Carmelo Hayes: I Don’t Try To Carry Myself Like A Cruiserweight, I’m As Big As Whoever My Opponent Is

Carmelo Hayes doesn’t view his matches with larger opponents as “big guy, little guy.”

Carmelo Hayes doesn’t view his matches with larger opponents as “big guy, little guy.”

Carmelo Hayes debuted on the June 1, 2021, episode of WWE NXT, as he answered Cruiserweight Champion KUSHIDA’s open challenge. Over two years later, Hayes has become one of the top stars on WWE NXT, and he is the reigning NXT Champion. Throughout his time with the company, Hayes has faced opponents who have ranged in size, as he has clashed with Adam Cole and Bron Breakker, among many others. 

Speaking with Raj Prashad for Uproxx Sports, Hayes described how he doesn’t try to carry himself like a cruiserweight. He noted that he wrestles as big as whoever his opponent is.

“One time one of my coaches here, he said when you watch Shawn Michaels versus the Undertaker, you’re not looking at big guy, little guy. If you really think back on it, you’re just looking at an icon, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker. So, it’s the same energy. I don’t try and carry myself like a cruiserweight. On paper, yeah, I’m a cruiserweight. But in the ring, you’re not going to get that type of energy from me at all. I’m just as big as whoever my opponent is. That’s kind of the mindset that I walk into every match with,” Hayes said.

Bron Breakker recently stated that he believes he will main event WrestleMania against Carmelo Hayes one day. Check out his comments here.

Check out the card for the September 26 episode of WWE NXT here. Fightful will have live coverage of the show as it airs.

At NXT No Mercy, Carmelo Hayes will defend the NXT Championship against Ilja Dragunov. Click here to check out the card for NXT No Mercy.