WWE NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes made his red brand in-ring debut on Monday’s Money In the Bank go-home edition of WWE RAW, losing to Finn Balor. Earlier in the night, WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins thanked Hayes in the crowd for having his back after the successful title defence against Bron Breakker on last week’s NXT. Balor attacked again during Rollins’ RAW promo, but Hayes saved him for the second time. This resulted in Hayes vs. Balor, as well as a strong video package on Hayes prior to the match.
According to WWE insider Boozer Rasslin, everyone was excited for Hayes prior to Monday night’s match. Hayes returned backstage after the match to applause from the Gorilla Position.
It’s unclear when Hayes will be brought up to the main roster. While Hayes made his red brand in-ring debut on Monday’s RAW, this was his fourth main roster battle. At the November 12, 2021 SmackDown, he teamed with Trick Williams for a dark match loss against The Viking Raiders, then defeated Cedric Alexander on the October 13, 2022 WWE Main Event programme, then defeated Akira Tozawa on the March 6 Main Event episode.
On this week’s NXT Gold Rush Week 2, Hayes will defended the NXT Title against free agent Baron Corbin.
Stay tuned to PWMania.com for more.
