According to the Fightful Select reports, current NXT North American Champion Carmelo Hayes has impressed the viewers both at home and backstage with his latest in-ring performances. Hayes also caught the eye of WWE Legend Shawn Michaels, considering Hayes as his ‘project’.
Carmelo Hayes announced as participant of 2021 NXT Breakout Tournament and, on 27th July, Hayes defeated Josh Briggs in the first round. Later, he defeated Duke Hudson in the semi-finals and defeated Odyssey Jones in the finals to win the tournament.
On the 12th October episode of NXT 2.0, Carmelo Hayes successfully cashed in his Breakout Tournament contract to win the North American Championship from Isaiah “Swerve” Scott.
The A Champion in the physical form pic.twitter.com/8fntov6HrX
— Carmelo Hayes (@Carmelo_WWE) October 21, 2021
Fightful has also noted from another high-level NXT source that Michaels seemingly sees a lot of himself in the form of Carmelo Hayes. Few weeks back, we also saw the photo of Hayes and Michaels on Instagram after the Hayes capturing the WWE NXT North American Championship.
According to WWE backstage sources, the idea behind the title change between Carmelo Hayes and Swerve Scott was to establish Carmelo Hayes as new star by having him win the championship, while protecting Swerve Scott at the same time.
Speaking about being the #WWENXT North American Champion, @Carmelo_WWE told @SInow, “I’m just going to keep working and keep grinding. I have one speed, and that’s full speed. That’s why I got this opportunity. I treat every day like it’s WrestleMania.”https://t.co/lTkjUqDpAD
— WWE Public Relations (@WWEPR) October 19, 2021
This report also suggests that Carmelo Hayes was talked about for the Cruiserweight Division and could’ve been a part of 205 Live. Unfortunately, after the many WWE releases meant Hayes wouldn’t go on to be a part of the Cruiserweight Division.
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