Carmelo Hayes, the rising WWE star, has spoken out about the valuable advice he received from WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels regarding his height. Despite being a top star during his run in NXT, Hayes has faced criticism about his stature. However, Michaels’ words of wisdom have been a driving force in Hayes’ career, pushing him to work harder and prove his doubters wrong.
In a recent appearance on The Ringer Wrestling Show, Hayes revealed that Michaels told him to never take a day off and to work as hard as he could. This advice is particularly significant, given the height criticism Hayes has faced. Hayes believes that the bar is higher for him because of his stature, and Michaels’ advice has helped him to focus on proving himself despite his physical limitations.
Hayes’ determination and hard work paid off, as he was drafted to SmackDown just two weeks ago during the 2024 WWE Draft. This milestone marked a significant moment in his career, as he became the first NXT Superstar to ever be a first-round pick in the draft. Additionally, he made history alongside Bianca Belair, who became the first black woman to be picked first in the draft.
Hayes’ SmackDown debut was nothing short of impressive, as he confronted Cody Rhodes and went on to wrestle him in the main event. Although he lost the bout, sharing the ring with the current Undisputed WWE Champion gave him invaluable experience and exposure. This opportunity has certainly raised the stakes for Hayes, and fans are now wondering if he has what it takes to become a future WWE Champion.
Hayes’ journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. With Michaels’ advice ringing in his ears, he continues to defy the odds and push himself to new heights. As he navigates the competitive world of WWE, Hayes is determined to prove that he is more than capable of overcoming any obstacle, including his height.