CARMELO HAYES

Christian Brigham is a 28-year-old professional wrestler from Worcester, Massachusetts. He is currently signed with WWE and performs on NXT under the ring name, Carmelo Hayes.

Brigham began wrestling in 2014 and performed for various promotions including Beyond Wrestling, Chaotic Wrestling, Liberty States Wrestling, Limitless Wrestling, Lucky Pro Wrestling, Northeast Championship Wrestling, and Northeast Wrestling.

Brigham Signs with WWE

On February 12, 2021, Christian Brigham signed a contract with WWE and was assigned to the WWE Performance Center. He made his in-ring debut on the June 1st episode of NXT under the name Carmelo Hayes. At his debut, Hayes accepted Kushida’s open challenge for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship but lost. On the June 22nd episode of NXT, Hayes had his second match on NXT, where he confronted and fought Adam Cole but was defeated.

On July 6, WWE announced that Hayes would be a part of the 2021 NXT Breakout Tournament. In the first round of the tournament, on the July 27 episode of NXT, Hayes defeated Josh Briggs in the first round. He then went on to defeat Duke Hudson in the semi-finals on the August 17 episode. He then defeated Odyssey Jones on the August 24th episode to win the 2021 NXT Breakout Tournament. On the September 14th episode of NXT, Hayes and a debuting Trick Williams attacked Duke Hudson before his match, establishing themselves as a heel duo.

Carmelo Hayes Wins Tournament & NXT North American Title

On the October 12th episode of NXT 2.0, Hayes successfully cashed in his Breakout Tournament contract on Isaiah Swerve Scott and won the NXT North American Championship. He successfully defended his title against Johnny Gargano and Pete Dunne in a triple threat match on the November 23rd episode.

At the special New Year’s Evil episode of NXT 2.0 on January 4 2022, Hayes defeated NXT Cruiserweight Champion Roderick Strong. As a result, this unified the North American Championship and Cruiserweight Championship. The Cruiserweight Championship was immediately retired, with Hayes recognized as the final Cruiserweight Champion and continuing as North American Champion. 

Hayes successfully retained his championship against Cameron Grimes at the Vengeance Day special episode on February 15, 2022. On March 1, edition of NXT, he also retained title against Pete Dunne.

At NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver, Hayes lost the NXT North American Championship to Cameron Grimes in a fatal five way match against Grimes, Santos Escobar, Solo Sikoa and Grayson Waller.

Hayes got his rematch in a Triple Threat match at NXT Spring Breakin’ against Cameron Grimes and Solo Sikoa in a losing effort. At NXT In Your House, Hayes defeated Cameron Grimes to regain his North American Championship.

On the September 13th episode Carmelo Hayes lost the NXT North American Championship to Solo Sikoa.

STATS

Birth name: Christian Brigham
Born: August 1, 1994, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Height: 5’11 (178 cm)
Weight: 176 lb (80 kg)
Ring name(s): Christian Casanova, Carmelo Hayes
Current Roster: WWE NXT
Finishing move(s): Fedora Frog Splash

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