Shawn Michaels sends message after "game changer" WWE Draft pick on SmackDown

Wrestling legend Shawn Michaels has addressed his opinion after SmackDown picked the former WWE NXT Champion in a surprising turn of events during the 2024 Draft.

The name being discussed here is Carmelo Hayes who has achieved a significant status in the development brand by winning all three major titles: Cruiserweight, North American (twice), and NXT Championship.

During the first round of Night One of the 2024 Draft, Hayes became the first NXT Superstar drafted to SmackDown, going as the #3 pick. Right off the bat, the 29-year-old star challenged the Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes in the main event of the Blue brand show. He put on a show-stealing performance and despite the loss, The American Nightmare was impressed by Melo.

On X (formerly Twitter), the Hall of Famer gave massive props to Carmelo Hayes following his departure from NXT and main roster call-up on the SmackDown brand. Shawn Michaels shared being proud of the 29-year-old star and called him a "game-changer."

".@Carmelo_WWE is a champion in every sense of the word who helped lay the foundation of everything this new era of #WWENXT has become. #SmackDown just picked up a game changer, and I couldn’t be more proud.," he wrote.

Check out The Heartbreak Kid's tweet below:

Carmelo Hayes reacts to WWE legend officially welcoming him to SmackDown

The former North American Champion responded to Triple H introducing him as the newest member of the SmackDown roster. After Carmelo Hayes' match against Cody Rhodes, The Game took to social media and shared a photo alongside him.

The Chief Content Officer praised the 29-year-old star for his stellar performance against The American Nightmare. Melo later shared his response to Triple H's tweet stating he never misses his target.

"Was on the couch watching #SmackDown last week…This week drafted First Round and wrestling the WWE Champion in the Main Event. When I say I Don’t Miss…I mean it. H1M," wrote Hayes.

Check out the former NXT Champion's tweet below:

After Carmelo Hayes' major match on SmackDown, fans will have to wait and see if the 29-year-old star goes after the singles title, possibly after Logan Paul's United States Championship.