• USA Network Has Asked WWE To Bring NXT Star To SmackDown
As WWE SmackDown prepares to expand to a three-hour format starting with next week’s first episode of 2026, WWE is quietly lining up new talent to help fill the added time. One name that has surfaced in those conversations is former TNA World Champion and current NXT star Joe Hendry, who may be closer to a main roster role than many realized.
According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, internal discussions have taken place about positioning Hendry on the main roster, with SmackDown viewed as his long-term destination rather than a short-term stop. The report suggests the idea isn’t tentative – the show’s upcoming format change has created space for fresh faces, and Hendry fits what WWE is looking for.
The push for Hendry reportedly isn’t coming from just one side. USA Network, which airs SmackDown, is said to be enthusiastic about bringing him onto the show, signaling confidence in his ability to connect with a broader audience.
That confidence aligns with how Hendry entered the company in the first place. When his signing was first reported, Sean Ross Sapp noted that Hendry had already been brought in on main roster salary.
On last night’s SmackDown, Hendry defeated The Miz.
• WWE Wrestler Reacts To Her Boyfriend, Carmelo Hayes, Becoming The U.S. Champion
On last night’s SmackDown, Carmelo Hayes defeated Ilja Dragunov to win the United States Championship. Ilja put the title around Carmelo’s waist after the match.
Later in the show, Hayes said the following to Cathy Kelley about his U.S. Title win: “I was delayed, but I was not denied.”
Johnny Gargano then attacked Carmelo. Gargano said Hayes ruined it and he’s coming to take everything.
Carmelo’s real-life girlfriend, WWE NXT wrestler Kelani Jordan, tweeted the following about the title change:
“Feels like Christmas all over again ❤️🇺🇸🏆 @Carmelo_WWE”
Carmelo tweeted the following about his big win:
“Delayed Not Denied 🎯”
