The WWE Universe is abuzz as reports from the wrestling grapevine (aka PWInsider) suggest “SmackDown” star and former NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes is lurking backstage at “Raw” in Wichita, Kansas. Coincidence? Probably not. Let’s break it down.
This comes just as whispers of WWE’s so-called “transfer portal” are spreading like wildfire, fueling speculation of roster shake-ups that rival NFL Draft Day drama. Will this portal come with an overproduced, Michael Bay-esque light show? One can hope. For now, it’s unclear whether Hayes will make an appearance under the “Raw” lights or simply lace up for a dark match. Either way, “SmackDown” General Manager Nick Aldis might be sweating bullets trying to hold onto his talent roster.
Hayes, who graduated from NXT to the main roster earlier this year after losing his title to Trick Williams during WrestleMania 40 weekend, has since made waves on “SmackDown.” From a showdown with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes to a high-flying feud with Andrade, Hayes has been on a roll. If he does jump brands, it might just be the kind of plot twist that sends Twitter into a meltdown (as if it isn’t already there).