Carmelo Hayes on Being a Face of NXT’s ‘Rainbow Era

One Big Thing

Carmelo Hayes, one of the faces of NXT’s transition from the colorful “NXT 2.0” to the return of the black and gold aesthetic, recently shared his thoughts on being a key figure during this period.

Key Takeaways

• Shawn Michaels told Hayes that he couldn’t have done the transition without him, Bron Breakker, and a few others.
• Hayes was part of a class of 20 NXT recruits and managed to stand out from the pack.
• Despite the changes in NXT’s branding, Hayes made a conscious effort to be different and test himself against the best talent.

Hayes on the Transition

“It was that black and gold stigma and then they switched everything around that’s when people were like, ‘Woah, this is gonna suck,'” Hayes said in an interview with “The Masked Man Show.”

Testing Himself Against the Best

“I was like, ‘I want to test myself against [NXT’s original journeymen talent],’ I want to work with the best. Period,” Hayes stated. He felt he could match the talent of veterans like Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa, and in doing so, he discovered his own weaknesses and areas for improvement.

Why It Matters

Hayes’s experience as a face of NXT during its transitional period showcases the importance of adaptability and self-improvement in the wrestling industry. His determination to stand out and challenge himself against top talent demonstrates the mindset necessary for success in the ever-changing landscape of professional wrestling.
What do you think about Carmelo Hayes’s role in NXT’s ‘Rainbow Era’? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts!
Credit: “The Masked Man Show” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.