Carmelo Hayes is making a name for himself as one of the fastest-rising stars in NXT, despite only being in the industry for two short years. In that time, he has managed to accumulate an impressive list of accolades, including winning the Breakout Tournament and becoming a two-time NXT North American Champion. For most wrestlers who join the WWE Performance Center, it typically takes two to three years before they are given TV time. However, with NXT rebranding and shifting back to a developmental brand, Hayes was given the opportunity to get on TV within months.
“Yeah they threw me in the deep end. I had time on the indies so I came prepared I was scouted as like somebody who was you know ‘Hey you’re one of the best out right now let’s bring you in’ along with this class of stud athletes,” said Hayes.
Hayes was scouted as someone who was already one of the best in the industry and came prepared, having spent time wrestling on the independent scene in Massachusetts under the name Christian Cassanova. He was part of a star-studded Performance Center class that included other up-and-coming talents such as Bron Breakker, Cora Jade, and his partner Trick Williams.
He also shared that he was a big fan of Edge growing up, and even received a message of support from him recently. He said,
“He slid me a message one time, it was like, ‘Keep crushing it, dude.'”
Having defeated Apollo Crews at WWE NXT Vengeance Day, Carmelo Hayes now has his sights set on Bron Breakker and his NXT Championship. Hayes has long been touted as being the one to finally dethrone Breakker, and is expected to challenge and defeat him at NXT Stand & Deliver.
