WWE prioritizes the safety of its talent, particularly in the current scrutinized environment. In the episode of SmackDown on January 12th, a match had to be abruptly called off due to a botched spot.
Referee threw up the X sign right after this spot & the match got called off…#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/h68D7oTJBH
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) January 13, 2024
Update On Carmelo Hayes
WWE SmackDown last week witnessed Austin Theory facing off against Carmelo Hayes, but their match concluded prematurely, raising concerns among viewers about the unexpected turn of events. Currently, it seems that Carmelo may not have fully recovered from the incident.
Tonight’s episode of NXT on the USA Network features a packed card with various matchups, including a scheduled bout involving Carmelo Hayes. However, there is uncertainty regarding his participation alongside Trick Williams.
The apprehension stems from Carmelo Hayes’ recent SmackDown match against Austin Theory, where an unfortunate move led to Theory landing on his head, and Hayes also had an awkward landing.
Austin Theory is presently undergoing medical protocol, and according to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Carmelo Hayes’ status for this week’s NXT is questionable. Meltzer stated, “So Hayes, as of today, was questionable for that match. Yeah, I mean, they weren’t sure one way or the other if he was going to be able to do it.”
Austin Theory’s Status
Austin Theory is also reportedly under medical protocol after that botched spot on SmackDown. As we exclusively noted, the referee in that match was worried about both competitors. He was also praised for ending the match early.
WWE NXT January 16th, 2024 Lineup:
- NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender Battle Royal (Final Four Becomes Fatal Four-Way Match)
- Latino World Order (Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro) vs. Chase U (Duke Hudson & Riley Osborne) Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic First Round Match
- Carmelo Hayes (Questionable) & Trick Williams vs. Edris Enofe & Malik Blade Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic First Round Match
- Lyra Valkyria & Tatum Paxley vs. Lola Vice & Elektra Lopez
- Joe Coffey vs. Ridge Holland
- Obe Femi will break his silence as NXT North American Champion
Update On Carmelo Hayes:
Hayes showed up to compete alongside against Edris Enofe and Malik Blade in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. In the end, Williams and Hayes won their match to advance further in the 2024 tournament.
