Carmelo Hayes, born Christian Brigham, has swiftly established himself as a standout performer in WWE since his signing in 2021. The Boston native has showcased remarkable consistency, culminating in his debut on SmackDown against WWE superstar Cody Rhodes, an experience he credits as integral to his growth. Hayes contends that challenging himself against top talent has allowed him to strengthen his skills, despite acknowledging setbacks along the way.
His journey began in WWE’s developmental league, where he secured multiple championships and headlined a significant event during WrestleMania 40 weekend before moving to the main roster. Reflecting on his rapid rise, Hayes emphasises the importance of balancing victories and lessons learned from losses. “I have proven… I could handle the pressure,” he stated, underlining the formula of being thrown into the deep end and rising to the occasion.
Handpicked by Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels as part of a new generation of talent, Hayes believes in his and his peers’ potential to elevate the wrestling landscape. He remains optimistic about the future, reiterating their commitment to success in the sport. With WWE 2K25’s release on the horizon, Hayes’ impact within WWE continues to grow, marking him as a key player for years to come.