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'{{short description|American professional wrestler (born 1994)}} {{Infobox professional wrestler |name = Carmelo Hayes |birthname = Christian Brigham |birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1994|8|1}} |birth_place = [[Framingham, Massachusetts]], U.S. |names = '''Carmelo Hayes'''<br />Christian Casanova |height = 5 ft 10 in<ref name=WWEprofile>{{cite web|title=Carmelo Hayes|publisher=WWE|access-date=September 7, 2023|url= https://www.wwe.com/superstars/carmelo-hayes}}</ref> |weight =210 lb<ref name=WWEprofile/> |billed = [[Worcester, Massachusetts]]<br /> '''[[Boston, Massachusetts]]''' |trainer = Brian Fury<br>[[WWE Performance Center]] |debut = April 12, 2014 |retired = |image =Carmelo Hayes at NXT 2.0.jpg |caption =Hayes in 2022 |partner=[[Kelani Jordan]] (2023–present)}} '''Christian Brigham''' (born August 1, 1994) is an American [[professional wrestler]]. He is currently signed to [[WWE]], where he performs on the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] [[WWE brand extension|brand]] under the [[ring name]] '''Carmelo Hayes'''. He is a former one-time [[NXT Champion]], a two-time and longest combined reigning [[NXT North American Champion]], and a one-time and the final [[NXT Cruiserweight Champion]], having [[Championship unification|unified]] it with the NXT North American Championship. Prior to signing with WWE, Deez nuts wrestled on the [[independent circuit]] primarily in the [[New England]] region under the ring name '''Christian Casanova'''. == Professional wrestling career == === Independent circuit (2014–2021) === [[File:Carmelo Hayes December 2019.jpg|thumb|Christian Casanova at an [[Independent circuit|independent]] show in December 2019|255x255px]]After being trained by Brian Fury,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Crockett |first=Paul |date=April 23, 2019 |title=GENERATION NEXT 2019: THREE INDEPENDENT STARS READY TO BREAK THROUGH |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/125945/generation-next-2019-three-independent-stars-ready-to-break-through.html?p=1 |access-date=December 10, 2022 |website=PWInsider}}</ref> on April 12, 2014, Brigham made his [[professional wrestling]] debut for [[Independent circuit|independent promotion]] [[Chaotic Wrestling]], losing to Mikey Webb.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Carmelo Hayes Bio |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/christian-casanova/ |access-date=December 10, 2022 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Over the next few years, he worked for various promotions including [[Beyond Wrestling]], where he won the Pride of New England Tournament for Tomorrow.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> On March 17, 2016, Brigham won the [[Chaotic Wrestling New England Championship]].<ref name=":2" /> On March 16, 2018, Casanova won the [[Chaotic Wrestling Tag Team Championship]] alongside Tripilicious. On March 29, 2019, Casanova won the [[Chaotic Wrestling Heavyweight Championship]] for the first time, and on August 30, won it a second time, thus making him the [[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)|Twelfth Triple Crown Champion]] in Chaotic Wrestling.<ref name=":2" /> On December 19, 2020, he won the Vacationland Cup while working for Limitless Wrestling.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Defelice |first=Robert |date=December 19, 2020 |title=Limitless Wrestling Vacationland Cup 2020 (12/19) Results: The Limitless Championship Tournament! |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/limitless-wrestling-vacationland-cup-2020-1219-results-limitless-championship-tournament |access-date=December 10, 2022 |publisher=Fightful}}</ref> === WWE (2021–present)=== ==== NXT debut and HIM era (2021–2023) ==== On February 12, 2021, Brigham signed a contract with [[WWE]] and was assigned to the [[WWE Performance Center]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nason |first=Josh |date=February 12, 2021 |title=WWE signs Christian Casanova to developmental deal |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-signs-christian-casanova-developmental-deal-332996 |access-date=December 10, 2022 |publisher=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 24, 2021 |title=Largest recruit class in history reports to WWE Performance Center |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/article/largest-class-in-history-reports-wwe-performance-center |access-date=December 10, 2022 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> He made his in-ring debut on the June 1 episode of ''[[WWE NXT|NXT]]'' under the name '''Carmelo Hayes''', accepting [[Kushida (wrestler)|Kushida]]'s open challenge for the [[NXT Cruiserweight Championship]], but was defeated.<ref name="NXT06012021">{{cite web|last=Moore|first=John|title=6/1 NXT TV results: Moore's review of Johnny Gargano vs. Pete Dunne vs. Kyle O'Reilly for a shot at the NXT Championship at NXT Takeover In Your House, MSK vs. Raul Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde for the NXT Tag Titles, Kushida's open challenge for the NXT Cruiserweight Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/06/01/6-1-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-johnny-gargano-vs-pete-dunne-vs-kyle-oreilly-for-a-shot-at-the-nxt-championship-at-nxt-takeover-in-your-house-msk-vs-raul-mendoza-and-joaquin-wilde-for-the/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=June 1, 2021|access-date=September 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603175113/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/06/01/6-1-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-johnny-gargano-vs-pete-dunne-vs-kyle-oreilly-for-a-shot-at-the-nxt-championship-at-nxt-takeover-in-your-house-msk-vs-raul-mendoza-and-joaquin-wilde-for-the/|archive-date=June 3, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> On the June 22 episode of ''NXT'', Hayes had his second match, reminiscent of [[John Cena]]'s ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'' debut in 2002 against [[Kurt Angle]], confronting and facing [[Adam Cole]] in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/06/22/6-22-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-nxt-cruiserweight-champion-kushida-vs-kyle-oreilly-in-a-non-title-match-adam-cole-and-franky-monet-in-action-diamond-mine-arrives-top-dolla-and/|title=6/22 NXT TV results: Moore's review of NXT Cruiserweight Champion Kushida vs. Kyle O'Reilly in a non-title match, Adam Cole and Franky Monet in action, Diamond Mine arrives, Top Dolla and Ashante Adonis vs. Ever-Rise, Io Shirai and Zoey Stark vs. Aliyah and Jessie Kamea|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|first=John|last=Moore|date=June 22, 2021|access-date=July 10, 2021}}</ref> In July, Hayes took part in the 2021 [[NXT Breakout Tournament (2021)|NXT Breakout Tournament]], defeating [[Josh Briggs]],<ref name="NXT07272021">{{cite web|last=Moore|first=John|title=7/27 NXT TV results: Moore's review of Adam Cole vs. Bronson Reed, Tommaso Ciampa and Timothy Thatcher vs. Pete Dunne and Oney Lorcan, Carmelo Hayes vs. Josh Briggs in an NXT Breakout Tournament match, Franky Monet and Jessi Kamea vs. Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/07/27/7-27-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-adam-cole-vs-bronson-reed-tommaso-ciampa-and-timothy-thatcher-vs-pete-dunne-and-oney-lorcan-carmelo-hayes-vs-josh-briggs-in-an-nxt-breakout-tourn/|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=July 27, 2021|access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728062301/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/07/27/7-27-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-adam-cole-vs-bronson-reed-tommaso-ciampa-and-timothy-thatcher-vs-pete-dunne-and-oney-lorcan-carmelo-hayes-vs-josh-briggs-in-an-nxt-breakout-tourn/|archive-date=July 28, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Duke Hudson]],<ref name="NXT08172021">{{cite web|last=Moore|first=John|title=8/17 NXT TV results: Moore's review of the NXT Takeover 36 go-home show with Samoa Joe and Karrion Kross meeting face to face, MSK vs. Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel for the NXT Tag Titles, Roderick Strong's open challenge, Cameron Grimes vs. Josh Briggs, Dexter Lumis and Indi Hartwell vs. Robert Stone and Jessi Kamea|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/08/17/8-17-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-the-nxt-takeover-36-go-home-show-with-samoa-joe-and-karrion-kross-meeting-face-to-face-msk-vs-fabian-aichner-and-marcel-barthel-for-the-nxt-tag-titles-roderi/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 17, 2021|access-date=September 14, 2022}}</ref> and [[Odyssey Jones]] to win the tournament.<ref name="NXT08242021">{{cite web|last=Moore|first=John|title=8/24 NXT TV results: Moore's review of the NXT Takeover 36 fallout show with new NXT Champion Samoa Joe, Hit Row vs. Legado Del Fantasma, Carmelo Hayes vs. Odyssey Jones in the NXT Breakout Tournament finals, Timothy Thatcher vs. Ridge Holland, Kay Lee Ray in action|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/08/24/8-24-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-the-nxt-takeover-36-fallout-show-with-new-nxt-champion-samoa-joe-hit-row-vs-legado-del-fantasma-carmelo-hayes-vs-odyssey-jones-in-the-nxt-breakout-tournamen/|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 24, 2021|access-date=August 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828064515/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/08/24/8-24-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-the-nxt-takeover-36-fallout-show-with-new-nxt-champion-samoa-joe-hit-row-vs-legado-del-fantasma-carmelo-hayes-vs-odyssey-jones-in-the-nxt-breakout-tournamen/|archive-date=August 28, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> On the September 14 episode of ''NXT'', Hayes and a debuting [[Trick Williams]] maliciously attacked Hudson before his match, establishing themselves as a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] duo and forming the Trick Melo Gang.<ref name="NXT09142021">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/09/14/9-14-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-the-nxt-2-0-premiere-with-tommaso-ciampa-vs-kyle-oreilly-vs-la-knight-vs-pete-dunne-for-the-vacant-nxt-championship-indi-hartwell-and-dexter-lumis-wedding/|title=9/14 NXT TV results: Moore's review of the NXT 2.0 premiere with Tommaso Ciampa vs. Kyle O'Reilly vs. LA Knight vs. Pete Dunne for the vacant NXT Championship, Indi Hartwell and Dexter Lumis wedding, Kayden Carter and Kacy Catanzaro vs. Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne, B-Fab's in-ring debut|first=John|last=Moore|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=September 14, 2021|access-date=September 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006202442/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/09/14/9-14-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-the-nxt-2-0-premiere-with-tommaso-ciampa-vs-kyle-oreilly-vs-la-knight-vs-pete-dunne-for-the-vacant-nxt-championship-indi-hartwell-and-dexter-lumis-wedding/|archive-date=October 6, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> On the October 12 episode of ''NXT'', Hayes successfully cashed in his Breakout Tournament contract on [[Swerve Strickland|Isaiah "Swerve" Scott]] to win the [[NXT North American Championship]].<ref name="NXT10122021">{{cite web|first=John|last=Moore|title=10/12 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of Isaiah Scott vs. Santos Escobar for the North American Championship, Tommaso Ciampa vs. Joe Gacy, Kyle O'Reilly and Von Wagner vs. Pete Dunne and Ridge Holland, Ivy Nile's in-ring debut|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/12/10-12-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-isaiah-scott-vs-santos-escobar-for-the-north-american-championship-tommaso-ciampa-vs-joe-gacy-kyle-oreilly-and-von-wagner-vs-pete-dunne-and-ridge-holla/|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=October 12, 2021|access-date=October 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214193520/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/12/10-12-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-isaiah-scott-vs-santos-escobar-for-the-north-american-championship-tommaso-ciampa-vs-joe-gacy-kyle-oreilly-and-von-wagner-vs-pete-dunne-and-ridge-holla/|archive-date=February 14, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> He made his first successful title defense on the November 23 episode of ''NXT'' against [[Johnny Gargano]] and [[Pete Dunne]]. After the match, Hayes, Tony D'Angelo, [[Bron Breakker]] and [[Grayson Waller]] brawled with Gargano, Dunne, [[Tommaso Ciampa]] and [[LA Knight]],<ref name="NXT11232021">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/23/11-23-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-carmelo-hayes-vs-johnny-gargano-vs-pete-dunne-for-the-nxt-north-american-title-tommaso-ciampa-vs-grayson-waller-in-a-non-title-match-mandy-rose-vs-cora/|title=11/23 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of Carmelo Hayes vs. Johnny Gargano vs. Pete Dunne for the NXT North American Title, Tommaso Ciampa vs. Grayson Waller in a non-title match, Mandy Rose vs. Cora Jade in a non-title match, Kayden Carter and Kacy Catanzaro vs. Indi Hartwell and Persia Pirotta|last=Moore|first=John|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=November 23, 2021|access-date=December 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124094910/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/23/11-23-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-carmelo-hayes-vs-johnny-gargano-vs-pete-dunne-for-the-nxt-north-american-title-tommaso-ciampa-vs-grayson-waller-in-a-non-title-match-mandy-rose-vs-cora/|archive-date=November 24, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> leading to a [[WarGames match]] at [[NXT WarGames (2021)|NXT WarGames]] on December 5,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bryant |first=Nathan |date=November 24, 2021 |title=The new generation looks to stake claim of NXT 2.0 at NXT WarGames |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxttakeover/article/the-new-generation-looks-to-stake-claim-of-nxt-20-at-nxt-wargames |access-date=December 10, 2022 |website= |publisher=[[WWE]] |language=en}}</ref> where Team 2.0 defeated Team Black and Gold.<ref name="NXTWarGames2021">{{cite web|last=Moore|first=John|title=NXT WarGames results: Moore's live review of two WarGames matches, Roderick Strong vs. Joe Gacy for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship, Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel vs. Kyle O'Reilly and Von Wagner for the NXT Tag Titles, Cameron Grimes vs. Duke Hudson in a hair vs. hair match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/12/05/nxt-wargames-results-moores-live-review-of-two-wargames-matches-roderick-strong-vs-joe-gacy-for-the-nxt-cruiserweight-championship-fabian-aichner-and-marcel-barthel-vs-kyle-oreilly-and-von-wa/|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=December 5, 2021|access-date=December 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206161439/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/12/05/nxt-wargames-results-moores-live-review-of-two-wargames-matches-roderick-strong-vs-joe-gacy-for-the-nxt-cruiserweight-championship-fabian-aichner-and-marcel-barthel-vs-kyle-oreilly-and-von-wa/|archive-date=December 6, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[NXT: New Year's Evil (2022)|''NXT'': New Year's Evil]] on January 4, 2022, Hayes defeated [[NXT Cruiserweight Championship|NXT Cruiserweight Champion]] [[Roderick Strong]] to [[Championship unification|unify]] the North American Championship and the Cruiserweight Championship.<ref name="NYE2022">{{cite web|last=Moore|first=John|title=1/4 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of Tommaso Ciampa vs. Bron Breakker for the NXT Title, Gunther, Fabian Aichner, and Marcel Barthel vs. Riddle and MSK, Mandy Rose vs. Raquel Gonzalez vs. Cora Jade for the NXT Women's Title, Carmelo Hayes vs. Roderick Strong in a title unification match, AJ Styles confronts Grayson Waller|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/04/1-4-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-tommaso-ciampa-vs-bron-breakker-for-the-nxt-title-walter-fabian-aichner-and-marcel-barthel-vs-riddle-and-msk-mandy-rose-vs-raquel-gonzalez-vs-cora-jade/|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 4, 2022|access-date=January 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105040651/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/04/1-4-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-tommaso-ciampa-vs-bron-breakker-for-the-nxt-title-walter-fabian-aichner-and-marcel-barthel-vs-riddle-and-msk-mandy-rose-vs-raquel-gonzalez-vs-cora-jade/|archive-date=January 5, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Hayes was recognized as the final Cruiserweight Champion, which was then retired, and continued as North American Champion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Currier |first=Joseph |date=January 4, 2022 |title=WWE unifies NXT North American and Cruiserweight titles at New Year's Evil |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/wwe-unifies-north-american-cruiserweight-titles-nxt-new-years-evil |access-date=December 10, 2022 |publisher=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> He retained the title against [[Cameron Grimes]] on February 15 at [[NXT Vengeance Day (2022)|''NXT'': Vengeance Day]]<ref name="NXTVengeanceDay2022">{{cite web|last=Moore|first=John|title=2/15 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of Bron Breakker vs. Santos Escobar for the NXT Title, Carmelo Hayes vs. Cameron Grimes for the NXT North American Title, Gigi Dolan and Jacy Jayne vs. Indi Hartwell and Persia Pirotta for the NXT Women's Tag Titles, MSK vs. The Creeds in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic finals, Pete Dunne vs. Tony D'Angelo in a weaponized cage match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/02/15/2-15-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-bron-breakker-vs-santos-escobar-for-the-nxt-title-carmelo-hayes-vs-cameron-grimes-for-the-nxt-north-american-title-gigi-dolan-and-jacy-jayne-vs-indi-hartw/|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=February 15, 2022|access-date=December 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312163912/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/02/15/2-15-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-bron-breakker-vs-santos-escobar-for-the-nxt-title-carmelo-hayes-vs-cameron-grimes-for-the-nxt-north-american-title-gigi-dolan-and-jacy-jayne-vs-indi-hartw/|archive-date=March 12, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> and on the March 1 episode of ''NXT'' against Dunne.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=March 1, 2022 |title=3/1 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of Bron Breakker and Tommaso Ciampa vs. Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode, Carmelo Hayes vs. Pete Dunne for the NXT North American Title, Solo Sikoa vs. Gunther, Von Wagner vs. Andre Chase, Draco Anthony vs. Harland, Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic matches |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/03/01/3-1-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-bron-breakker-and-tommaso-ciampa-vs-dolph-ziggler-and-robert-roode-carmelo-hayes-vs-pete-dunne-for-the-nxt-north-american-title-solo-sikoa-vs-gun/ |access-date=December 10, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref> After the match, Hayes announced that he would be defending the title in a [[Fatal five-way match|five-way]] [[ladder match]] at [[NXT Stand & Deliver (2022)|NXT Stand & Deliver]] on April 2,<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 16, 2022 |title=Carmelo Hayes puts North American Championship on the line in Ladder Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxttakeover/carmelo-hayes-puts-north-american-championship-on-the-line-in-ladder-match |access-date=January 21, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> where Grimes won the championship, ending his reign at 172 days.<ref name="NXTS&D22">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/04/02/nxt-stand-deliver-results-moores-live-review-of-dolph-ziggler-vs-bron-breakker-for-the-nxt-title-mandy-rose-vs-cora-jade-vs-io-shirai-vs-kay-lee-ray-for-the-nxt-womens-title-fabian-a/|title=NXT Stand & Deliver results: Moore's live review of Dolph Ziggler vs. Bron Breakker for the NXT Title, Mandy Rose vs. Cora Jade vs. Io Shirai vs. Kay Lee Ray for the NXT Women's Title, Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel vs. MSK vs. The Creed Brothers for the NXT Tag Titles, the NXT North American Title ladder match|first=John|last=Moore|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 2, 2022|access-date=April 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202072622/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/04/02/nxt-stand-deliver-results-moores-live-review-of-dolph-ziggler-vs-bron-breakker-for-the-nxt-title-mandy-rose-vs-cora-jade-vs-io-shirai-vs-kay-lee-ray-for-the-nxt-womens-title-fabian-a/|archive-date=February 2, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Spring Breakin' (2022)|''Spring Breakin''']] on May 3, he failed to regain the title from Grimes in a triple threat match involving [[Solo Sikoa]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=May 3, 2022 |title=5/3 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of Spring Breakin' with Bron Breakker vs. Joe Gacy for the NXT Title, Cameron Grimes vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. Solo Sikoa for the NXT North American Title, The Viking Raiders vs. The Creeds, Cora Jade and Nikkita Lyons vs. Natalya and Lash Legend, Nathan Frazer vs. Grayson Waller, Tony D'Angelo and Santos Escobar meeting |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/05/03/5-3-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-spring-breakin-with-bron-breakker-vs-joe-gacy-for-the-nxt-title-cameron-grimes-vs-carmelo-hayes-vs-solo-sikoa-for-the-nxt-north-american-title-the-v/ |access-date=December 10, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At [[NXT In Your House (2022)|NXT In Your House]] on June 4, Hayes defeated Grimes to regain the North American Championship.<ref name="NXTInYourHouse2022">{{cite web|last=Moore|first=John|title=NXT In Your House results: Moore's live review of Bron Breakker vs. Joe Gacy for the NXT Title, Mandy Rose vs. Wendy Choo for the NXT Women's Title, Pretty Deadly vs. The Creed Brothers for the NXT Tag Titles, Cameron Grimes vs. Carmelo Hayes for the NXT North American Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/06/04/nxt-in-your-house-results-moores-live-review-of-bron-breakker-vs-joe-gacy-for-the-nxt-title-mandy-rose-vs-wendy-choo-for-the-nxt-womens-title-pretty-deadly-vs-the-creed-brothers-for-the-nxt/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=June 4, 2022|access-date=June 5, 2022}}</ref> He then retained the title against Tony D'Angelo,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=June 21, 2022 |title=6/21 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of Carmelo Hayes vs. Tony D'Angelo for the NXT North American Championship, Grayson Waller vs. Solo Sikoa, Von Wagner vs. Brooks Jensen with their allies barred from ringside, Alba Fyre vs. Lash Legend, Roderick Strong and Damon Kemp in action |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/06/21/6-21-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-carmelo-hayes-vs-tony-dangelo-for-the-nxt-north-american-championship-grayson-waller-vs-solo-sikoa-von-wagner-vs-brooks-jensen-with-their-allies-ba/ |access-date=December 10, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Grayson Waller on July 5 at [[NXT The Great American Bash (2022)|''NXT'': The Great American Bash]],<ref name="NXT07052022">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/07/05/7-5-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-bron-breakker-vs-cameron-grimes-for-the-nxt-title-gigi-dolin-and-jacy-jayne-vs-roxanne-perez-and-cora-jade-for-the-nxt-womens-tag-titles-carmelo|title=7/5 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of Bron Breakker vs. Cameron Grimes for the NXT Title, Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne vs. Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade for the NXT Women's Tag Titles, Carmelo Hayes vs. Grayson Waller for the NXT NA Title, The Creeds vs. Roderick Strong and Damon Kemp for the NXT Tag Titles|last=Moore|first=John|date=July 5, 2022|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=December 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706022500/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/07/05/7-5-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-bron-breakker-vs-cameron-grimes-for-the-nxt-title-gigi-dolin-and-jacy-jayne-vs-roxanne-perez-and-cora-jade-for-the-nxt-womens-tag-titles-carmelo|archive-date=July 6, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Giovanni Vinci]] on August 16 at [[NXT Heatwave (2022)|''NXT'': Heatwave]],<ref name="NXT08162022">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/16/8-16-nxt-2-0-heatwave-results-moores-review-of-bron-breakker-vs-jd-mcdonagh-for-the-nxt-title-mandy-rose-vs-zoey-stark-for-the-nxt-womens-title-carmelo-hayes-vs-giovanni-vinci-for/|title=8/16 NXT 2.0 Heatwave results: Moore's review of Bron Breakker vs. JD McDonagh for the NXT Title, Mandy Rose vs. Zoey Stark for the NXT Women's Title, Carmelo Hayes vs. Giovanni Vinci for the NXT North American Title, Tony D'Angelo vs Santos Escobar in a Street Fight, Cora Jade vs. Roxanne Perez|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|last=Moore|first=John|date=August 16, 2022|access-date=August 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828100258/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/16/8-16-nxt-2-0-heatwave-results-moores-review-of-bron-breakker-vs-jd-mcdonagh-for-the-nxt-title-mandy-rose-vs-zoey-stark-for-the-nxt-womens-title-carmelo-hayes-vs-giovanni-vinci-for/|archive-date=August 28, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Ricochet (wrestler)|Ricochet]] on September 4 at [[Worlds Collide (2022)|Worlds Collide]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=September 4, 2022 |title=NXT Worlds Collide results: Moore's live review of NXT Champion Bron Breakker vs. NXT UK Champion Tyler Bate in a unification match, NXT Women's Champion Mandy Rose vs. NXT UK Women's Champion Meiko Satomura vs. Blair Davenport in a unification match, Carmelo Hayes vs. Ricochet for the NXT North American Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/09/04/nxt-worlds-collide-results-moores-live-review-of-nxt-champion-bron-breakker-vs-nxt-uk-champion-tyler-bate-in-a-unification-match-nxt-womens-champion-mandy-rose-vs-nxt-uk-womens-champion-meik/ |access-date=December 10, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the September 13 episode of ''NXT'', Hayes lost the championship to Sikoa, ending his second reign at 101 days.<ref name="NXT09132022">{{cite web|last=Moore|first=John|title=9/13 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of Pretty Deadly vs. The Creed Brothers in a cage match for the NXT Tag Titles, Carmelo Hayes defends the NXT North American Title against the winner of a fan poll, Axiom vs. Nathan Frazer in the second match of their best of three series, Zoey Stark and Nikkita Lyons vs. Kiana James and Arianna Grace|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/09/13/9-13-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-pretty-deadly-vs-the-creed-brothers-in-a-cage-match-for-the-nxt-tag-titles-carmelo-hayes-defends-the-nxt-north-american-title-against-the-winner-of-a-fan-pol/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=September 13, 2022|access-date=September 14, 2022}}</ref> On the October 11 episode of ''[[WWE Main Event|Main Event]]'', Hayes made his main roster debut, defeating [[Cedric Alexander]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Currier |first=Joseph |date=October 11, 2022 |title=NXT's Carmelo Hayes, Von Wagner work WWE Main Event taping |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/nxts-carmelo-hayes-von-wagner-work-wwe-main-event-taping |access-date=December 10, 2022 |publisher=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> At [[NXT Halloween Havoc (2022)|NXT Halloween Havoc]] on October 22, he failed to regain the North American Championship in a ladder match.<ref name="HH2022">{{cite web|last=Moore|first=John|title=NXT Halloween Havoc results: Moore's live review of Bron Breakker vs. Ilja Dragunov vs. JD McDonagh for the NXT Title, Mandy Rose vs. Alba Fyre for the NXT Women's Title, Carmelo Hayes vs. Wes Lee vs. Von Wagner vs. Oro Mensah vs. Nathan Frazer in a ladder match for the vacant North American Title, Roxanne Perez vs. Cora Jade in a Weapons Wild match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/10/22/nxt-halloween-havoc-results-moores-live-review-of-bron-breakker-vs-ilja-dragunov-vs-jd-mcdonagh-for-the-nxt-title-mandy-rose-vs-alba-fyre-for-the-nxt-womens-title-carmelo-hayes-vs/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=October 22, 2022|access-date=October 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023025807/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/10/22/nxt-halloween-havoc-results-moores-live-review-of-bron-breakker-vs-ilja-dragunov-vs-jd-mcdonagh-for-the-nxt-title-mandy-rose-vs-alba-fyre-for-the-nxt-womens-title-carmelo-hayes-vs/|archive-date=October 23, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> On the November 22 episode of ''NXT'', he challenged new champion [[Wes Lee]] for the title in a losing effort.<ref name="NXT11222022">{{cite web|title=11/22 NXT TV results: Moore's review of Wes Lee vs. Carmelo Hayes for the NXT North American Championship, Cora Jade vs. Wendy Choo, Ivey Nile vs. Tatum Paxley, Toxic Attraction opening, the identity of SCRYPTS revealed|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/11/22/11-22-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-wes-lee-vs-carmelo-hayes-for-the-nxt-north-american-championship-cora-jade-vs-wendy-choo-ivey-nile-vs-tatum-paxley-toxic-attraction-opening-th/|first=John|last=Moore|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=November 22, 2022|access-date=November 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124194150/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/11/22/11-22-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-wes-lee-vs-carmelo-hayes-for-the-nxt-north-american-championship-cora-jade-vs-wendy-choo-ivey-nile-vs-tatum-paxley-toxic-attraction-opening-th/|archive-date=November 24, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Hayes competed in the inaugural [[Iron Survivor Challenge]] at [[NXT Deadline]] on December 10, which was won by Waller.<ref name="Deadline2022">{{cite web|last=Moore|first=John|title=NXT Deadline results: Moore's live review of Bron Breakker vs. Apollo Crews for the NXT Championship, Pretty Deadly vs. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods for the NXT Tag Team Titles, men's and women's Iron Survivor Challenge matches, Alba Fyre vs. Isla Dawn|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/12/10/nxt-deadline-results-moores-live-review-of-bron-breakker-vs-apollo-crews-for-the-nxt-championship-pretty-deadly-vs-kofi-kingston-and-xavier-woods-for-the-nxt-tag-team-titles-mens-and-womens/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=December 10, 2022|access-date=January 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211035033/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/12/10/nxt-deadline-results-moores-live-review-of-bron-breakker-vs-apollo-crews-for-the-nxt-championship-pretty-deadly-vs-kofi-kingston-and-xavier-woods-for-the-nxt-tag-team-titles-mens-and-womens/|archive-date=December 11, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Following this, Hayes would begin a feud with [[Apollo Crews]], where they would trade victories with each other,<ref name="NXT01032023">{{cite web|last=Wells|first=Kelly|title=1/3 NXT Report: Wells's live report on Breakker & Waller in the Grayson Waller Effect, Alba Fyre vs. Isla Dawn in an "Extreme Resolution" match, more|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/01/03/1-3-nxt-report-wellss-live-report-on-breakker-waller-in-the-grayson-waller-effect-alba-fyre-vs-isla-dawn-in-an-extreme-resolution-match-more/|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=January 3, 2023|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104150618/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/01/03/1-3-nxt-report-wellss-live-report-on-breakker-waller-in-the-grayson-waller-effect-alba-fyre-vs-isla-dawn-in-an-extreme-resolution-match-more/|archive-date=January 4, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NXT01172023">{{cite news |last1=Wells |first1=Kelly |title=1/17 NXT REPORT: Wells's live report on Bron Breakker-Grayson Waller follow-up, Crews & Axiom vs. Trick & Melo, Gallus returns vs. Briggs & Jensen, more |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/01/17/1-17-nxt-report-wellss-live-report-on-bron-breakker-grayson-waller-follow-up-crews-axiom-vs-trick-melo-gallus-returns-vs-briggs-jensen-more/ |access-date=February 10, 2023 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |date=January 17, 2023}}</ref> leading to a [[two out of three falls match]] at [[NXT Vengeance Day (2023)|NXT Vengeance Day]],<ref name="NXT01242023">{{cite web|last=Hazelwood|first=Bruce Lee|title=1/24 NXT REPORT: Hazelwood's live report on follow up to training fight, Women's Tag Team Championship match, contract signing for Women's Championship, more|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/01/24/1-24-nxt-report-hazelwoods-live-report-on-follow-up-to-training-fight-womens-tag-team-championship-match-contract-signing-for-womens-championship-more/|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=January 24, 2023|access-date=February 10, 2023}}</ref> where Hayes defeated Crews in two straight falls. Later that night, Hayes and Williams confronted [[NXT Championship|NXT Champion]] Bron Breakker following the latter's victory over Grayson Waller, teasing a future match between the two.<ref name="NXTVengeanceDay2023">{{cite web|last=Hazelwood|first=Bruce Lee|title=2/4 NXT VENGEANCE DAY REPORT: Hazelwood's live report on five title matches out of six, Breakker vs. Waller steel cage, Perez vs. Dolin vs. Jayne, The New Day defends, more|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/02/04/2-4-nxt-vengeance-day-report-hazelwoods-live-report-on-five-title-matches-out-of-six-breakker-vs-waller-steel-cage-perez-vs-dolin-vs-jayne-the-new-day-defends-more/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=February 4, 2023|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=February 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205122614/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/02/04/2-4-nxt-vengeance-day-report-hazelwoods-live-report-on-five-title-matches-out-of-six-breakker-vs-waller-steel-cage-perez-vs-dolin-vs-jayne-the-new-day-defends-more/|url-status=live}}</ref> After weeks of teasing, the match between Hayes and Breakker for the NXT Championship was confirmed for [[NXT Stand & Deliver (2023)|NXT Stand & Deliver]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Bron Breakker and Carmelo Hayes set title match for Stand & Deliver: NXT Roadblock, March 7, 2023|url=https://www.wwe.com/videos/bron-breakker-and-carmelo-hayes-set-title-match-for-stand-deliver-nxt-roadblock-march-7-2023|work=[[WWE]]|date=March 7, 2023|access-date=March 15, 2023}}</ref> With an assist from Williams, Hayes defeated Breakker on April 1, 2023 to win the NXT Championship in the main event of Stand & Deliver.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Chiari |first=Mike |title=Carmelo Hayes Wins NXT Title vs. Bron Breakker at 2023 NXT Stand & Deliver |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10068475-carmelo-hayes-wins-nxt-title-vs-bron-breakker-at-2023-nxt-stand-deliver |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=Bleacher Report}}</ref> This made Hayes the first man to have held the North American, Cruiserweight, and NXT championships. During the build up to the match, Hayes would begin to slowly turn face. Hayes' face turn was solidified on the April 4 episode of ''NXT'' when Breakker, enraged over having lost the title, turned heel by attacking him when Breakker faked a show of respect prior to the attack.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tessier |first1=Colin |title=Bron Breakker Turns On Carmelo Hayes On 4/4 WWE NXT |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/bron-breakker-turns-carmelo-hayes-44-wwe-nxt |website=Fightful |access-date=April 6, 2023 |date=April 4, 2023}}</ref> At [[NXT Battleground (2023)|NXT Battleground]] on May 28, Hayes successfully defended the NXT Championship against Breakker.<ref name="NXTBattleground2023">{{cite web|last=Moore|first=John|title=NXT Battleground results: Moore's live review of Carmelo Hayes vs. Bron Breakker for the NXT Championship, Tiffany Stratton vs. Lyra Valkyria for the vacant NXT Women's Title, Gallus vs. The Creeds for the NXT Tag Team Titles, Wes Lee vs. Tyler Bate vs. Joe Gacy in a Triple Threat for the NXT North American Title, Noam Dar vs. Dragon Lee for the NXT Heritage Cup|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/05/28/nxt-battleground-results-moores-live-review-of-carmelo-hayes-vs-bron-breakker-for-the-nxt-championship-tiffany-stratton-vs-lyra-valkyria-for-the-vacant-nxt-womens-title-gallus-vs-the-cr/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=May 28, 2023|access-date=May 28, 2023}}</ref> On the May 30 episode of ''NXT'', Hayes successfully defended the NXT Championship against [[Noam Dar]], after which, he was attacked by [[Baron Corbin]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mrosko|first1=Geno|title=Free agent Baron Corbin is coming for the NXT championship|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/5/30/23743325/free-agent-baron-corbin-nxt-championship-carmelo-hayes|website=Cagesideseats|access-date=May 30, 2023|date=May 30, 2023}}</ref> Hayes wrestled his ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' debut match on June 26, where he was defeated by [[Finn Bálor]] in a non-title match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2023-06-26 |title=WWE Raw results (6/26): Powell's live review of the brand's final push for MITB, Dominik Mysterio addressing Cody Rhodes, Raquel Rodriguez vs. Ronda Rousey, women's MITB ladder match summit |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/06/26/wwe-raw-results-6-26-powells-live-review-of-the-brands-final-push-for-mitb-dominik-mysterio-addressing-cody-rhodes-raquel-rodriguez-vs-ronda-rousey-womens-mitb-ladder-match-summit/ |access-date=2023-06-27 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref> The following night at [[NXT Gold Rush|''NXT'': Gold Rush]], Hayes successfully defended the NXT Championship against Corbin.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Berge |first=Kevin |title=WWE NXT Gold Rush Week 2 Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10080873-wwe-nxt-gold-rush-week-2-results-winners-grades-reaction-and-highlights |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref> On the August 2 episode of ''NXT'', Williams told Hayes that he needs to leave and shine on his own, separating the Trick Melo Gang.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tessier |first=Colin |date=2023-08-02 |title=Trick Williams Tells Carmelo Hayes He Needs To Be His Own Man On 8/1 WWE NXT |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/trick-williams-tells-carmelo-hayes-004518710.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805151720/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/trick-williams-tells-carmelo-hayes-004518710.html |archive-date=2023-08-05 |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=Wrestle Zone via Yahoo! Entertainment |language=en-US}}</ref> At [[NXT No Mercy (2023)|NXT No Mercy]] on September 30, Hayes lost the NXT Championship to [[Ilja Dragunov]], ending his reign at 182 days. Earlier that night, Williams defeated [[Dominik Mysterio|"Dirty" Dominik Mysterio]] to become the new NXT North American Champion, but lost the title back to Mysterio on ''NXT'' three days later.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elizabeth |first=Claire |date=2023-09-30 |title=WWE NXT No Mercy results, live streaming match coverage |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/9/30/23895803/wwe-nxt-no-mercy-results-live-streaming-match-coverage |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=Cageside Seats |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NXT10032023">{{cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=October 3, 2023 |title=NXT TV results (10/3): Moore's review of Trick Williams vs. Dominik Mysterio for the NXT North American Title, Gigi Dolin vs. Blair Davenport, Tyler Bate and Butch vs. Mark Coffey and Wolfgang |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/03/nxt-tv-results-10-3-moores-review-of-trick-williams-vs-dominik-mysterio-for-the-nxt-north-american-title-gigi-dolin-vs-blair-davenport-tyler-bate-and-butch-vs-mark-coffey-and-wolfgang/ |access-date=October 3, 2023 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> ==== Feud with Trick Williams (2023–2024) ==== On the October 17 episode of ''NXT'', Williams was slotted into the triple threat match between Hayes, [[Dijak (wrestler)|Dijak]] and Baron Corbin to make it a fatal four-way match for a NXT Championship opportunity against Dragunov at [[NXT Halloween Havoc (2023)|''NXT'': Halloween Havoc]]. This caused a rift between Hayes and Williams as Hayes was blindsided by the announcement. Before the match started, Williams was found attacked backstage and had to be taken to a hospital. Hayes went on to defeat Dijak and Corbin for the title opportunity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mrosko |first=Geno |date=2023-10-17 |title=Plot to take out Trick Williams succeeds, and Carmelo Hayes benefits |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/10/17/23921852/wwe-nxt-trick-williams-carmelo-hayes-number-one-contender-ilja-dragunov-halloween-havoc-2023 |access-date=2023-10-18 |website=Cageside Seats |language=en}}</ref> On Night 2 of ''NXT'': Halloween Havoc, Hayes failed to regain the title from Dragunov after being distracted by the returning Williams, who stared Hayes down after the match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mrosko |first=Geno |date=2023-10-31 |title=Trick Williams’ return keeps Carmelo Hayes from winning NXT championship at Halloween Havoc |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/10/31/23941339/trick-williams-return-carmelo-hayes-nxt-championship-ilja-dragunov-halloween-havoc-2023 |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=Cageside Seats |language=en}}</ref> On the November 21 episode of ''NXT'', [[Josh Briggs]] defeated Hayes to qualify for the [[Iron Survivor Challenge]] at [[NXT Deadline (2023)|NXT Deadline]] after interference from [[Brian Pillman Jr.|Lexis King]]. This led to a match made between Hayes and King at NXT Deadline, which Hayes won. After the match, King said that he did not attack Williams back in October and thanked Hayes for the [[List of WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming supercards|premium live event]] spotlight. Later that night, Williams won the Iron Survivor Challenge.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pulido |first=Luis |date=2023-11-21 |title=WWE NXT (11/21/2023) Results: Lyra Valkyria vs Xia Li, Noam Dar vs Chad Gable, Carmelo Hayes, More {{!}} Fightful News |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/wwe-nxt-11212023-results-lyra-valkyria-vs-xia-li-noam-dar-vs-chad-gable-carmelo-hayes-more |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=Fightful |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brennan |first=Corey |date=2023-12-09 |title=Carmelo Hayes Defeats Lexis King At NXT Deadline {{!}} Fightful News |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/carmelo-hayes-defeats-lexis-king-nxt-deadline |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=Fightful |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brennan |first=Corey |last2=Lambert |first2=Jeremy |date=2023-12-09 |title=Ilja Dragunov Retains NXT Championship At NXT Deadline {{!}} Fightful News |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/ilja-dragunov-retains-nxt-championship-nxt-deadline |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=Fightful |language=en}}</ref> On the December 12 episode of ''NXT'', Hayes accused Dragunov of attacking Williams in October and himself earlier that night, which Dragunov denied.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |date=2023-12-12 |title=Carmelo Hayes Accuses Ilja Dragunov Of Attacking Trick Williams On 12/12 NXT {{!}} Fightful News |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/ilja-dragunov-accuses-carmelo-hayes-attacking-trick-williams-carmelo-accidentally-hits-trick |access-date=2023-12-13 |website=Fightful |language=en}}</ref> In his ''SmackDown'' debut match on December 15, Hayes, who was chosen by Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative [[Shawn Michaels]] to represent NXT in [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]]'s [[WWE United States Championship]] [[List of WWE tournaments#WWE United States Championship #1 Contender Tournament (2023–2024)|#1 Contender Tournament]], defeated former rival Grayson Waller in the first round of the tournament but lost to [[Kevin Owens]] in the semifinals the following week.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |date=2023-12-10 |title=Carmelo Hayes To Represent NXT In WWE US Title Top Contender Tournament {{!}} Fightful News |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/carmelo-hayes-represent-nxt-us-title-top-contender-tournament |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=Fightful |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mrosko |first=Geno |date=2023-12-15 |title=Carmelo Hayes, Kevin Owens advance in United States Title Tournament |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/12/15/24003583/carmelo-hayes-kevin-owens-advance-united-states-title-tournament |access-date=2023-12-16 |website=Cageside Seats |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mrosko |first=Geno |date=2023-12-22 |title=Kevin Owens, Santos Escobar advance in United States Title Tournament |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/12/22/24012964/kevin-owens-santos-escobar-advance-united-states-title-tournament-final |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=Cageside Seats |language=en}}</ref> On the January 17, 2024 episode of ''NXT'', Hayes and Williams defeated Edris Enofé and Malik Blade in the first round of the [[Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic#Men's 3|Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Berge |first=Kevin |date=January 16, 2024 |title=WWE NXT Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights from Jan. 16 |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10105390-wwe-nxt-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-and-highlights-from-jan-16 |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref> Hayes made his [[Royal Rumble match]] debut at the [[Royal Rumble (2024)|titular event]] a day later as the fifth entrant as one of two representatives (the other being Bron Breakker) from NXT. Hayes eliminated Waller and was eliminated by Finn Bálor.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mrosko |first=Geno |date=January 27, 2024 |title=Cody Rhodes wins the Royal Rumble for the second year in a row |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/1/27/24052999/cody-rhodes-wins-royal-rumble-second-year-in-a-row-cm-punk-gunther-drew-mcintyre |access-date=January 28, 2024 |website=Cageside Seats |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 28, 2024 |title=Royal Rumble Match stats 2024 |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2024/royal-rumble-match-stats-2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128091918/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2024/royal-rumble-match-stats-2024 |archive-date=January 28, 2024 |access-date=January 28, 2024 |website=[[WWE]] |language=en}}</ref> On the January 30 episode of ''NXT'', Hayes and Williams defeated [[Latino World Order]]'s [[Joaquin Wilde]] and [[Raul Mendoza|Cruz Del Toro]] to advance to the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Defelice |first=Robert |date=January 30, 2024 |title=Carmelo Hayes And Trick Williams Advance To Finals Of Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic At NXT Vengeance Day{{!}} Fightful News |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/carmelo-hayes-and-trick-williams-advance-finals-dusty-rhodes-tag-team-classic-nxt-vengeance-day |access-date=January 31, 2024 |website=Fightful |language=en}}</ref> At [[NXT Vengeance Day (2024)|NXT Vengeance Day]] on February 4, Hayes and Williams failed to win the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, which was won by [[Baron Corbin]] and [[Bron Breakker]]. Later that night, after Williams failed to win the NXT Championship from Dragunov, Hayes attacked Williams with a steel chair, ending their partnership and turning [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] in the process.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/carmelo-hayes-turns-trick-williams-nxt-vengeance-day|title=Carmelo Hayes Turns On Trick Williams At NXT Vengeance Day|first=Jeremy|last=Lambert|publisher=Fightful|date=February 4, 2024}}</ref><ref name="NXTVengeanceDay2024">{{cite web|last=Moore|first=John|title=NXT Vengeance Day results: Moore's live review of Ilja Dragunov vs. Trick Williams for the NXT Title, Lyra Valkyria vs. Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women's Title, Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic finals|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/02/04/nxt-vengeance-day-results-moores-live-review-of-ilja-dragunov-vs-trick-williams-for-the-nxt-title-lyra-valkyria-vs-roxanne-perez-for-the-nxt-womens-title-dusty-rhodes-tag-team-classic-finals/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=February 4, 2024|access-date=February 4, 2024}}</ref> On the following episode of NXT, Hayes revealed that he was the one who attacked Williams back in October 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/02/13/nxt-tv-results-2-13-moores-review-of-tony-dangelo-and-channing-lorenzo-vs-bron-breakker-and-baron-corbin-for-the-nxt-tag-titles-von-wagner-and-mr-stone-vs-noam-dar-and-oro-mensah/|first=John|last=Moore|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=February 13, 2024|title=NXT TV results (2/13): Moore's review of Tony D’Angelo and Channing Lorenzo vs. Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin for the NXT Tag Titles, Von Wagner and Mr. Stone vs. Noam Dar and Oro Mensah}}</ref> At [[NXT Roadblock (2024)|''NXT'': Roadblock]] on March 5, Hayes was defeated by The Family's [[Tony D'Angelo]] to determine the #1 contender to the NXT Championship at [[NXT Stand & Deliver (2024)|NXT Stand & Deliver]] after D'Angelo distracted Hayes using Williams' entrance music. After the match, Hayes was attacked by a returning Williams in the ring.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=March 5, 2024 |title=NXT TV results (3/5): Moore's review of NXT Roadblock with Carmelo Hayes vs. Tony D'Angelo for a shot at the NXT Title, Kabuki Warriors vs. Lyra Valkyria and Tatum Paxley for the WWE Women's Tag Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/05/nxt-tv-results-3-5-moores-review-of-nxt-roadblock-with-carmelo-hayes-vs-tony-dangelo-for-a-shot-at-the-nxt-title-kabuki-warriors-vs-lyra-valkyria-and-tatum-paxley-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-ti/ |access-date=March 6, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=}}</ref> The following week on ''NXT'', Williams challenged Hayes to a match at NXT Stand & Deliver, which was made official a few days later.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=March 12, 2024 |title=NXT TV results (3/19): Moore’s review of Oba Femi vs. Brooks Jensen for the NXT North American Title, Trick Williams’ appearance, Shawn Spears vs. Ridge Holland, Gigi Dolin vs. Arianna Grace |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/12/nxt-tv-results-3-19-moores-review-of-oba-femi-vs-brooks-jensen-for-the-nxt-north-american-title-trick-williams-appearance-shawn-spears-vs-ridge-holland-gigi-dolin-vs-arianna-grace/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314043639/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/12/nxt-tv-results-3-19-moores-review-of-oba-femi-vs-brooks-jensen-for-the-nxt-north-american-title-trick-williams-appearance-shawn-spears-vs-ridge-holland-gigi-dolin-vs-arianna-grace/ |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |access-date=March 13, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Barrasso |first=Justin |date=March 14, 2024 |title=Carmelo Hayes-Trick Williams Match Officially Set for Stand & Deliver - Sports Illustrated Wrestling News, Analysis and More |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/wwe/carmelo-hayes-trick-williams-match-officially-set-for-stand-deliver |access-date=March 15, 2024 |work=[[Sports Illustrated]] |language=}}</ref> Shawn Michaels later announced that the match will be the main event, making Hayes and Williams the first two black men to main event NXT Stand & Deliver and a NXT [[List of WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming supercards|PLE]], and the first two black men to main event a PLE since [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]] and [[Booker T (wrestler)|Booker T]] at [[SummerSlam (2001)|SummerSlam]] in 2001.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barrasso |first=Justin |date=March 28, 2024 |title=Shawn Michaels Confirms NXT Stand & Deliver Main Event |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/nxt-stand-and-deliver-main-event |access-date=April 3, 2024 |website=[[Sports Illustrated]] |language=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Raphael |date=March 30, 2024 |title=Trick Williams versus Carmelo Hayes at Stand & Deliver will be a historic moment |url=https://dailyddt.com/posts/trick-williams-versus-carmelo-hayes-at-stand-deliver-will-be-a-historic-moment-01ht85k47591 |access-date=April 3, 2024 |website=Daily DDT |language=}}</ref> Hayes was defeated by Williams at the event on April 6.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 6, 2024 |title=NXT Stand & Deliver results: Moore's live review of Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes, Ilja Dragunov vs. Tony D'Angelo for the NXT Title, Lyra Valkyria vs. Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women's Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/06/nxt-stand-deliver-results-moores-live-review-of-trick-williams-vs-carmelo-hayes-ilja-dragunov-vs-tony-dangelo-for-the-nxt-title-lyra-valkyria-vs-roxanne-perez-for-the-nxt-womens-title/ |access-date=April 7, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=}}</ref> In a rematch on the April 16 episode of ''NXT'', Hayes lost to Williams in a [[steel cage match]] despite assistance from his security team in his final match for NXT.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 16, 2024 |title=WWE NXT results, April 16, 2024: Trick Williams defeats Carmelo Hayes in a Steel Cage Match |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2024-04-16 |access-date=April 17, 2024 |website=[[WWE]] |language=}}</ref> ==== SmackDown (2024–present) ==== At the Night 1 of the [[2024 WWE Draft|WWE Draft]] on the April 26, 2024 episode of ''SmackDown'', he was promoted to the [[WWE SmackDown (brand)|SmackDown]] brand as the third overall draft pick.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Every 2024 WWE Draft pick {{!}} WWE |url=https://www.wwe.com/amp/article/every-2024-wwe-draft-pick |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430040256/https://www.wwe.com/amp/article/every-2024-wwe-draft-pick |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=[[WWE]]}}</ref> He then challenged [[Undisputed WWE Championship|Undisputed WWE Champion]] [[Cody Rhodes]] to a match as his first opponent as a main roster wrestler, which he lost.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Quiles |first=Fernando Jr. |date=April 26, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night SmackDown Free Live Stream Results: WWE Draft 2024 Begins, The Bloodline Drama Continues |url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-wwe-draft-2024-the-bloodline |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240427023426/https://www.si.com/wrestling/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-wwe-draft-2024-the-bloodline |archive-date=April 27, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2024 |website=[[Sports Illustrated]] |language=}}</ref> == Other media == Carmelo Hayes made his video game debut in ''[[WWE 2K23]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carmelo Hayes |url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/roster/wwe2k23/carmelo-hayes |access-date=March 8, 2023 |website=Www.thesmackdownhotel.com}}</ref> == Personal life == Brigham is currently in a relationship with fellow professional wrestler Lea Mitchell, who also competes in WWE on NXT as [[Kelani Jordan]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Toolan |first=Jamie |title=WWE STAR SHARES BIRTHDAY WISHES FOR REAL-LIFE BOYFRIEND CARMELO HAYES |url=https://wrestletalk.com/news/wwe-star-real-life-boyfriend-carmelo-hayes-kelani-jordan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802160043/https://wrestletalk.com/news/wwe-star-real-life-boyfriend-carmelo-hayes-kelani-jordan/ |archive-date=August 2, 2023 |access-date=October 23, 2023 |website=Wrestletalk.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=_wwe |first=Carmelo |title=carmelo_wwe Happiest Birthday to the best part of me. You deserve the world @kelani_wwe ❤️👑 |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CytguyvJwX9/?hl=en&img_index=1 |access-date=October 23, 2023 |website=Instagram.com}}</ref> ==Championships and accomplishments== * '''[[Beyond Wrestling]]''' ** Pride of New England Tournament for Tomorrow (2019)<ref name=":15">{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date=December 26, 2019 |title=Pride Of New England Tournament For Tomorrow |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=6031&page=2 |access-date=December 17, 2020 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> * '''[[Chaotic Wrestling]]''' ** [[Chaotic Wrestling Heavyweight Championship]] (2 times)<ref name=":13">{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date=March 29, 2019 |title=Chaotic Wrestling Heavyweight Championship |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=551 |access-date=December 17, 2020 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> ** [[Chaotic Wrestling New England Championship]] (1 time)<ref name=":5">{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date=March 17, 2017 |title=Chaotic Wrestling New England Championship |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=554 |access-date=December 17, 2020 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> ** [[Chaotic Wrestling Tag Team Championship]] (1 time) – with Tripilicious <ref name=":11">{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date=March 16, 2018 |title=Chaotic Wrestling Tag Team Championship |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=552 |access-date=December 17, 2020 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> ** [[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)#Chaotic Wrestling|Twelfth Triple Crown Champion]] * '''''[[ESPN]]''''' ** Ranked No. 7 of the 30 best Pro Wrestlers Under 30 in 2023<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/38118887/from-mjf-rhea-ripley-el-hijo-del-vikingo-wwe-aew-njpw-30-best-pro-wrestlers-30|title=From MJF and Rhea to...a Viking? Here are the 30 best pro wrestlers under 30|work=[[ESPN]]|first1=Brandon|last1=Caldwell|first2=Marc|last2=Raimondi|date=August 3, 2023|access-date=December 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117180627/https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/38118887/from-mjf-rhea-ripley-el-hijo-del-vikingo-wwe-aew-njpw-30-best-pro-wrestlers-30|archive-date=November 17, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> * '''Liberty States Pro Wrestling''' ** Liberty States Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=":16">{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1271|title=Liberty States Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=|access-date=December 17, 2020}}</ref> * '''Limitless Wrestling''' ** Limitless Wrestling World Championship (1 time)<ref name=":18">{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date=December 19, 2020 |title=Limitless Wrestling World Championship |url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=4347 |access-date=December 25, 2020 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> ** Vacationland Cup (2020)<ref name=":19">{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date=December 19, 2020 |title=Limitless Vacationland Cup 2020 |url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=298077 |access-date=December 25, 2020 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> * '''Lucky Pro Wrestling''' ** LPW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with [[Elia Markopoulos]]<ref name=":8">{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date=October 14, 2017 |title=LPW Tag Team Championship |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=3286 |access-date=December 17, 2020 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> * '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]''''' ** Ranked No. 13 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''[[PWI 500]]'' in 2023<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2022.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2022|work=The Internet Wrestling Database|access-date=September 14, 2022}}</ref> *'''Northeast Championship Wrestling''' ** NCW New England Championship (1 time)<ref name=":3">{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date=June 19, 2015 |title=NCW New England Championship |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1590 |access-date=December 17, 2020 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> * '''[[Northeast Wrestling]]''' ** [[Northeast Wrestling#NEW Live Championship|NEW Live Championship]] (1 time)<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date=December 21, 2019 |title=NEW Live Championship |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=4539 |access-date=December 17, 2020 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> *'''[[WWE]]''' **[[NXT Championship]] ([[List of NXT Champions|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/nxt-championship|title=NXT Championship|publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)]]}}</ref> ** [[NXT North American Championship]] ([[List of NXT North American Champions|2 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/nxt-north-american-championship|title=NXT North American Championship|publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)]]}}</ref> **[[NXT Cruiserweight Championship]] ([[List of NXT Cruiserweight Champions|1 time, final]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/nxt-cruiserweight-championship|title=NXT Cruiserweight Championship|publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)]]}}</ref> **[[NXT Breakout Tournament (2021)]]<ref name="NXT08242021"/> ** [[NXT Year-End Award]] *** Match of the Year ([[NXT Year-End Award#2023 NXT Year-End Awards|2023]]) <small>vs. Ilja Dragunov at NXT No Mercy</small><ref name="2023award">{{Cite web |last=Applegate |first=Colby |date=December 26, 2023 |title=2023 WWE NXT Year End Award Winners Revealed |url=https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1431882-2023-wwe-nxt-year-end-award-winners-revealed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227035336/https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1431882-2023-wwe-nxt-year-end-award-winners-revealed |archive-date=December 27, 2023 |access-date=December 27, 2023 |website=Wrestlezone |language=en-US}}</ref> ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== {{Commons}} * {{wwe superstar|carmelo-hayes|Carmelo Hayes}} * {{twitter|Carmelo_WWE|Carmelo Hayes}} * {{Professional wrestling profiles|cagematch=15859|wrestlingdata=28688|iwd=christian-casanova-12054}} * {{IMDb name|nm11085715|Christian Casanova}} {{Navboxes |list1= {{Chaotic Wrestling Heavyweight Championship}} {{Chaotic Wrestling New England Championship}} {{Chaotic Wrestling Tag Team Championship}} {{Grand Slam-Triple Crown Champions}} {{NXT Championship}} {{WWE Cruiserweight Championship}} {{NXT North American Championship}} {{WWE personnel}} }} {{DEFAULTSORT:Hayes, Carmelo}} [[Category:1994 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]] [[Category:American male professional wrestlers]] [[Category:African-American professional wrestlers]] [[Category:People from Framingham, Massachusetts]] [[Category:Professional wrestlers from Massachusetts]] [[Category:NXT Champions]] [[Category:NXT North American Champions]] [[Category:NXT/WWE Cruiserweight Champions]]'