WWE star Carmelo Hayes recently made waves by challenging Cody Rhodes in a highly anticipated match after his draft to SmackDown in the 2024 WWE Draft. The match, arranged following Rhodes’ acceptance of the challenge, showcased the exceptional skills of both wrestlers, ultimately resulting in Rhodes clinching the victory with his signature Cross Rhodes move. Speaking with WWE correspondent Byron Saxton on The SmackDown Lowdown, Carmelo Hayes shared his positive outlook on his future with SmackDown, highlighting his debut match against Rhodes as a clear demonstration of his potential and star power.
Reflecting on his experience facing Rhodes, Hayes expressed, “I went into this thing, win or loss, I wanted to make that statement.” Despite not coming out on top, he believed the match effectively highlighted his abilities and firm resolve to thrive in WWE. Hayes also acknowledged Rhodes’ esteemed position as the WWE Champion and the formidable challenge he presented, expressing gratitude for being an early draft pick due to his perceived talent and potential.
In a separate development, Cody Rhodes engaged in a contract signing segment with AJ Styles on SmackDown, setting the stage for their highly anticipated match at Backlash. Styles praised Rhodes for their shared history and the support he received from Dusty Rhodes in the past. However, Styles was quick to assert that his admiration for Rhodes would not dampen his competitive edge in the upcoming match. Rhodes reciprocated the respect but emphasized his singular focus on securing a victory, highlighting the significance of his impending bout against Styles.
The impending clash between Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles is poised to be a riveting showdown, with both wrestlers fiercely determined to come out on top. As excitement mounts for their face-off in France, fans are eagerly anticipating the culmination of the intense rivalry between these two esteemed athletes. Keep an eye out for more updates on this charming storyline unfolding within of WWE.