The tag team of Melo Don’t Miz officially ended on Friday during WWE SmackDown, following a tense backstage confrontation and a shocking betrayal. This WWE SmackDown Tag Split took place as Carmelo Hayes was challenging Sami Zayn for the United States Championship, when Miz unexpectedly attacked Hayes from behind, solidifying their split.
Details of the Betrayal and Backstage Confrontation
Prior to the attack, Miz confronted Carmelo Hayes backstage, questioning why Hayes had not intervened to help him during their tag team match the previous week. Hayes responded by saying he felt Miz was holding him back and chose to end their partnership on his own terms. This disagreement foreshadowed the on-air fallout, where Miz struck Hayes with a skull crushing finale, leaving the challenger unable to continue against Sami Zayn. Aleister Black then stepped in to face Zayn in Hayes’s stead.
Background of the Partnership and Growing Tensions
Although Miz and Carmelo Hayes had been linked for much of the year, there was an underlying reluctance from Hayes about their alliance. In recent weeks, Hayes appeared to prioritize his pursuit of the United States Championship, while Miz was focused on winning the Tag Team titles. Their differing ambitions and last week’s number one contender’s match against The Street Profits increased tension. During that match, Hayes chose not to rescue Miz when pinned, intensifying their feud leading up to this week’s dramatic break.
Implications for WWE SmackDown Storylines Going Forward
This unexpected betrayal and tag team dissolution introduces new uncertainties and rivalries within WWE SmackDown’s competitive landscape. Hayes will likely concentrate fully on reclaiming the United States Championship, while Miz could redirect his focus on individual or tag team ambitions without his former partner. The fallout sets the stage for upcoming confrontations and reshapes the tag team division dynamics on SmackDown.
“DOWN GOES CARMELO! @Aleister_Blxck saw an opportunity and he took it 🤷@Carmelo_WWE @mikethemiz” WWE, Official WWE Twitter
DOWN GOES CARMELO! @Aleister_Blxck saw an opportunity and he took it 🤷@Carmelo_WWE @mikethemiz pic.twitter.com/R62ZhWuejG
— WWE (@WWE) October 4, 2025
