Carmelo Hayes was ecstatic when his partner, Kelani Jordan, made history as the inaugural WWE NXT Women’s North American Champion last month.
Jordan clinched her spot at the top in a six-woman strength and agility contest at the WWE NXT: Battleground event, after successfully securing her place in a qualifying match.
At the WWE Money In The Bank 2024 press gathering, Hayes was asked about his reaction to Jordan’s historic win, to which he responded,
“I was comfortably settling in at home, oblivious of what was to come. As I sat watching Kelani climb the ladder, a part of me saw it as a plausible almost-victory, expecting someone to pull her down any second. To my astonishment, she clutched the title, and I couldn’t help but leap in excitement.
I shed genuine tears of happiness. I have been a part of many stirring moments, none of which moved me to tears. Yet, seeing her triumph caused me to weep, knowing the sweat and tears that girl put into her work. Not to forget the affection I have for her. It’s beyond doubt that she fully merited that title.”
Jordan demonstrated her prowess by holding onto her title against Michin on the June 18 episode of WWE NXT and again against Izzi Dame in a live event that very week.
Meanwhile, Hayes is keen to embark on his own journey to championship glory. He’s set to put his skill to the test in the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.