Shawn Michaels is the man in charge of WWE NXT, and according to Carmelo Hayes, that’s an asset to the talent working to perfect their craft in WWE’s developmental system.
Speaking to Jon Alba via Inside the Ropes in partnership with FITE TV, Hayes opened up about working for the two-time WWE Hall of Famer, citing his experience in the wrestling industry and saying the way he cares for young talent is the “coolest.”
“If you think about someone who has done it all, it’s Shawn. I mean he’s experienced every high, every low so you know just being under his wing knowing that he’s made every mistake but at the same time he’s bounced back and he’s been to the mountain top probably higher than anyone you can really think of that’s still doing it today, it’s a blessing. He cares so much about us young talent, that is the coolest thing man, he wants for us what he had.”
In this fantastic clip @Carmelo_WWE talks with @JonAlba of @FiteTV in partnership with Inside The Ropes about his upcoming NXT clash against Bron Breakker and what it means to him to be trusted by Shawn Michaels.
Check it out ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Mw9M6QEPoq
— Inside The Ropes (@Inside_TheRopes) March 31, 2023
Hayes is currently set to face Bron Breakker at Stand & Deliver as part of WrestleMania weekend, hoping to unseat the second generation performer as NXT Champion.
“I Have Taken Interest In Melo Since Day One” – Shawn Michaels
The admiration between the two men is mutual, as in an October media call,Shawn Michaels praised Hayes and said he was instrumental in getting the young star on television as quickly as possible.
“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.” (h/t Fightful)
Michaels also expressed his belief that Hayes is main roster ready.
NXT Stand & Deliver is set to take place on April 1st ahead of night one of WrestleMania.
If you use any quotes from the Carmelo Hayes transcription, please credit the original source and link back to this article with a h/t to Inside the Ropes