Shawn Michaels says he has been interested in Carmelo Hayes from the start because he thinks the NXT star is a special talent.
Hayes signed with WWE in February 2021, and he quickly rose to stardom after his NXT debut in June. Since then, he has won the NXT North American Championship twice, and he has become one of the brand's top stars.
During the media call ahead of NXT Halloween Havoc, Jon Alba asked Michaels, WWE Vice President of Talent Development Creative, about Hayes. Michaels stated that he has taken interest in Hayes from day one and got him on TV as quickly as he could. He stated that Hayes is special, and the sky is the limit for him.
"I have taken interest in Melo from day one. I got him on television as quickly as I could. At the time, I believe it was still 205 Live. I was talking to him and I said, ‘I just want to get you out there, get you in front of the people and in front of Hunter.’ He said, ‘I don’t want to be living in 205.’ ‘I know. For me, it’s more important to get you out there so everyone can see that this kid can go.’ Carmelo and I get along great. He’s a good kid and I think the sky is the limit for him. He’s special. He’s talented," Michaels said.
Michaels continued by noting that, as Hayes himself has brought up, he has pulled the former NXT North American Champion back at times when he pushes the envelope. He noted that Hayes has never complained about it and stated the young star is only going to get better. Michaels shared his belief that Hayes is ready whenever someone wants him.
"We have a lot of talks and I gave him the same line that I was given many years ago, which is to go ahead and push the envelope, go out there, let me pull you back, and he does. I’ve seen that he’s mentioned it. ‘Shawn has had to pull me back a couple of times.’ That is true. He never complains about it. He’s a pro, and I like that about him as well. He has a lot of charisma, a lot of ability, a lot of attitude, but he’s a respectful young man. That’s what is so great about a lot of people down here. We have some really talented people and they are darn good men and women of character too. He is ready anytime someone wants him. Of course, he’s only going to get better. Can he always learn more? You bet, all of us can, but he’s certainly ready whenever they want to take him. He’s going to go up there and be with people better than him and that’s how you improve in this line of work," Michaels said.
During the same media call, Michaels discussed how he wants to avoid wrestling cliches with the presentation of Veer and Sanga in NXT. His comments are available here.
Michaels recently described how there's more syngery between NXT and the main roster now. Click here to check out his comments.
Check out the card for NXT Halloween Havoc here.
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