Building momentum, a rookie mistake - 4 reasons why Carmelo Hayes was defeated on WWE SmackDown
Carmelo Hayes lost to Andrade on SmackDown for the second time in two matches. Hayes is a promising star for the future, having won the NXT Title and North American Championship during his run in the developmental brand.
Since El Idolo won their first encounter, it seemed like Melo would get his win back in the second meeting. It didn't happen and it opened up a few questions after two straight losses.
The former NXT Champion may have lost again to Andrade on WWE SmackDown for one of the next four reasons.
#4. It builds momentum for Andrade on SmackDown
Andrade always had the in-ring skills to deliver every time he hit the ring. For some reason, he never ascended above the mid-card during his first stint with WWE. He had the same luck during an uneventful run with AEW.
His return at the Royal Rumble was a nice moment and he's put on great matches whenever given the chance. Despite not winning the briefcase, El Idolo had a great showing in the Money in the Bank match.
A second win over Hayes continues the momentum Andrade has built over the last two months. It could continue beyond SummerSlam. If it produces matches like those he's had with Hayes on SmackDown, fans won't be complaining.
#3. It teaches a rookie that wins don't come easy on the main roster
One of the easiest characters to book in wrestling is the arrogant young star. It makes it easy to root against a brash young person who thinks they are owed something and that they're better than everyone.
Carmelo Hayes conquered NXT and stood above most of the roster during his tenure there. The main roster presents a completely different challenge. RAW and SmackDown are filled with some of the best wrestlers in the world.
Losing a few times to a world-traveled veteran like Andrade is a teachable moment for Hayes. He can learn from the mistakes he made and also which battles to pick. Stepping up to anyone because you think you're the best is a good way to end up a pancake in the middle of the ring.
#2. A second loss could lead to a face turn
Depending on who you ask, you can often learn more from losing than winning. Consistently winning means you don't learn alternate ways to get things done but instead only rely on what worked the first time.
Opponents often study tapes to learn from mistakes in a bid to avoid making them again in second meetings. After provoking El Idolo following Money in the Bank, Melo has now lost to Andrade twice.
If Hayes had bided his time, he could have methodically defeated Andrade. The former US Champ taught Hayes a valuable lesson again on SmackDown, and Melo could start to see that he has to change.
#1. He'll win the inevitable rubber match
Since Andrade won two matches, it feels like Hayes is going to want a third showdown. He couldn't get it done in the first two matches and could get the last laugh in a third contest.
Hayes is too important to the future to lose consecutive matches on SmackDown, so if there's a third match, he'll probably win it. He can resort to cheating to get that win and then resume his bragging about being the best.
WWE feuds aren't usually lopsided, so the two losses will eventually lead to a victory for the former North American Champion.