Carmelo Hayes Explains What He Felt Could Have Been Done Better In Two-Out-Of-Three Falls Bout

Carmelo Hayes picked up a big victory at NXT Vengeance Day when he defeated Apollo Crews in a two-out-of-three falls match. The bout featured the return of Dabba-Kato, who was once known as Commander Azeez and aligned with Crews. 

Hayes ended up winning two straight falls, which is a rare occurrence in two-out-of-three falls matches as most often the bout goes to a third and final fall.

Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Hayes reflected on match with Crews. 

“The experience was great. Maybe I’m a perfectionist in my work, but I feel like there were things I could’ve done better. Just the connection I felt with the crowd, there were certain things I could have done different or I could have done better. That was my takeaway, but I’m glad it was received well. There was a lot of pressure going into it because Shawn (Michaels) had said, ‘you’re gonna steal the show.’ The expectations were already high and I’m glad we met his expectations,” said Hayes. 

When asked by Bully Ray what he could have done better, Hayes replied, “I feel we could have put the stipulation of the match over better. An issue, in my mind, is that a lot of people are so programmed to see one fall, one fall, and then go to a third. I don’t think people were expecting I was going to to get the two falls. As I’m listening to the crowd, I’m thinking, ‘they’re about ready for an Apollo fall at this point.’ I felt like there were those down moments where they weren’t coming because they were like, ‘when is Apollo going to get his falls so we can really get cooking here.’ That’s just from a professional standpoint as far as being in there and being involved. I was happy with it. Apollo and I worked hard, we definitely worked hard. I thought all of our stuff was good, but I’m ready to get back out, do it again, and go up that.”

The night closed with Hayes walking out to look at Bron Breakker, who had successfully defended his NXT Championship in a cage match against Grayson Waller.

If you missed anything from NXT Vengeance Day, check out Fightful’s coverage of the show by clicking here. 

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