In 2024, Triple H promoted former NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes to WWE‘s main roster, and when Hayes was selected in the first round of the WWE Draft by the SmackDown brand, it appeared that WWE intended to give him a significant elevation. Since then, Hayes has consistently engaged with top SmackDown talent as a confident challenger, often showing promise in the ring but frequently ending on the losing side. Despite being a high draft pick, Hayes has not been utilized as effectively or prominently as expected.
Over the past fifteen months, Hayes’ current heel persona has drawn praise for its charisma and energy, though critics highlight his missed chances for a serious push. His impressive seven-match series against Andrade last summer demonstrated his ability to put on high-caliber matches, revitalizing both competitors in SmackDown’s mid-card. Yet, this momentum was not converted into long-term gains, and his booking since has been a missed opportunity. As SummerSlam concludes, WWE is anticipated to reset its creative direction with potential title changes and possibly a new draft, making it an ideal moment for Hayes to receive the platform his growing fanbase demands.
The Need for Carmelo Hayes to Step Into Major Feuds and Storylines
Carmelo Hayes has consistently delivered engaging promos and high-energy performances that keep WWE audiences invested. His natural charisma and in-ring skill have made him a standout performer who never leaves crowds disengaged. With the #WeWantMelo movement gaining traction on social media, fans are clearly signaling to WWE that it is time to grant Hayes meaningful opportunities.
Post-SummerSlam, Hayes should be thrust into title contention, allowing him to fully develop his character and build significant connections with audiences. In a roster filled with established stars, WWE currently lacks younger talent positioned as future franchise players who can carry the company for the next decade. Elevating Hayes could fill this critical void in SmackDown’s hierarchy and provide fresh, dynamic storytelling options.
Challenges Facing WWE’s Creation of New Male Stars
WWE’s present star scene, with figures such as Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn, AJ Styles, and Kevin Owens, leaves scarce room for emerging talent to rise to the top. Even these marquee names limit opportunities for younger wrestlers since the top card is crowded and competitive.
Exceptions like Dominik Mysterio, Jacob Fatu, and Bron Breakker stand out as notable young male performers, but overall, the women’s roster has seen stronger advancement among new talent. Rhea Ripley’s impressive career progression before age 30 underscores this contrast sharply.
The challenges are compounded by WWE’s widespread release of talent during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside defections of several rising stars linked to Triple H who joined AEW. The phasing out of the black-and-gold NXT brand, once a breeding ground for emerging male stars, and the trend of WWE signing older free agents from AEW present roadblocks for younger men seeking a breakthrough.
Moreover, the underuse of remaining Triple H-era NXT talents such as Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, Pete Dunne, and Tyler Bate illustrates WWE’s struggle to effectively nurture next-generation male stars. These factors pose significant risks for both the future of these wrestlers and WWE’s long-term ability to maintain a compelling male roster, which could also reverberate across the professional wrestling industry.
Looking Ahead: What Elevating Carmelo Hayes Means for WWE
Providing Carmelo Hayes with a meaningful post-SummerSlam push represents an essential step toward building WWE’s next tier of male stars. His experience on the main roster, growing fan support, and undeniable talent give him the tools needed to stake a claim as a future cornerstone of the company.
By positioning Hayes in prominent storylines and championship challenges, WWE could fill the void left by the aging top stars and infuse SmackDown with fresh energy. Doing so would also demonstrate WWE’s willingness to invest in homegrown talent capable of sustaining wrestling’s appeal for years to come, reinforcing the product’s competitiveness and relevance in a shifting wrestling landscape.
