Carmelo Hayes has finally spoken about not being part of WrestleMania 42. This is the second year in a row he has missed WWE’s biggest show, and he admitted it is disappointing. However, he remains positive about what’s next.
Hayes missed WrestleMania after losing the United States Championship to Sami Zayn on the March 27, 2026, episode of SmackDown. That loss ended his strong title run. WWE then shifted its focus to a WrestleMania match between Zayn and Trick Williams.
Carmelo Hayes says he’s ready if WWE gives him the opportunity
During a recent appearance on the Nightcap podcast, Hayes said he is focused on staying ready and believes in his talent. He explained that if WWE gives him a chance, he knows he can deliver. The SmackDown star also pointed out that until you get an opportunity, people don’t really know what you can do.
“I feel like it’s staying ready and just knowing I’m talented enough to, if they give me the ball, it’s guaranteed… That’s really what my mentality has always been. You ever heard that phrase ‘success is not earned it’s given’, I feel like that’s a lot with WWE is, anybody really, until they give you the ball how will they know if you can score, until they put you on the field how do they know if you can make a play. I think that’s really what it comes down to with what we do is waiting I guess for the ball, or waiting for them to put you in,” Hayes said.
Even though he missed WrestleMania, Hayes had a solid run as United States Champion. He won the title in December 2025 by beating Ilja Dragunov. During his 91-day reign, he defended the title many times against names such as Johnny Gargano, Shinsuke Nakamura, Rey Fénix, and Leon Slater.
His title loss also came with some controversy. Zayn answered his open challenge and got the win after an accidental hit from Trick Williams helped him get the finish. Hayes then lost the rematch the following week, which ended his chances of making it to WrestleMania.
Some fans felt Hayes deserved a spot on the card.
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