Carmelo Hayes Wins Championship Unification Match At WWE NXT New Year's Evil
Hayes defeated Roderick Strong
Jan 5, 2022
Carmelo Hayes has become the WWE NXT Unified North American Champion.
The first NXT of 2022 - New Year's Evil - saw Hayes take on Roderick Strong in a match to unify the NXT North American Title with the NXT Cruiserweight Championship. Hayes would pin Strong after hitting his diving leg drop finishing move from the top rope, securing the win and claiming both Title belts.
With the Championships now being unified in NXT, Hayes will simply be recognised as the NXT North American Champion going forward, while the Cruiserweight Title will cease to function on the WWE developmental brand.
The Title Unification bout between Hayes and Strong was set up two weeks ago as both men described themselves as the true champion of NXT. A contract signing on last week's show confirmed the match for New Year's Evil.
Hayes has held the NXT North American Title since winning it from Isaiah 'Swerve' Scott last October, cashing in his Championship Match contract on the former Hit Row member after winning the 2021 NXT Breakout Tournament.
