Carmelo Hayes Addresses WrestleMania 42 Absence: ‘Success Is Not Earned, It’s Given’

Carmelo Hayes will not be at WrestleMania 42, and he has thoughts on what that says about the business.

Speaking with Chad Ochocinco and Shannon Sharpe on Nightcap, Hayes was asked about his mindset heading into WrestleMania weekend without a spot on the card. He lost the United States Championship to Sami Zayn just weeks before the event and failed to win it back on the April 3 episode of SmackDown, ultimately losing his WrestleMania 42 opportunity in the process.

“I feel like I stay ready, and knowing that I’m talented enough that if they give the ball, it’s guaranteed. That’s what my mentality has always been. You ever heard that phrase, ‘Success is not earned, it’s given?’ I feel like that’s a lot in WWE,” Hayes said.

He also reflected on the broader reality of waiting for opportunities in WWE regardless of how prepared a performer might be.

“Anybody, really. Until they give you the ball, how do you know who can score? Until they put you on the field, how do they know that you can make a play? That’s really what it comes down to with what we do, waiting for the ball or to put you in,” Hayes said.

Zayn defends the United States Championship against Trick Williams on night two of WrestleMania 42 on Sunday, April 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit Nightcap with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.

Andrew Ravens
Andrew Ravens
Andrew Ravens is a reporter for WrestlingNews.co, where he covers the latest happenings in the world of professional wrestling. Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, his main focus is reporting on day-to-day wrestling news, with a special emphasis on covering WWE and AEW. Having covered the industry since 2013, Andrew has developed an extensive knowledge of pro wrestling. His work involves more than just standard news updates; he also serves as a beat writer, providing in-depth and ongoing coverage of wrestling companies and its storylines. His skill set includes providing detailed play-by-play coverage for major events, ensuring fans who can't watch live still get a feel for the action. He also handles transcription, accurately converting interviews and media scrums for readers. As a dedicated reporter, Andrew frequently attends major wrestling events to cover them live, including WWE's Monday Night Raw and SmackDown, as well as AEW Dynamite. You can get in touch with Andrew for news tips or correspondence by emailing him at ravenstarmedia21@gmail.com.

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