SmackDown Selects Carmelo Hayes In First Round Of 2024 WWE Draft

Originally posted on Wrestlezone | By Colin Tessier | Last updated 4/26/24

Carmelo Hayes is coming to WWE SmackDown.

The WWE Draft kicked off on the April 26 episode of WWE SmackDown. Triple H and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes came to the stage to announce the picks in the opening round. Bianca Belair went first overall to WWE SmackDown, while RAW selected Jey Uso.

SmackDown then selected former NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes with the third overall pick. Hayes came out and challenged Rhodes to a match, and Rhodes accepted.

WHAT! FIRST ROUND #WWEDRAFT PICK @Carmelo_WWE just challenged @CodyRhodes to a match… TONIGHT! ???

Don't miss it later tonight! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/GjuPpqJF2O
— WWE (@WWE) April 27, 2024

Hayes signed with WWE in 2021. He went on to become one of NXT’s top stars. During his time on the brand, he captured the NXT North American Championship twice, and he also won the NXT Championship. In his final NXT match, Hayes lost to Trick Williams in a Steel Cage match on the Apri 16 episode of WWE NXT.

Hayes has made a few appearances on the main roster. He competed in the United States Championship in December 2023 and competed on two episodes of SmackDown in January. He also competed in the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble.

This article first appeared on Wrestlezone and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: