Carmelo Hayes finally made his return to WWE television during the May 15 episode of SmackDown. The return ended a lengthy absence that had left fans wondering when “Him” would show up on the blue brand.
The former United States Champion resurfaced backstage at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. Moreover, he immediately made it clear he still has championship gold on his mind.
Still, Hayes didn’t exactly receive a warm welcome back to Friday nights.
Before he could fully settle into his promo, another rising SmackDown name stepped into frame and quickly turned the tension up a notch.
Carmelo Hayes targets the United States title after SmackDown return
During a backstage interview segment, Carmelo Hayes addressed his time away. Hayes explained that he had been closely watching the United States Championship picture unfold while sidelined from television.
“I’ve been gone a month, but I’ve been watching Sami Zayn and Trick Williams making a mockery of the United States Championship,” Hayes said. “I’m coming back for it.”
That statement alone drew attention, considering Hayes has not competed on SmackDown since losing to Sami Zayn in a United States Title match earlier this year. His absence also kept him off the WrestleMania 42 card — something that appears to have added a little extra chip on his shoulder.
Before Hayes could continue, Ricky Saints interrupted the segment and took issue with the lack of respect. The exchange quickly turned verbal. Hayes fired off a line that sounded straight out of a landlord gimmick from the Territory Days playbook.
“I’m not running for president, I’m the landlord — and tonight Ricky’s rent is due,” Hayes said.
Saints responded by warning Hayes that SmackDown has a way of humbling stars quickly. Hayes then closed the segment with a sharp jab, calling Saints “a dirty mirror.”
Once the bell rang, both men wasted little time turning SmackDown into a highlight reel. Saints came out firing with chops and punches before Hayes answered with athletic counters. These included a springboard leg drop and a flip dive to the floor that nearly overshot entirely. Saints later regained momentum with a leg drop on the apron and a spinning side slam for a near fall.
The match kept escalating with superkicks, reversals, and several close two-counts. At one point, Saints appeared to misfire on the Revolution DDT before quickly correcting course later in the match and finally landing it cleanly after Hayes escaped a Nothing But Net attempt.
However, the finish came with a little extra ring awareness — or classic heel tactics, depending on who’s scoring the match at home. After Saints unsuccessfully tried using the ropes for leverage on a pin, Hayes later copied the exact tactic and stole the victory.
The win marks Hayes’ first televised victory since returning and instantly places him back into the SmackDown conversation. With the United States Championship still on his radar, it’s clear Hayes plans to pick up right where he left off — even if he needed a little rope-a-dope to do it.
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