Carmelo Hayes just scored the biggest win of his main roster careerwalking out of WWE SmackDown on April 18 as the winner of the 2025 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
The action started with chaos before the bell even rang, but by the time the dust settled, it was Hayes standing tall, eliminating Andrade in a wild final exchange. Hayes survived an absolute gauntlet that saw everyone from Shinsuke Nakamura to Pete Dunne and Rey Fenix fall before the finish.
After nearly being eliminated multiple times, Hayes pulled off a slick sequence. Andrade tried to suplex Hayes over the top, but Hayes blocked it, hit a cutter, and sent Andrade to the ropes. Andrade followed, but Hayes escaped and sent Andrade to the floor. That sealed the win.
The final moments came down to Andrade, Hayes, Fenix, and Nakamura. But Fenix got taken out by surprise thanks to Grande Americano, who ran in and tossed Fenix off the top. Hayes then weathered Andrades assault and finally finished him off in a rope battle that ended with Andrade on the floor and Hayes soaking in the spotlight.
Winner: Carmelo Hayes, rang out from commentary as Miz made his way down to ringside to congratulate him on the victory.
For a match that featured legends, underdogs, and wild eliminations, Hayes proved hes no longer just a prospecthes a threat.
Do you think this win puts Carmelo Hayes on a path toward championship gold? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
