Carmelo Hayes: He Is HIM

Carmelo Hayes courtesy of WWE

The following content reflects my personal opinion and should be interpreted as such. Any views expressed here are solely mine and do not represent any official stance. This opinion piece is intended for entertainment and discussion purposes only, and should not be construed as factual information or professional advice. Reader discretion is advised.

Carmelo Hayes’ rise in professional wrestling is not defined by hype, but by results. From his early independent work to becoming one of WWE’s most decorated modern performers, Hayes has built a résumé that reflects both sustained excellence and historic achievement.

After making his mark on the independent scene, Hayes emerged as a centerpiece of WWE NXT, where his athleticism, confidence, and adaptability set him apart almost immediately. In 2021, he won the NXT Breakout Tournament, signaling WWE’s long-term investment in him as a future cornerstone. That promise was quickly fulfilled.

Hayes went on to become a two-time NXT North American Champion, delivering consistently high-level performances that helped elevate the title’s prestige. His success extended further when he captured the NXT Cruiserweight Championship, becoming the final wrestler to hold the title before its retirement — a distinction that permanently places his name in WWE history.

In 2023, Hayes reached another milestone by winning the NXT Championship, solidifying his position at the top of the brand. His championship reign was defined by marquee matches, most notably his critically acclaimed bout against Ilja Dragunov at NXT No Mercy, which earned NXT Match of the Year honors at the 2023 NXT Year-End Awards.

Hayes’ momentum carried into WWE’s main roster, where his upward trajectory continued. In 2025, he won the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, a victory traditionally reserved for performers WWE views as future main-event talent. Later that year, in December, Carmelo Hayes captured the WWE United States Championship, marking his first singles title reign on the main roster and confirming his transition from rising star to established champion.

Beyond accolades, Carmelo Hayes’ cultural impact is significant. He represents a modern archetype in professional wrestling — a Black performer who is positioned not as an exception, but as a standard-bearer. His confidence, presentation, and in-ring credibility challenge outdated narratives about who can lead, headline, and define the industry’s future.

Carmelo Hayes is not a moment.
He is not a trend.
He is a proven champion at every level he has touched.

He is HIM — and the record backs it up.