What is Carmelo Hayes' potential on the WWE main roster?

As a two-time North American Champion, NXT star Carmelo Hayes is widely viewed by fans and observers as being one of WWE's most promising prospects

It was another week, and another night at the office for NXT star Carmelo Hayes.

Hayes, a former two-time North American Champion, has vowed that 2023 will be when he finally captures the holy grail of the brand: The NXT Title. He started off on that path on Tuesday night, when he defeated the dynamic Apollo Crews in a thrilling, opening bout. Both competitors left it all in the ring to kick off the New Year, and the fans definitely weren't disappointed.

For Hayes, 28, his career stands at an important turning point. He's currently one of the most highly-touted prospects in the WWE Universe, and this electric athlete has all the tools to take the next step. For months, it's been widely speculated that he could pop up on RAW or Smackdown at any moment. The main roster will come calling soon.

In the meantime, he's still adding to his wrestling resume in a featured role on the Peacock Network. With his trusted confidante, Trick Williams, close by, he's always got reliable backup. And as Hayes himself often likes to say, "When he shoots, he doesn't miss".

That line isn't all just a lot of promo chatter, either. Carmelo is truly that damn good. He's improved to the point that NXT viewers almost expect excellence from him - every single time out. Anything less just doesn't seem like his usual calling card.

For his part, Hayes isn't sweating all the attention. He's shown a lot of poise and maturity as an emerging WWE Superstar. At the same time, the young performer has still been able to find a link with many younger fans. He's got a lot of appeal to the next generation of followers.

Bottom line? He's too cool for school, and he's got the right kind of swag, because it's genuine. That 'realness' translates well with wrestling fans, who have been trained to spot a phony.

It wouldn't be shocking to see Carmelo Hayes defeat Bron Breakker and become the NXT Champion. However, it would be just as fitting to see him pop up and have a tremendous showing in the Royal Rumble. As of now, the possibilities are endless.

And that's a good thing - for Carmelo and for the fans. It keeps the excitement level surrounding his character high.

That's why he will likely explode on the main roster when he finally arrives. He's a terrific athlete with just enough flash and dash to be a major player. Is he a main event star? Likely. His ability to talk himself into a big match and then back it all up with supreme skill and awesome athleticism is extremely rare. He's a diamond in the rough, and he's being polished up, week in and week out, in NXT.

It won't be long now before we see Hayes get his big shot on WWE's main roster. And when he shoots? He's not going to miss.