Carmelo Hayes will represent WWE NXT in the ongoing United States Championship contenders tournament, it has been confirmed.
Earlier this month, United States Champion Logan Paul announced an eight-man tournament to determine his first challenger. In his announcement, the Maverick said that he’d love to offer Rey Mysterio a rematch, but can’t due to the WWE Hall of Famer’s injury. Paul captured the title from Mysterio at WWE Crown Jewel in his first taste of gold since signing with WWE.
Shawn Michaels says there was a line of NXT stars outside his door wanting to be part of the US Championship Contenders Tournament, but in his view, nobody deserves the spot more than Carmelo Hayes.
Melo had previously teased being a part of the tournament and has been universally praised for his work in NXT. He’s viewed as having breakout potential as much as anybody in developmental and will be right at home amongst SmackDown’s most talented stars:
BREAKING: @ShawnMichaels has announced that the #WWENXT Superstar entering the #USTitle Tournament on #SmackDown is former @WWENXT Champion @Carmelo_WWE! pic.twitter.com/gqx4fX2GwR
— WWE (@WWE) December 11, 2023
Carmelo Hayes Road to SmackDown
With the tournament brackets being revealed last week, it is clear what path Hayes has toward the United States Championship. Hayes will face Grayson Waller in the first round, somebody whom Hayes has experience competing against in NXT. Should he win, Melo will face the winner of the Austin Theory Vs. Kevin Owens quarter-final match. If Hayes wins that bout, he will face either Bobby Lashley or Santos Escobar in the finals.
While not confirmed, many expect the title match to take place at the Royal Rumble next year. The WWE Royal Rumble will take place on January 27, from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Hayes recently called out All Elite Wrestling for merchandise he sees as very similar to his “Melo is Him” catchphrase:
