Rumors that Carmelo Hayes would be taking time off from WWE following his United States Championship loss to Sami Zayn on SmackDown have been debunked by BodySlam.net, with the viral photos that fueled the speculation confirmed to be from an engagement photoshoot rather than a wedding.
Hayes dropped the US Title to Zayn on Friday’s SmackDown, with Trick Williams playing a pivotal role in the title change after turning on his former friend by blindsiding Hayes with a punch that allowed Zayn to capitalize and score the pinfall victory. The title loss immediately sparked speculation online that Hayes was being written off television to take time off and get married to Kelani Jordan.
That speculation appears to be unfounded. The photoshoot that circulated on social media and led many to conclude the two had recently tied the knot was, in fact, an engagement photoshoot, not wedding content. Hayes and Jordan are engaged but have not yet married.
Hayes is not set to take time off heading into WrestleMania 42 season, though his immediate plans and what his role will look like in the weeks ahead have not yet been determined. With Williams now positioned as an adversary following his betrayal, there is a natural direction for a program between the two former allies to develop heading into WrestleMania weekend.
Hayes held the United States Championship for 98 days after capturing the title from Ilja Dragunov on the December 19, 2025 episode of SmackDown. WrestleMania 42 takes place April 18 and 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
