Carmelo Hayes, the current NXT Champion, has been making a name for himself with his impressive in-ring skills and athleticism, winning over fans and developing his character throughout his time in NXT. Despite his success, Hayes revealed in an interview with The Messenger that Shawn Michaels, the founder of NXT, told him he wasn’t ready for the main roster. This came after Hayes defeated Bron Breakker to become the NXT Champion earlier this year, and he has since successfully defended his title and become a major draw for the brand.
Hayes shared with The Messenger that Michaels gave him a valuable piece of advice, likening his current state to building a house. Michaels told Hayes that he shouldn’t be trying to put a roof on the house just yet, as he hasn’t even finished laying the groundwork. Hayes took this advice to heart, committing to focus on building his character and skills “brick by brick.” He acknowledged that Michaels is attuned to the fans’ desires, and knows that every time he’s in a match, it’s assumed that a loss would result in him being called up to the main roster. Michaels’ advice, Hayes said, was to focus on what’s in front of him and not get ahead of himself.
As Hayes continues to excel as the NXT Champion, he will be putting his title on the line against Ilja Dragunov at NXT No Mercy on September 30th. Fans will be eager to see if Hayes will emerge victorious and cement his place as one of the top wrestlers in NXT. Meanwhile, his reflections on Michaels’ guidance highlight the importance of patience and dedication in achieving success in the wrestling world.
Michaels’ advice to Hayes serves as a reminder that even the most talented and hardworking wrestlers need to focus on their development before being considered for a promotion to the main roster. Hayes’ willingness to listen and learn from Michaels demonstrates his commitment to his craft, and fans will be excited to see how he continues to grow and evolve as a wrestler. What do you think? Do you believe Carmelo Hayes is ready for the WWE main roster, or does he still have work to do in NXT?