Former NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes has named his Tribal Chief.
One of the most iconic picks during the WWE draft last year, Carmelo Hayes has established himself as one of the most popular stars on the SmackDown roster. Involved in a spectacular series of matches against Andrade last year, Hayes recently fell out of regular booking. However, things now seem to change.
Despite no main-roster championship victory till now, Hayes was both a former NXT and North American Champion during his time on the Tuesday-night show. Reflecting on those times, Hayes recently opened up about his beef with Solo Sikoa, who defeated him to win the North American Championship back in 2022.
Speaking with MuscleManMalcolm, Hayes reflected on his history with Sikoa. Despite their past animosity, Melo has now acknowledged Solo Sikoa as his Tribal Chief.
“My question is, why did he feel he could come down and take my championship from me? That’s my question. You skipped ahead. You didn’t go back to the fact that he already got called up. He was already with The Bloodline. I was doing my thing, minding my own damn business, and brother comes down with his stupid little music and his blonde hair, and they’re chanting, ‘So-lo, So-lo.’ He came in, he beat my ass, took my title, and then made me have to start from scratch. Screw him. Now he’s my Tribal Chief, but at that time, Screw that guy. Of course, I acknowledge Solo Sikoa.”
H/t Fightful
On 13th September 2022, Sikoa defeated Hayes to win his first championship on the roster. While Carmelo Hayes is now busy forming a fresh tag team, Sikoa is currently involved in his Bloodline business with Jacob Fatu.
While earlier this year, Roman Reigns defeated Sikoa to earn back his Ula Fala and OTC position, Hayes still believes The Street Champion to be his Tribal Chief.
WWE Teases New Carmelo Hayes Tag-Team Formation On SmackDown
On the 21st February edition of SmackDown, fans witnessed Carmelo Hayes and The Miz reluctantly team up to defeat the duo of LA Knight and R-Truth. Despite a rocky start during their initial ring entrance, Hayes and The Miz’s teamwork improved demonstrably as their debut performance showcased a formidable double-team finisher that effectively combined elements of the First-48 and the Skull Crushing Finale.
In other news: A former WWE champion has announced the birth of their second child.