Shawn Michaels is in charge of creative development at NXT, and the company might soon welcome a major talent to the main roster. After winning the US title championship at Crown Jewel 2023, Logan Paul called a tournament comprising NXT and main roster talent to decide who would challenge him next.
Shawn Michaels revealed that the former NXT champion, Carmelo Hayes, is set to compete in the WWE US Championship contest on SmackDown. Fans are growing increasingly excited about the upcoming event, especially since WWE has chosen to keep one participant’s identity a secret.
Final entrant in the US title tournament announced
After his victory at Crown Jewel PLE, U.S. Champion Logan Paul recently stepped into the ring on SmackDown with pride. He surprised fans by announcing a tournament to determine who would win his title, inviting wrestlers from both the main roster and NXT to compete.
In the beginning, there were seven competitors: Dragon Lee, Kevin Owens, Bobby Lashley, Grayson Waller, Santos Escobar, and Karrion Kross. With the episode from December 8th, Lee and Kross were both dismissed. Famous players like Bobby Lashley and Santos Escobar advanced to the next round with spectacular victories last Friday.
The inclusion of Carmelo Hayes, set to face Grayson Waller on the show airing on December 15th, has intensified the anticipation. Shawn Michaels announced his participation on WWE’s social media.
Last Saturday, Hayes secured victory in the ‘NXT’ Deadline PLE against Lexis King. With a resume boasting a reign as ‘NXT’ Cruiserweight Champion, ‘NXT’ Champion, and two titles as ‘NXT’ North American Champion, Hayes is no ordinary wrestler.
Final look at the US Title tournament brackets
Lashley fought Kross last Friday on SmackDown, while Escobar faced Lee in the first round. Owens will face Theory in the next episode, while Waller will face Hayes. Many are curious to see how much of an impact NXT’s Hayes has, while others are skeptical about his prospects.
It has been suggested that a semi-final matchup between Lashley and Owens is possible. Logan might go in and interrupt the upcoming bout between Paul and Owens. Owens has the potential to become WWE’s top challenger for the championship, even though the company usually stays away from feuds between villainous characters.
Grayson Waller, Austin Theory, Kevin Owens, and an unannounced “NXT” wrestler were introduced in the first two fights of the tournament, which were shown on December 8th as part of the Tribute To The Troops program. The champion will have the opportunity to challenge Paul for his US title, which might be held next month at the Royal Rumble premium live event.
Do you have a favorite for the Royal Rumble 2024 tournament winner who will face off against Logan Paul? Share your thoughts in the comments.
