Reigning WWE champion sends a message ahead of major number-one contender's match on SmackDown

A reigning WWE champion has been involved in a highly personal feud for several weeks on SmackDown. Notably, he is currently tied with his opponent at 3-3 in their series, with both of them getting a title shot each during their feud. Now, as Andrade is heading into his match against Carmelo Hayes, he has sent the latter a message on social media.

Melo has been stirring up a lot of trouble for the veteran superstars in the blue brand’s locker room. He has especially locked horns with reigning WWE Speed Champion Andrade and has provoked him multiple times, even starting a backstage brawl. Last week, Hayes received a United States Championship shot against LA Knight after engaging in a rivalry with him and winning a lucky match against AJ Styles.

Andrade was watching the championship match from the ringside, and when Melo lost, the former was there to throw some shade at the latter. Rubbing more salt into Hayes' wounds, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis met him backstage and arranged for a tiebreaking match between Melo and Andrade.

Interestingly, Aldis also made it a number-one contender's match for the United States Championship. Ahead of the match, Andrade uploaded several images of his ripped physique on Instagram, sending a message to Melo in the process.

"Motivation is what gets you started.!!! 👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼”

With a chance to potentially carry two WWE titles at the same time, Andrade does have a lot of motivation going into the match.

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Former WWE Champion could interfere in Andrade and Carmelo Hayes' match

The upcoming match between Andrade and Carmelo Hayes may see yet another interference. Notably, Melo did not secure a clean victory against AJ Styles and had actually won because of a referee stoppage as the latter got injured during the match.

Additionally, Hayes had also thrown shade at The Phenomenal One ahead of their match, suggesting that the latter was old enough to quit wrestling and sign a Legends contract. Considering that the former WWE Champion has just returned, he won’t be sitting quietly and may try to interfere in Andrade vs. Carmelo.

It would be interesting to see if Styles tries to interfere in the highly anticipated match this week.