4 Reasons why Carmelo Hayes lost much-hyped match on WWE SmackDown - Major character change, start of massive rivalry

Carmelo Hayes was selected by SmackDown in the first round of this year's WWE Draft. The former NXT Champion has not gotten off to the best start on the main roster so far and failed to qualify for this year's Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

The 29-year-old squared off against WWE Speed Champion Andrade tonight in a highly anticipated match on SmackDown. Hayes put up a great effort but was defeated by the former AEW star.

Listed below are four reasons why Carmelo Hayes lost to Andrade tonight on SmackDown.

#4. Carmelo Hayes may need to be humbled on WWE SmackDown

Hayes has a lot of potential on SmackDown. [Photo: WWE.com]

WWE could be doing an interesting storyline with Carmelo Hayes on SmackDown. Hayes arrived to SmackDown with a ton of confidence and challenged Cody Rhodes in his first match on the blue brand. The American Nightmare picked up the win, but Hayes didn't lose a shred of confidence.

Carmelo has boasted about pinning Randy Orton on a recent edition of SmackDown but hasn't come close to capturing a title on the main roster so far. The promotion could be running a storyline where Hayes suffers some losses to be humbled, only to break out as a singles star down the line.

#3. Andrade and Carmelo Hayes could be starting a massive rivalry

Andrade made his return to the promotion during the Men's Royal Rumble match in January. The veteran spent some time in All Elite Wrestling but wrapped up his tenure with the company following his loss to Miro at Worlds Ends last December.

The 34-year-old had a great match with Hayes tonight on SmackDown, and it could just be the beginning of their rivalry. Hayes could grow obsessed with defeating Andrade in the weeks ahead, and the two stars may have an extended rivalry moving forward on the blue brand.

#2. The company may have bigger plans for Andrade

The main roster has not always been kind to Andrade. He is a former United States Champion but has never held a major title in the company. Andrade also requested his release from WWE in 2021 before joining All Elite Wrestling.

However, Andrade's time in AEW was also frustrating, and he never won a championship of any kind during his tenure with the promotion. The entire regime has changed since Andrade's first stint with the company, and Triple H could have bigger plans for the veteran in the weeks ahead.

Carmelo Hayes proved to be a worthy opponent tonight on SmackDown, and Andrade's victory could propel him into a bigger rivalry on the road to WWE SummerSlam.

#1. Carmelo Hayes could snap on SmackDown

Carmelo Hayes clearly thinks very highly of himself and likely believes he is destined for greatness on SmackDown. However, if he continues to accumulate losses, the rising star could snap and take drastic measures to get back on track.

Bron Breakker has resorted to violence on WWE RAW after failing to capture the Intercontinental Championship from Sami Zayn earlier this month at Money in the Bank. Hayes could adopt a similar strategy and create headaches for SmackDown GM Nick Aldis by attacking talent randomly on Friday nights. This would cause fans to be more interested in Hayes' character and give him a meaningful storyline on SmackDown while not chasing a title.