1-time WWE champion to replace Bobby Lashley as the leader of The Pride on SmackDown? Exploring potential swerve

Bobby Lashley is expected to leave WWE, as his contract with the company will expire in August and there have been no extension talks between the two sides. Lashley has been out since early May, due to an injury, and will reportedly not make his in-ring return in WWE.

Lashley's departure leaves a gap in the leadership of The Pride, a faction that he had created alongside the B-Fab and The Street Profits. Once Lashley is out, WWE will need to find a suitable replacement, which could be none other than Carmelo Hayes.

Carmelo Hayes had teased a feud with Bobby Lashley

After moving to the main roster during the WWE Draft in late April, Carmelo Hayes made his first appearance on SmackDown on May 3 and came face to face with Bobby Lashley.

The two superstars teased a feud, but WWE never progressed with this plan. Still, it could be the perfect first step for Hayes to step up and take over the faction.

He can take over and accuse Lashley of abandoning The Street Profits and B-Fab

Even though he never started a feud with Bobby Lashley, Carmelo Hayes could use him as the reason for becoming the leader of the faction.

Hayes could accuse Bobby Lashley of abandoning both The Street Profits and B-Fab and say that he is here to cover for the former champion's mistake and help the faction get back on track.

It would help WWE push Carmelo Hayes

Carmelo Hayes has had an impressive stint in his debut months on the main roster. He has stepped up against some of the top superstars, while he had a good chance of winning the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

WWE could plan to push him further and emerging as the leader of The Pride could be the next step in Hayes' goal to become one of the top stars on SmackDown. It could also help him get more opportunities in the future and maybe a title match in one of the coming Premium Live Events.