Carmelo Hayes isn’t looking to trade the ring for Hollywood anytime soon. The former WWE United States Champion made it clear that, at this stage of his career, his focus remains on reaching the top in pro wrestling.
Speaking with Jones & Keefe on WEEI, Hayes was asked about a potential acting career and said he’s not chasing opportunities in film right now.
“It’s definitely not on my radar. If it comes to me, I’m not chasing it, but if it attracts me, then it’s something that I would consider. Right now, I want to be the very best that I can be in what I’m doing at this current moment. I’m in it for the long run. It’s a marathon. I want to accomplish as much as I can in this game and see what is next.”
The comments come at a key time for Hayes in WWE. This Friday, he’ll challenge Baron Corbin for the United States Championship on SmackDown, live from TD Garden in his hometown of Boston, Massachusetts.
Corbin captured the title by defeating Trick Williams at SummerSlam on August 1 and successfully defended it in a rematch on last week’s SmackDown. Hayes attacked the champion afterward and secured a title shot from Nick Aldis.
Hayes is a former United States Champion, having won the title on December 26, 2025. His reign came to an end on March 27, 2026, when Sami Zayn defeated him on SmackDown.