the time, he works hard, he’s in the gym.\”

    It Wasn\’t Handed To Him: Kelani Jordan

    The victory of Carmelo Hayes was celebrated by fans and his peers alike, with even Dragunov showing respect to his opponent after losing the title. Kelani Jordan mentioned how her fiancé worked extra hard for this, and nothing was handed to him:

    \”He sometimes even does extra ring with me, not only to help me, but just to make sure he’s in shape for his matches when he doesn’t really need to be. He’s in great shape. So I’m just super proud of him because I wanna say he never — it wasn’t handed to him. He definitely earned it and I feel like he definitely paid his dues, and of course his talent speaks for itself but, he has a genuine heart and so, I’m super proud of him.”

    Carmelo Hayes defeated Johnny Gargano in his first US title defence during the January 2 SmackDown. He has been facing the Miz at recent house shows, but there is no word on who will challenge Hayes for the belt next.

  • Big Title Change On Last SmackDown of 2025

    Carmleo Hayes is finally a champion again.

    The former NXT star had challenged Ilja Dragunov for the US title on the December 5 SmackDown. This match had ended with Tommaso Ciampa costing Melo the bout, without the champion\’s knowledge.

    The two opponents then teamed up on last week\’s episode of the Blue Branded show to face DIY, where Hayes picked up the victory for his team.

    As a result, Dragunov met the former NXT Champion in a backstage segment this Friday night. Ilja revealed his intention to close the US title open challenge, but offered Carmelo a title rematch out of respect.

    Both opponents gave everything they had in the bout that took place later in the show. Many have called it a PPV-quality match from the two young stars. In the end, Carmelo Hayes picked up the victory with Nothing But Net, becoming the new US Champion.

    This is the first main roster title for the 31-year-old since he made his SmackDown debut as the third overall draft pick back in April 2024. He had won multiple belts in NXT, which included the Cruiserweight and North American Titles as well.

    This title change ends Ilja Dragunov\’s run with the championship at 70 days. He had defeated Sami Zayn during a SmackDown episode back in August for the championship.

    Bruce Prichard On Rumors of Backstage Rivalry With Triple H

  • WWE SmackDown Tonight (Dec 19, 2025): Priest Targeted, DIY Battle, Women\’s Tag Action

    Live from the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan

    WWE SmackDown heads to Grand Rapids for the final episode before the holidays, serving as the fallout show from Saturday Night\’s Main Event, where John Cena wrestled his final match ever. The show also addresses the fallout from Drew McIntyre\’s attack on Cody Rhodes during his match with NXT Champion Oba Femi. With multiple storylines heating up heading into the new year, tonight\’s episode promises significant developments across multiple feuds.

    Match Card

    • Ilja Dragunov & Carmelo Hayes vs. DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa)
    • Nia Jax & Lash Legend vs. The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane)
    • JC Mateo & Tonga Loa vs. The Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis) – No Contest Expected

    Damian Priest Under Siege

    Following the Terror Twins\’ victory over Aleister Black and Zelina Vega at last week\’s SmackDown, Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley reunited to defeat the married couple in mixed tag team action. However, the feud appears far from over. Sources have identified that Black and Zelina will launch another assault on Priest during tonight\’s broadcast.

    The Archer of Infamy recently enlisted Ripley\’s help after months of dealing with Black\’s mind games and Zelina\’s interference. While the Terror Twins secured the win last week with their signature Razor\’s Edge combination and Ripley\’s Riptide, Black has shown no signs of backing down. With Ripley currently focused on her own rivalries on Raw, Priest may find himself outnumbered once again when Black and Zelina strike.

    This feud dates back several months, with Black defeating Priest in a Last Man Standing Match thanks to Zelina\’s involvement. Black then escalated matters by blasting Priest in the face with a fireball. Tonight\’s attack could set up a stipulation match or further enlarge this personal rivalry heading into the Royal Rumble season.

    Ilja Dragunov & Carmelo Hayes vs. DIY

    In an unlikely pairing, United States Champion Ilja Dragunov teams with Carmelo Hayes to battle the veteran duo of DIY. This match brings together four competitors with vastly different recent trajectories on SmackDown.

    Dragunov successfully retained his United States Championship against Tommaso Ciampa last week after weeks of Ciampa\’s psychological warfare. The Mad Dragon has made it clear he wants to carry the title with honor, refusing backup from Nathan Frazer and Axiom despite Ciampa\’s mind games. His partnership with Hayes tonight represents an intriguing dynamic, as both men possess intense, high-impact styles.

    Hayes, meanwhile, was part of John Cena\’s Last Time is Now Tournament last month, advancing past Bronson Reed before falling to Gunther in the quarterfinals. The former NXT Champion continues seeking his footing on the main roster, and a victory over the established DIY could provide significant momentum.

    Johnny Gargano and Ciampa reformed DIY earlier this year, and despite their recent setbacks, they remain one of the most accomplished tag teams in WWE history. Ciampa\’s frustration after failing to capture the United States Championship could make him especially dangerous tonight. The chemistry between Gargano and Ciampa contrasts sharply with the ad hoc pairing of Dragunov and Hayes, potentially giving DIY the advantage.

    Women\’s Tag Team Action

    Nia Jax and Lash Legend face The Kabuki Warriors in what promises to be a physical encounter. Jax and Legend have been aligned for several weeks, targeting former WWE Women\’s Tag Team Champions Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair. The duo secured a victory last week, and tonight they look to continue building momentum.

    The Kabuki Warriors, Asuka and Kairi Sane, represent one of the most decorated teams in women\’s wrestling history. Their speed and technical prowess clash with the power-based offense of Jax and the athleticism of Legend. Following their match, expect Bliss and Flair to make an appearance, as their rivalry with Jax and Legend remains unresolved heading into the new year.

    The Wyatt Sicks Continue Their Chaos

    The mysterious Wyatt Sicks faction faces MFT members JC Mateo and Tonga Loa in what\’s expected to end in chaos rather than a clean finish. Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis have been wreaking havoc on SmackDown since their arrival, and their unpredictable nature makes any match involving them a potential spectacle.

    The MFTs, representing the Sol Ruca-aligned group, have struggled to contain the psychological warfare employed by The Wyatt Sicks. Tonight\’s no-contest will likely see the faction\’s full presence felt, potentially setting up a larger confrontation down the line.

    Segments to Watch

    Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre Fallout: After McIntyre\’s interference ruined Rhodes\’ match with Oba Femi at Saturday Night\’s Main Event, the Undisputed WWE Champion will likely address the ongoing harassment from The Scottish Psychopath. Rhodes earned a WWE Championship match against McIntyre on Raw after their recent brawl at Rhodes\’ home, and tonight could feature further developments in this intensely personal rivalry.

    Randy Orton, Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill, and Jacob Fatu Appearances: Multiple top stars are advertised for tonight\’s show, suggesting potential segment work or surprise confrontations that could set up future matches and storylines.

    Looking Ahead

    • SmackDown expands to three hours starting January 3, 2025, from Phoenix, Arizona
    • The Royal Rumble season approaches, with storylines beginning to take shape for the January 31 event
    • Cody Rhodes\’ next challenger for the Undisputed WWE Championship remains unclear beyond his upcoming match with Drew McIntyre
    • The United States Championship picture continues to develop with multiple contenders circling Ilja Dragunov
    • Women\’s division rivalries intensify heading into the new year with multiple unresolved feuds

    WWE SmackDown airs tonight at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT on the USA Network from the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan.