Add as a preferred source on Google Ricky Saints and Carmelo Hayes have been building one of WWE’s most consistent rivalries in recent years, with both men currently targeting Trick Williams’ United States Championship.
During an appearance on Complex Graps, Saints admitted that he has a lot of chemistry with Hayes.
“So, this is kind of unexpected to be real with you because while I am a fan of Carmelo Hayes in certain aspects — I don’t really like everything that he does — I will say that my man brings it, and so, I don’t think I could’ve had a better opponent for my first time really being on SmackDown and getting my feet truly wet on SmackDown than him, and I have realized for the three matches that we have that there are some parallels between me and him that I can’t even ignore, and I think that makes our chemistry pretty good, and so, when you add in we’re two people vying for the same thing which is the United States Championship, I do like that competitive edge to it because obviously, it’s one thing to win a match but it’s another thing to win a match to go on to something greater which is the U.S. Title…”
The rivalry began on the May 15 episode, when Hayes defeated Saints in his return to Friday Night SmackDown. Hayes won by using the ropes for leverage after Saints had also tried to use the same tactic.
Saints then cost Hayes an important match against Trick Williams, leading WWE to book another match between the two on May 29. That second bout ended in a double count-out, followed by a post-match brawl.
In their third match, which took place on June 5 in Bologna, Italy, Saints finally defeated Hayes, though the finish was also controversial. Saints countered a roll-up attempt and grabbed Hayes’ gear to secure the win.
Along with their pursuit of the United States Championship, both men were also part of the King of the Ring Tournament, but have already been eliminated.