Carmelo Hayes, currently holding the WWE United States Championship, spent several years honing his craft in NXT before earning a spot on WWE’s main roster. Despite his eventual promotion, Hayes encountered challenges and inconsistent success, often finding it difficult to wait for his chance to shine in the spotlight.
Guidance From Industry Veterans Shapes Mindset
During an interview with the Toronto Sun, Hayes shared how conversations with influential figures helped him embrace patience.
“I had talked to Shawn Michaels and he … was like, ‘Hey, man, it might take you five years. Look at the roster right now,’”
Hayes recounted. He further explained,
Paul Heyman had told me, he’s like, ‘You’re batting 1000. You’re just batting eighth.’ … That made me go, ‘Yeah, you know what? Alright.’
These reflections by Paul Heyman and Shawn Michaels taught Hayes to accept the timing of his career progression rather than rushing his development.
Adjusting to the Main Roster’s Demands
Michaels, who oversees NXT, played a crucial role in Hayes’ growth and preparation for WWE’s larger stage. Hayes described NXT as a fast-paced environment:
NXT was a lot [of], ‘Go, go, go,’
and recalled advice from Michaels:
I remember Shawn had told me early on – he’s like, ‘Hey, if you can do this, you can go up there and you can do that easy.’ … Once you got this down, the main roster is … not a slower pace, it depends on who you’re in the ring with. I’ve always worked guys that are bigger than me … so I’m used to that sort of style and that sort of story.
This insight helped him transition smoothly, adapting his style to different opponents on WWE SmackDown.
Current Championship Journey and Notable Rivalries
Hayes captured the United States Championship near the end of 2025 and has successfully defended the title multiple times on WWE SmackDown. Among his notable challengers have been Ilja Dragunov and Shinsuke Nakamura, with occasional support from The Miz.
What Lies Ahead for Carmelo Hayes
Carmelo Hayes’ patience and the mentorship he received underscore the importance of timing and perseverance within WWE’s competitive landscape. His growth from an eager NXT performer to a confident United States Champion suggests more significant opportunities on the horizon, with fans and experts watching closely to see how his career unfolds.
