Former NXT Champion Trick Williams recently secured his spot at WrestleMania 42, but he believes his former ally Carmelo Hayes deserves one too.
Following Friday's SmackDown in Pittsburgh, Williams was announced as the challenger for Sami Zayn's newly won WWE United States Championship at "The Grandest Stage of Them All." However, Hayes remains without an announced role for WWE's biggest show of the year.
During an appearance on Mornings With Mero on HOT 97, Williams spoke passionately about Hayes' situation and their history together.
Me and Melo, we go way back, of course," Williams said. "And I would love to see him get his moment, and he deserves that. And you never know, he probably still will. You know what I mean, he carried that US title great. So he deserves his moment and I'm sure he's going to get his moment.
Hayes had been riding high as United States Champion with a 98-day reign before losing the title to Zayn on SmackDown. The defeat came with help from Williams himself, who blindsided his former friend and NXT ally with a punch during the match.
Williams also highlighted the current wave of young Black talent in WWE, which includes rising stars like Oba Femi and Je'Von Evans.
First of all, what a time, man," Williams said. "Some of these things you can't control. It is the right time. I got to say, shout out to the guys who came before us.
The comments show the respect between the former allies despite their recent in-ring conflict. While Williams has his WrestleMania 42 opportunity locked in against Zayn for the US Championship, Hayes' fans will hope WWE finds a meaningful spot for the talented performer on the card.
With WrestleMania 42 still building its lineup, there remains time for Hayes to secure his moment on wrestling's biggest stage.
