Carmelo Hayes Makes Shocking NXT Return, Set for Huge Homecoming Tag Match

For the first time in over a year, Carmelo Hayes is officially back in NXT. The former NXT Champion made his return on the September 9 episode, setting up a blockbuster tag match for next week’s NXT Homecoming special at Full Sail University.

The night started with DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) appearing for the second straight week, but they were interrupted by NXT Champion Trick Williams. Trick made it clear he wasn’t alone, introducing his former rival — and once closest ally — Carmelo Hayes.

While Williams framed the moment as a reunion, Hayes wasted no time addressing the elephant in the room: their bitter split and cage match clash from April 2024. Hayes acknowledged their history, even giving DIY respect, but the tension boiled over when Ciampa jokingly asked if Hayes was “the little brother.” Hayes didn’t take kindly to the jab, setting the stage for confrontation.

That’s when Johnny Gargano raised the stakes, issuing a challenge for what he called “the biggest tag match in NXT history” at Homecoming. WWE later confirmed the bout: Trick Williams & Carmelo Hayes vs. DIY.

Hayes’ Road Back to NXT

Hayes’ return is a major headline, given his successful transition to the main roster. Drafted #3 overall to SmackDown in the 2024 WWE Draft, Hayes left NXT behind after dropping his final match to Williams inside a steel cage.

Since then, Hayes has built momentum on SmackDown, highlighted by winning the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 41 in April 2025. Despite that success, his legacy in NXT remains undeniable — the first man to hold the Cruiserweight, North American, and NXT Championships. Now, fans will see him step back into the black-and-gold spotlight one more time.

The NXT Homecoming special is set for September 16, 2025, live from Full Sail University.

🎙️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take

Carmelo Hayes returning to NXT is a big moment for the brand, and it couldn’t come at a better time. With ratings and buzz needing a boost, having a former face of NXT collide with DIY — one of the greatest tag teams in the brand’s history — feels like a statement match.

But let’s not ignore the subtext. The history between Hayes and Trick Williams is still raw. Their reunion may be short-lived, and a betrayal at Homecoming wouldn’t shock anyone. WWE is smart to play into that tension, because whether fans are cheering Hayes’ comeback or waiting for the other shoe to drop, they’ll be watching.

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