Carmelo Hayes

A product of the WWE Performance Center, Hayes rapidly ascended NXT’s ranks after signing in 2021, unifying the NXT Cruiserweight and North American Championships and ultimately claiming the NXT Championship at Stand & Deliver 2023. He made history as the first-ever NXT Superstar drafted in the first round, going third overall to SmackDown in 2024. Known for his silky high-flying offense and ice-cool demeanor, his finishing Nothing But Net — a top-rope diving leg drop — became one of NXT’s signature exclamation points.

In 2025, Hayes won the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal before breaking through on SmackDown in a major way. He captured the United States Championship on December 26, 2025, and defended it eight times before Sami Zayn ended his reign on the March 27, 2026 episode of SmackDown. Zayn’s victory was somewhat tainted, as Trick Williams provided unexpected assistance against Melo. Hayes remains on the SmackDown roster and figures prominently in its title picture.