News

WWE Match Abandoned After Horrific Botch

By Lyle Kilbane • Published 13th January 2024
WWE logo over blurred ambulance

Wrestling is not ballet as two WWE stars found out on SmackDown when a terrifying moment caused the match to be called off and doctors called on.

On SmackDown in Lincoln, Nebraska, former NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes was back on the main roster after his stint as part of the tournament to crown a new number one contender for the US Championship. Hayes defeated Grayson Waller in the first round of that competition and while Hayes was meeting with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis on the show, he was interrupted by Waller and Austin Theory.

That confrontation led to a match being made later in the night between Theory and Hayes marking the first time the pair formerly known as The Dream Team on the indy scene had ever faced off.

WWE Forced To End Match Early

However, the match between Austin Theory and Carmelo Hayes had to be called off by the referee after an attempted Avalanche Spanish Fly from Theory on his opponent caused a very nasty landing. The referee checked on both competitors before the doctor was called over and the match was stopped.

WWE offered a positive update on social media, noting that both stars suffered face contusions but will thankfully be alright:

UPDATE: Following their match tonight on #SmackDown , @_Theory1 and @Carmelo_WWE were evaluated for injuries. They both suffered face contusions, and will both be okay.

Given the update from the company, it does not appear the match being stopped is part of a storyline as it was when a WWE Raw match was halted in late 2023.