How Carmelo Hayes Is Viewed Backstage In WWE

While there is plenty of fan support for Carmelo Hayes from WWE fans, that support hasn't necessarily translated to a huge push for the 32-year-0ld, who finds himself booked in the mid-card on Friday Night SmackDown.

That doesn't mean WWE have a negative opinion of Carmelo Hayes, however. Sean Ross Sapp noted in the Fightful Select Answers Q&A that he hasn't heard anything about Carmelo Hayes being viewed negatively backstage and the former WWE United States Champion has always been referred to as dependable, professional, and with a lot of upside.

Carmelo Hayes has been a part of WWE since February of 2021 and he was pushed prominently on NXT, becoming a one-time NXT Champion and two-time NXT North American Champion during his time on the brand. Hayes initially looked set for a big push on the main roster as he was moved to SmackDown as the #3 pick in the 2024 WWE Draft, but Hayes quickly found himself in the mid-card, including with a going-nowhere tag team with The Miz.

Hayes then captured the WWE United States Championship in December 2025 and he embarked upon a well-received 98-day reign with the belt until Carmelo dropped the championship to Sami Zayn on March 27. Hayes has remained involved in the United States Title picture since then and he unsuccessfully challenged Baron Corbin for the championship on the August 14 episode of Friday Night SmackDown.