Below are a couple of top WWE news stories of the day, featuring Carmelo Hayes and Tyler Bate.
• Carmelo Hayes is set to face a “new superstar” on tonight’s SmackDown, as teased during last week’s show. WWE recently introduced a “transfer window” allowing roster moves between RAW, SmackDown, and NXT.
Last week, Hayes spoke with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, who promised to find him an opponent.
According to Dr. Chris Featherstone, Braun Strowman is expected to be revealed as Hayes’ opponent, with the former Universal Champion likely being transferred to the blue brand.
Strowman, who recently recovered from a torn groin sustained in a Last Monster Standing match against Bronson Reed in September, returned to action in a dark match at a recent SmackDown taping.
WATCH: Dana Brooke Suffers Wardrobe Malfunction At WrestleMania 37:
• Tyler Bate, sidelined since July 2024 due to a severe injury, is hinting at a comeback. Bate tore his left pectoral muscle and tendon during a July 2nd NXT match alongside Pete Dunne against Hank Walker and Tank Ledger. Following surgery, it was announced he would miss the rest of 2024.
Recently, Bate shared a gym video captioned “CMBCK SZN,” signaling his recovery progress.
Tyler Bate is getting ready to return to the WWE ring, as he performs a Sumo Deadlift of 455 lbs (206 kg) pic.twitter.com/gNI73Wfyrl
— WrestleFeed (@WrestleFeedApp) December 13, 2024
Bate recently changed his look:
Before his injury, Bate and Dunne, as New Catch Republic, had been drafted to RAW in the 2024 WWE Draft. Bate debuted on the main roster in January 2024 after a successful tenure in NXT and NXT UK, where he held multiple championships, including the NXT UK Championship and Tag Titles.
Another WWE star that’s preparing for their return is Charlotte Flair. According to WrestleVotes, her return is imminent and could take place on Saturday Night’s Main Event.
