Carmelo Hayes has remained notably absent from recent WWE SmackDown episodes, prompting questions about his current status in WWE. The Carmelo Hayes WWE absence update reveals that while his presence on the main roster has been limited, the former NXT champion used social media to assert his identity and remind fans of his capabilities.
The 30-year-old wrestler has struggled to gain significant storylines despite his notable victory at this year’s André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. After a backstage confrontation with Damian Priest on the June 27 edition of Friday Night SmackDown, Hayes disappeared from subsequent programming. His recent silence has led to speculation about his role and future in WWE.
Hayes addressed this lull by reposting a fan’s tribute on his Instagram stories highlighting his impressive performances at The Great American Bash events in consecutive years. In 2022, he successfully defended the NXT North American Championship against Grayson Waller, and at the 2023 event, he retained the NXT Championship after defeating Ilja Dragunov. Alongside this, Hayes added a brief but emphatic message:
“Never forget who I am,” he wrote.
Insights Into Carmelo Hayes’ Signature Move and Evolving Style
Earlier this year, Carmelo Hayes provided an in-depth look at his finishing maneuver, Nothing But Net, during an interview with No Holds Barred. The move involves delivering a leg drop from the top rope, a technique he claims to have mastered to minimize physical strain.
Contrary to popular belief that such moves drain a performer, Hayes explained he knows precisely how to execute it safely. Despite this mastery, the former André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal winner is experimenting with new finishing moves to expand his in-ring repertoire, aiming to leverage his diverse skill set.
“People think it takes more out of me than it really does. I’ve perfected it. I understand exactly where I need to land so [that] I’m not taking the brunt of it. I understand how far I need… You know what I mean? I can hit it at any point. I’ve done it over a hundred times. So I mean, that’s kind of what I’m going with. Now, I am playing with finding a different finish. Because I have a deep moveset that I can throw in there here and there. So, I’m looking into something else possibly,” he said.
Despite his high-profile victory last year, Carmelo Hayes has yet to claim a win on WWE’s main roster. The lack of clear direction has left fans wondering what role WWE envisions for him moving forward.
As the WWE landscape continues to evolve, Hayes’ reminders on social media and his ongoing preparations for new finishes suggest he is gearing up for a potential resurgence. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Hayes will soon secure a more prominent spot in WWE storylines and regain momentum on SmackDown.
