It was a rough night for Carmelo Hayes on WWE SmackDown in Lyon. Hayes teamed up with The Miz to face off against The Street Profits, but things didn’t go as hoped. Despite a flicker of optimism for a title shot, Hayes found himself pinned to the mat, with nothing changed in his tag team situation.
Fans are frustrated. Many, like me, feel WWE continues to overlook Hayes’ talent. He has openly expressed a desire for more opportunities. A few wins against teams like Fraxiom and the Motor City Machine Guns felt promising, but then came this setback. The Miz seems to be holding Hayes back instead of helping him shine.
What’s puzzling is why The Miz, the one dragging Hayes down, never takes the loss. Instead, it’s Hayes who bears the consequences. The storyline hints at a growing conflict between them, but there’s little reason for Hayes to keep being the one to lose. It’s time for the narrative to change and for WWE to let him rise, even in defeats.
Many fans online share my sentiments. Hayes is dynamic and charismatic—his social media presence shows just how popular he is. TikTok and Instagram are filled with edits celebrating his skills. After spending years on the main roster, he deserves a major push. It’s hard to see why WWE hesitates; the roster is filled with talent, but few can do what he does as well as he does.
Historically, we’ve seen wrestlers like The Miz serve as mentors but also act as barriers to their partners’ success. This has been a recurring theme in wrestling. It seems risky to keep Hayes tied to a storyline that’s holding him back. A fresh narrative could revitalize his character and career.
Ultimately, WWE needs to recognize Hayes’ potential. He has what it takes to captivate audiences and connect with the fans. It’s time for a rethink and for Hayes to escape this partnership that feels more like a weight than a boost.
