Carmelo Hayes returned to WWE TV for the first time since the 14 August episode of SmackDown on the post-Money In The Bank edition of Raw. What's more, the former United States Champion linked up with Royce Keys, Lucien Price, Bronco Nima and Jaida Parker as the newest member of The 946.
That reveal came after a chaotic main event brawl pitting members of the group against The Bloodline.
Hayes made his mark by belting Solo Sikoa with a crowbar, then he stood tall with his new stablemates as the flagship went dark. Speaking of which, Melo had previously removed his profile pic on social media amidst speculation that he might be set for a shock release from contract.
Instead, he's just been catapulted into one of the hottest storylines in the entire promotion. It seems this was the plan all along. False Finish has followed up by reporting that it was actually Keys himself who requested that Hayes join the faction. He made that pitch to WWE's creative team a while ago, and they were apparently into the idea.
Carmelo was kept off recent editions of SmackDown as everyone prepped for this major change in his presentation. Now, instead of playing the hardworking face on Fridays, he'll be involved in some heelish violence on Monday nights. It's a leg up on the roster, and exactly the kind of break Melo needed.
His reveal should also help bolster The 946 ranks for WarGames at Survivor Series next month. Right now, it's pretty clear that 946 vs. Bloodline is the plan for that.
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