Carmelo Hayes is Ready to Swim with the Sharks Ahead of Huge SmackDown Match

The King of the Ring tournament is progressing, with the quarterfinals continuing on this week’s WWE SmackDown as the sight for the finals, WWE King and Queen of the Ring PLE is fast approaching in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

On the May 17 episode of WWE SmackDown, the quarterfinals will feature LA Knight squaring off against Bloodline member Tama Tonga and the NXT Standout Carmelo Hayes competing against veteran star Randy Orton for a place in the semifinals.

Carmelo Hayes emerged as a top prospect with his run in NXT and this was evident with the former A Champ selected in the first round of the WWE Draft 2024 by SmackDown. Moreover, on his very first night on the blue brand, he had an amazing showing in the ring against the current Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, and claimed that he was destined for greatness.

Ahead of his clash against WWE’s Apex Predator on SmackDown, Hayes took to his X to proclaim that he was ready to swim with the sharks in the deep end and felt that it was a situation like being home in his comfort zone.

“Swimming with the sharks, never felt more at home. #KOTR#Smackdown#Quarterfinals.”

With Hayes having a huge opportunity, a win over a bonafide future WWE Hall of Famer like Randy Orton in the King of the Ring tournament would be a huge step in the journey of Carmelo Hayes and inching close to the prestigious crown as well.

Do you think Carmelo Hayes could defeat Randy Orton on the upcoming SmackDown? Sound off in the comments!