WWE may have pulled Carmelo Hayes from WrestleMania 42 plans earlier this year, but now the company is putting him right back into the action on SmackDown.
Just hours before the May 15, 2026 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, WWE announced that Hayes will return to the ring for a singles match against Ricky Saints. WWE confirmed the match on Twitter with a direct announcement.
“@Carmelo_WWE returns to action and battles @starkmanjones TONIGHT on #SmackDown!”
That makes Hayes’ return especially notable after he was left off the WrestleMania 42 card despite previously being planned for the show. His momentum had cooled after losing the United States Championship to Sami Zayn, followed by another loss to Zayn on the April 3 episode of SmackDown.
Now, WWE is putting Hayes back on television with a fresh singles match against Saints. The timing suggests WWE may be ready to get Hayes moving again after his WrestleMania absence. For now, Carmelo Hayes is officially back on SmackDown, and his match with Ricky Saints could be the start of his next direction on the blue brand.
What do you think about Carmelo Hayes returning against Ricky Saints on SmackDown? Let us know your thoughts and leave your feedback in the comments.