The “HIM” era is officially over at NXT No Mercy 2023 as Carmelo Hayes is no longer the reigning NXT Champion. In one of the marquee matches of the night, Hayes lost his title which could have meant his arrival on the main roster. But WWE has also hinted that he will continue to remain on the NXT brand gunning for another gold.
As seen on the NXT No Mercy 2023 premium live event, Ilja Dragunov defeated Carmelo Hayes to win the NXT Championship. In what appeared one of the best title matches of NXT in recent times, Dragunov hit a coast-to-coast on Hayes and was seen busted open on his forehead following the spot.
WWE NXT No Mercy 2023 Results: Two New Champions Crowned At PLE
Hayes continued to kick out of moves delivered by Dragunov. Ultimately, Hayes was pinned after Dragunov came flying off the top rope with his patented flying forearm for the pinfall win. With this, Dragunov clinched his first championship win at NXT No Mercy 2023. He previously had won the NXT UK title, a brand that has long been dissolved into the mainstay NXT brand.
Qué buenos son Carmelo Hayes e Ilja Dragunov, por Dios. #NXTNoMercy pic.twitter.com/pjf99evbTO
— LuigiWrestling (@LuigiWrestling) October 1, 2023
Ilja Dragunov no se puede creer que no haya ganado a Carmelo Hayes. Buah, es que van a hacer otro combate del año. #NXTNoMercypic.twitter.com/jVFPbMaIgd
— LuigiWrestling (@LuigiWrestling) October 1, 2023
El Cutter de Carmelo Hayes a Ilja Dragunov desde el apron. Qué cojones ha sido esto. #NXTNoMercy pic.twitter.com/OcaBHtWFOD
— LuigiWrestling (@LuigiWrestling) October 1, 2023
Dragunov and Hayes quite the rivalry before NXT No Mercy 2023
Dragunov and Hayes first faced off for the championship bout at the Great American Bash at the end of July. In that brutal match, Trick Williams did get involved to help out Hayes in title retention. Williams’ involvement forced Dragunov to seek revenge on him and this also separated Williams from Hayes. Eventually, Dragunov got his rematch at NXT No Mercy 2023 which appeared to be arguably the best between the two fierce competitors of NXT.
That being said, Hayes coming up short at NXT No Mercy ended an 182-day streak for him as the reigning NXT Champion. During his reign, he had victories over the likes of Grayson Waller, Bron Breakker, Noam Dar, Baron Corbin, Wes Lee, and Dragunov. Hayes defeated Bron Breakker in April at NXT Stand & Deliver to win the championship.
In the ending segment of NXT No Mercy 2023, Carmelo Hayes met Trick Williams in a backstage segment to congratulate the latter for his NXt North American Title win. Trick said Carmelo was still the “Him” and they hugged. But Carmelo was seen staring at Trick’s North American Title which indicated that the two could be headed for a feud.
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