Could a rivalry be reignited for Carmelo Hayes? The former NXT Champion is preparing himself for tough competition as he is the lone NXT member competing in the upcoming US Title contender’s tournament on SmackDown. He’s no stranger to his first round opponent either as he’s going one-on-one with Grayson Waller.
In light of that clash occurring, Waller decided to confront Carmelo during a photo shoot. Just this week on WWE NXT, Hayes accused the current NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov of attacking him at the beginning of this week’s episode and also believes that it was Dragunov who attacked Trick Williams backstage months ago. The latter two are set to face one another at NXT New Year’s Evil, but it was Waller who decided to throw some salt into fresh wounds.
Ran into an old mate backstage at @WWENXT last night pic.twitter.com/Yf3XSHJKQd
— Grayson Waller (@GraysonWWE) December 13, 2023
Waller decided to push some buttons, putting the blame on Hayes for Williams getting attacked and Carmelo took exception to Waller walking in during his shoot.
Waller challenged Hayes for the NXT Championship earlier this year at Spring Breakin’, but the Aussie lost in his efforts. Since then, Waller was drafted to the SmackDown roster, but spent a good deal of time on the shelf due to injury.
However, Waller has still made the most of his call-up, having a memorable confrontation with John Cena this past July at WWE Money In The Bank.
Big expectations are ahead for Hayes as many fans and Hall Of Famers have been anticipating a main roster call-up for the rising star. While there is no indication that his participation in the tournament means he’ll be moving up, it’s certainly a positive sign.
