The WWE star reflects on his growth, challenges, and evolving in the main roster spotlight
Summary
– Carmelo Hayes approaches his one-year anniversary on SmackDown, adapting to the fast-paced environment
– He shares his thoughts on different paths to WWE and how new stars are breaking into the industry
– Hayes continues to refine his in-ring style and is considering adding a new finishing move
Carmelo Hayes has been one of WWE’s rising stars since debuting on SmackDown, with his one-year main roster anniversary approaching in April. Speaking on No Holds Bard, Hayes looked back at his first months on SmackDown and how quickly things changed.
He described the transition from NXT as an adjustment, noting that while success in WWE’s developmental system builds confidence, SmackDown and Raw bring an entirely different level of competition. The fast-paced nature of the main roster, along with working alongside established stars, has pushed him to evolve in ways he didn’t expect.
Having built his career through independent wrestling, Hayes also commented on how WWE’s recruitment process has changed. With talent now entering through various channels, including social media and athletic crossovers, he acknowledged that every path has its challenges. While some may rise quickly, they face the added pressure of making mistakes in front of a global audience rather than learning in smaller venues.
On his journey, Hayes recalled how VHS tapes of legendary wrestlers, including Edge, helped shape his early passion for the business. As he continues to develop his in-ring style, he is considering introducing a new finishing move to complement his signature Nothing But Net. Originally a move he used sparingly in his early career, it has since become a defining part of his offense in WWE.
As SmackDown prepares for Elimination Chamber weekend in Toronto, Hayes expressed excitement about returning to Canada. Describing the city as having a similar energy to New York but with a cleaner feel, he recalled positive experiences interacting with the community during previous visits.
With his first year on SmackDown nearly complete, Hayes remains focused on his continued rise in WWE and further solidifying his place among the top stars.
