On this week’s edition of NXT, Carmelo Hayes faced Odyssey Jones in the finals of the 2021 NXT Breakout Tournament. The tournament in question, announced back in June, has been ongoing since mid-July. Slowly, but surely, the field of contenders whittled down. From Ikemen Jiro to Josh Briggs to Trey Baxter, many hungry competitors aimed toward the finals. Ultimately, it came down to Hayes and Jones, both of whom entered this match with a purpose. Despite the Herculean efforts of Jones, it was the more fast-paced approach of Hayes that won out. By the end, it was Carmelo Hayes that outlasted his fellow competitors, winning the 2021 NXT Breakout Tournament.
Sportsmanship never gets old. Congratulations to our 2021 #NXTBreakout Tournament winner, @Carmelo_WWE! #WWENXT @oshow94 pic.twitter.com/5wJlKbq7DT
— WWE (@WWE) August 25, 2021
Carmelo Hayes Wins the NXT Breakout Tournament
Following his victory, Hayes was presented an NXT title contract by NXT General Manager William Regal. Hayes was interviewed shortly thereafter. Gracious for the opportunity, as well as ecstatic about the win, he spoke positively about the experience. More importantly, he was asked, as the winner of this year’s NXT Breakout Tournament, which NXT title he would compete for. Hayes didn’t specify, stating he wasn’t sure which champion he would challenge. However, expect this to be one of the bigger stories to play out as NXT enters what has been considered, by many, a new chapter for the black-and-gold brand.
Currently, there are 3 men’s singles titleholders in NXT: Samoa Joe, the NXT Champion, Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, the NXT North American Champion, and Kushida, the NXT Cruiserweight Champion; Cameron Grimes, the Million Dollar Champion, returned his title to Ted DiBiase on tonight’s episode of NXT. The first NXT Breakout Tournament, which was held in 2019, was won by Jordan Myles, known to independent wrestling fans as ACH. Following his tournament victory in August of that year, Myles challenged then-NXT Champion Adam Cole that same month; ultimately, Cole retained his title.
What to Know About This Year’s Winner
Formerly known as Christian Casanova on the independent wrestling scene, Carmelo Hayes signed with World Wrestling Entertainment this past February. Prior to this, he was active in such promotions as Limitless Wrestling, Chaotic Wrestling, and Northeast Wrestling. The following June, after he inked a deal with WWE, Hayes made his television debut. In his first match, he unsuccessfully challenged Kushida for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship. In his second NXT match, Hayes challenged Cole, and though he lost, the newcomer put forth a valiant effort. He would then be announced as one of the 8 competitors in this year’s NXT Breakout Tournament.
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