Former world champion makes surprise return to SmackDown after 595 days; big update on WWE future

Carmelo Hayes' mystery opponent was revealed on the latest episode of WWE SmackDown. He was squashed by a returning Braun Strowman, who is now part of the blue brand.

The Monster of All Monsters competed on SmackDown this week for the first time in 595 days. His last televised match took place on April 28, 2023, and during that show, he and Ricochet teamed up to take on The Street Profits and LWO in a triple threat tag team match, which they lost.

WWE announced last week that a transfer window would be in effect due to RAW's move to Netflix. Since then, superstars have appeared on different brands, and Michael Cole confirmed on commentary that Braun Strowman is officially part of the blue brand.

Carmelo Hayes was not expecting him to be his opponent. Melo went for a springboard uppercut but bounced off Strowman's body. The big man ran into a post and got hit with a springboard splash. Braun Strowman caught Carmelo Hayes after he dived off the top rope and planted him with a powerslam to win the match via pinfall.

This was the former Universal Champion's first victory on SmackDown since the April 21, 2023 episode.