3 "new" Superstars who could be Nick Aldis' surprise mystery opponent for Carmelo Hayes' on WWE SmackDown
Carmelo Hayes was one of WWE SmackDown's first-round picks in the 2024 draft, joining the blue brand as a hot prospect from NXT.
He has since enjoyed a solid first year on the Friday night show, facing the likes of Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles on top of competing for the United States Championship. To cap it all off, his best-of-seven feud with Andrade has been one of 2024's best.
Hayes is finishing the year strong, having been involved with both The American Nightmare and LA Knight in recent weeks. His most recent appearance on the blue brand saw him rub shoulders with World Heavyweight Champion Gunther. After his brief brush with The Ring General, Melo pressed Nick Aldis for a match, threatening to take his services elsewhere in the transfer window.
The Friday night General Manager obliged the up-and-comer, promising him a mystery "new" opponent on tonight's episode. Fans have thus been wondering all week, who it was going to be.
Here are three "new" superstars Aldis could line up to be Carmelo Hayes' mystery opponent on WWE SmackDown tonight.
#3: Nick Aldis could call up Ethan Page to face Carmelo Hayes on WWE SmackDown
Ethan Page arrived in NXT in swashbuckling fashion, going straight after Trick Williams, who was NXT Champion at the time. Less than a month later, Page had won the title, setting multiple records in the process.
All Ego then enjoyed an impressive reign before dropping the title back to Williams, and has since hovered around the main event scene.
After coming up short in the Iron Survivor challenge and failing to capture the North American title, the former AEW star teased leaving NXT in a cryptic promo. With the transfer window now open, it seems the 35-year old is bound for RAW or WWE SmackDown. What better way to announce himself on the main roster than debuting as Nick Aldis's mystery opponent for Hayes?
Not only would it be a memorable introduction, but it would also be somewhat poetic, since his first NXT feud was with Melo's former partner Trick Williams.
#2: Braun Strowman is heavily rumored to be Carmelo Hayes' mystery opponent on WWE SmackDown
The rumor mill has been busy all week with speculation over which mystery opponent Nick Aldis will choose for Carmelo Hayes on WWE SmackDown.
Many names have come up from RAW, NXT and even beyond the company's doors (more on that later). Even Melo himself has chimed in, teasing Superstars past and present ranging from the highly probable to the outright ridiculous.
However, a clear favorite has emerged in the final hours, that being none other than Braun Strowman. The Monster Among Men has been out of action since his wildly entertaining feud with Bronson Reed on RAW, and now seems set to switch brands if the rumors are true. If that is the case, Carmelo Hayes is a great choice for his first SmackDown opponent.
Both men have shown a knack for making ordinary feuds memorable, so their size disparity and opposing face-heel dynamics could help them create magic.
#1: Penta El Zero M could make a shocking WWE debut as Carmelo Hayes' SmackDown opponent
While the likes of Ethan Page and Braun Strowman are more feasible candidates to be Carmelo Hayes' mystery WWE SmackDown opponent, one other name has topped fans' fantasy wishlists for the spot: Penta El Zero M.
The popular luchador's contract with AEW reportedly expired earlier this month, and many sources have hinted that he may be WWE-bound.
Penta, of course, is one half of The Lucha Bros, with his brother Rey Fenix reportedly still under contract with Tony Khan's company. This could mean that he will debut as a singles competitor as he waits for Fenix to join him in the Stamford-based promotion.
Making his bow as Nick Aldis's mystery opponent for Carmelo Hayes would be incredibly buzzworthy and get him off to a hot start.
This entry is by far the least likely on the list, but would be hands down the most blockbuster if it came to pass.