Carmelo Hayes Speaks Out After Missing WrestleMania 42 For Second Straight Year

Carmelo Hayes isn’t hiding his frustration after missing WrestleMania 42, but he’s making it clear that he’s staying ready for when WWE finally gives him the shot he believes he deserves.

Hayes lost the United States Championship to Sami Zayn on the March 27 episode of SmackDown, and after dropping a rematch the following week, his path to WrestleMania was shut down. With Zayn now set to defend the title against Trick Williams at WrestleMania 42, Hayes is once again watching the biggest show of the year from the sidelines.

While speaking to Nightcap, Hayes was asked how he handles missing WrestleMania and what keeps him motivated despite not being on the card. Hayes explained that his mindset hasn’t changed, and he believes he only needs one real opportunity to prove himself at the highest level.

“I feel like it’s staying ready and just knowing I’m talented enough to, if they give me the ball, it’s guaranteed. That’s really what my mentality has always been.”

He continued by comparing WWE success to being handed an opportunity in sports, saying that talent alone isn’t always enough — you still need someone to give you the chance.

“You ever heard that phrase ‘success is not earned it’s given’, I feel like that’s a lot with WWE, anybody really, until they give you the ball how will they know if you can score, until they put you on the field how do they know if you can make a play.”

Hayes made it clear that patience is part of the process, even if it means missing major moments like WrestleMania. Instead of complaining, he’s focused on being prepared so that when his moment finally comes, he won’t waste it.

“I think that’s really what it comes down to with what we do is waiting for the ball, or waiting for them to put you in.”

Missing WrestleMania for the second year in a row is a tough break for a former United States Champion, especially after being so close to staying in the title picture. Still, Hayes sounds confident that his opportunity will come — and when it does, he believes he’ll deliver.

Do you think Carmelo Hayes should have been part of the WrestleMania 42 card this year, or is WWE taking the right approach by making him wait for the right moment? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.