Carmelo Hayes was never on his way out of WWE. According to PWInsider, there was no discussion of Hayes leaving the company or being released, despite rumors online. The plan to put him with 946 had been in place for some time.
The report said Hayes was purposely downplayed to build to the reveal. Fans filled the gap with their own theories, which PWInsider said “had no bearing in reality.”
Hayes was unmasked as 946’s newest member at the end of Monday’s Raw in Bossier City, Louisiana. He attacked Solo Sikoa with a crowbar during a six-man tag, then helped Royce Keys, Bronco Nima and Lucien Price lay out Sikoa and The Usos.
His nearly two-month absence had raised questions. Hayes lost the United States Championship to Sami Zayn in March and missed WrestleMania 42 and SummerSlam. His last televised match before the reveal was a loss to Baron Corbin on the Aug. 14 SmackDown.
That timing lines up with 946’s debut. Keys debuted with Nima and Price on the Aug. 24 Raw. 946 has since kidnapped Sikoa, added Jaida Parker and run over Jacob Fatu with a car.
