Carmelo Hayes has spoken out about WWE NXT fans, saying that the crowd that helped make him one of the brand’s top stars is ultimately loyal to no one.
Speaking on the Battleground Podcast, Hayes reflected on his time in NXT from 2021 to 2024 and gave an unfiltered perspective on the nature of that audience and what it takes to survive in that environment.
“That crowd is still the same today,” Hayes said. “They’re never yours. They’re hot right now, and I knew it and I understood it and it was one of those things where I even did a promo with Trick Williams where it’s like they love you and then when the next guy’s turn comes, they’ll switch on you, and it’s true. That crowd, they’ll build you up but they’ll also break you down.”
During his NXT run, Hayes built one of the most decorated resumes in the recent history of the brand. He won the NXT Breakout Tournament in 2021, captured the NXT Cruiserweight Championship – becoming the last holder of that title – and held the NXT North American Championship twice before winning the NXT Championship. Despite that level of success, Hayes was clear-eyed about crowd loyalty throughout.
The reference to Trick Williams is particularly notable and will be remembered by longtime NXT fans. Hayes and Williams were closely associated during their NXT run, with their partnership and eventual rivalry becoming one of the brand’s best storylines. Hayes saw firsthand how the NXT crowd changed their love, which gave him an understanding of how quickly audiences can move on.
Hayes has been on the main roster as a member of the SmackDown brand since April 2024. He recently completed a run as United States champion. As for Williams, he has been a bright spot on the SmackDown roster and will challenge Sami Zayn for the US Title at WrestleMania.
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