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Triple H Delighted With New WWE SmackDown Star

By John Canton • Published 27th April 2024
Triple H WWE Raw

Triple H is among the many people excited to see what a new Smackdown wrestler can do following the WWE Draft.

The start of the WWE Draft took place on Smackdown in Cincinnati. There were a unique set of rules for the draft since only a certain number of people could be drafted on Friday, Paul Heyman announced that Roman Reigns would not be drafted due to being away from WWE and none of the champions would be drafted if they hold an exclusive brand title.

For the WWE Draft, the first picks were announced by WWE’s CCO Paul “Triple H” Levesque and the WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. The first picks went as follows.

Smackdown – Bianca Belair

Raw – Jey Uso

Smackdown – Carmelo Hayes

Raw – Seth “Freakin” Rollins

While Bianca Belair, Jey Uso, and Seth Rollins are all staying on the brands that they were on, the name of Carmelo Hayes was a bit of a surprise since he’s a former NXT Champion who was making the jump to the main roster.

After the pick announcement, Hayes made his presence felt immediately by challenging Cody Rhodes to a match while Triple H was standing right there.

In the main event of Smackdown, Rhodes defeated Hayes with Cross Rhodes in a competitive match between two men who certainly could face off down the road again.

Triple H Praises Carmelo Hayes After WWE Smackdown Match

Following the show, Triple H went on social media to put over Hayes for a strong performance despite the loss. The comments from Triple H also included his customary “point” photo that he has been known to do with talent for many years.

After a performance like that against the Undisputed WWE Champion @CodyRhodes, @Carmelo_WWE has shown the entire #SmackDown roster that he is HIM. #WWEDraft

One of Carmelo Hayes’ biggest rivals in NXT was Bron Breakker, who ended up being drafted by Raw, so that rivalry won’t be renewed on the main roster. At least not yet.