What's next for Carmelo Hayes after joining Friday Night Smackdown?

Carmelo Hayes became the first Superstar from NXT to become the draft pick in the first round. He was drafted to Friday Night Smackdown as there was excitement among the members of the blue brand. Soon after his name popped up, the announcement which was carried out by the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes himself, Hayes came out to the arena.

He directly took a shot at Rhodes, which led to a match between the two on the Main event of Friday Night Smackdown. Though Cody won the match as expected, Carmelo showed his capabilities as an in-ring performer. He recently took to X and posted a tweet asking his followers to predict what's his upcoming challenge. The fans had different opinions about Melo's future.

"Now that #SmackDown is officially my new home, who should I shoot my shot against next? #Takes Shots To Make Shots," wrote Carmelo on X. While some felt that he could have small feuds to start with and later on go toe-to-toe against the best Superstars in the rosters, others believed that given the elevation against someone like Rhodes, he might be pushed against the top stars right now.

Carmelo Hayes' impressive run in NXT

Before joining Smackdown, Melo had a great run in NXT. He was a former NXT World Champion and held the North American title twice. After his purpose as the champion was accomplished, where he was the face, a new role was awaiting him. Melo attacked his long-time friend Trick Williams and turned heel. In the last few months, the duo has been making headlines with their feud.

In the NXT Stand and Deliver, the duo scripted history and became the first pair of black wrestlers to main event a WWE event. In the previous episode of NXT, the two had a match where Trick settled the deal and claimed a win to reign supreme. Having achieved what he wanted to in NXT, Melo is in Smackdown. the future is certainly bright for the former NXT Superstar.