Carmelo Hayes Draws AEW Speculation After WWE Absence

Carmelo Hayes has drawn attention over his WWE status after missing television since August 14, when he lost a United States Championship match in Boston. The wrestler has not announced any plans, but recent activity has created speculation about his future.

According to sportsnaut.com, WWE has not explained Hayes absence from television following the match against Baron Corbin. Hayes also changed his profile picture on X to a black image over the weekend.

The profile update is often viewed by wrestling fans as a possible sign of tension between a wrestler and a company, although no confirmation has been made about Hayes contract situation.

AEW star MJF increased speculation by sharing an old image on Instagram Story featuring himself wrestling Christian Casanova, the independent wrestling name Hayes used before joining WWE.

Hayes and Ilja Dragunov developed a major rivalry after reaching WWE main roster competition around the same time in 2024. According to sportsnaut.com, Dragunov left WWE after his contract expired and later signed with AEW, with his debut date still undecided.

The two wrestlers previously competed for the NXT Championship. Hayes won the title at NXT Stand and Deliver in April 2023 and held it for 182 days before Dragunov defeated him at NXT No Mercy in September 2023.

Their rivalry continued on the main roster, where Hayes defeated Dragunov for the United States Championship in December 2025. Hayes held the title for about three months before losing it to Sami Zayn on SmackDown in March.

Hayes remains connected to WWE through his partner Kelani Jordan, who is the reigning NXT Women champion. According to sportsnaut.com, there has been no report that Hayes contract is nearing expiration.

Hayes rise in WWE included becoming a former NXT Champion and a top selection in the 2024 WWE Draft. His absence has led fans to monitor his next move while no official announcement has been made.