WWE NXT Superstar Carmelo Hayes remains focused on his goals on NXT, despite fans’ speculation that he could be bound for the main roster sooner rather than later.
Hayes sat down with Rick Ucchino of Cageside Seats prior to NXT Deadline to discuss a wide variety of subjects. In one highlight, he addressed the speculation that he could get called up to the main roster soon. He has enjoyed having some fun with it on social media as of late, but the former North American Champion made it clear that his focus remains on what he’s doing in NXT right now.
“Sometimes yeah (laughs). Sometimes I play along, like with the Hit Row thing. I mean, I don’t know. It’s cool that people really do see me in that regard,” Hayes said. “People are anticipating me and expecting me and that means a lot to me for real. It really does. But I’m focused on what I’m doing here in NXT right now. But then again, who knows man, like this is WWE. They could call me tomorrow for whatever. So you know, it could be me. But as far as like personally, right now, I’m just so focused on what I need to be doing in NXT that I try not to entertain those ideas too much.”
When asked about the reports of William Regal returning to NXT in 2023, Hayes admitted that he learned a lot from the veteran and called him a pivotal person that got him signed by WWE in the first place.
“I learned a lot from Regal. I learned a lot. He was actually a pivotal person to get me into WWE,” Hayes said. “He was one of the guys that vouched for me to get to WWE because he had an eye on me in the indies in a lot of ways and he could spot talent. So yeah, if it’s true, if he is really coming back, I’m super excited.
“We’d love to have him back here. I think a lot of the newer people here will benefit from having him here, because he’s a wealth of knowledge. That guy knows so much and he’s so freaking passionate about this. He will help you. If you want help, he will help you and he will go above and beyond to help you. So yeah, I hope he does end up coming back. That’d be awesome.”
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