WWE Rising Star Offered Free Food After Crushing Win Over Randy Orton

There is no denying that Randy Orton is a highly decorated legend in the wrestling world. The 14-time World Champion is currently the only active WWE wrestler from the OVW cohort. It must be said that picking up a victory over a veteran like Randy Orton is a huge win for a rising star in the wrestling world.

That said, WWE rising star Carmelo Hayes recently shocked the WWE Universe by defeating Randy Orton. In light of his victory, Hayes was offered a free meal at the airport as a celebration of his surprising victory.

Carmelo Hayes Brags About Getting Free Meal After Beating Randy Orton

Ahead of the Money in the Bank premium live event, on the June 21 edition of SmackDown, Carmelo Hayes faced Randy Orton and Tama Tonga in a MITB qualifying triple threat match.

After a very physical match, Carmelo Hayes managed to score a pinfall victory over Orton thanks to a schoolboy pin, despite being considered the underdog in the match.

Speaking to X, Carmelo Hayes bragged about receiving an unexpected reward as recognition for beating Randy Orton. Hayes revealed that he was offered free food at the airport.

He wrote: “I just got free food at the airport. My buddy was like, ‘It’s free, you beat Randy Orton. You’re Him.’ That’s the kind of energy I need in every city from now on.”

It makes sense that Hayes got a free meal, as defeating Randy Orton in a high-octane match deserves recognition. And without a doubt, at the rate Hayes is going, he’s one of the fastest rising stars in WWE, alongside Bron Breakker.

The former NXT World Champion has had a memorable run under WWE’s developmental banner, making his main roster debut on the night of the 2024 WWE Draft. Since then, Hayes has worked to establish himself as a top competitor on the mid-card.

However, Hayes will compete against 5 other men at the upcoming Money in the Bank live premium event in the ladder match of the same name.

The winner would be guaranteed the world title at a time and place of their choosing. This is certainly a major opportunity for Hayes to show his potential and become a WWE star.

Carmelo Hayes Mimicked John Cena’s Ruthless Aggression Early in His NXT Career

Hayes made his first NXT appearance on June 1, 2021, accepting the open challenge for Kushida’s NXT Cruiserweight Championship. Although he ended up on the losing side that night, Hayes made his second NXT appearance two weeks later, imitating John Cena’s 2002 debut segment with Kurt Angle.

The 29-year-old star confronted Adam Cole, slapped him and recreated the iconic spot from the Ruthless Aggression era. Although Hayes had doubts about recreating the spot, he received overwhelming support from NXT boss Shawn Michaels and Triple H.

Hayes went on to have a great career in NXT, winning multiple championships. With a resume like that, it remains to be seen how far Hayes will go in his main roster career.

Learn more: Could Roman Reigns or Brock Lesnar Make a Return at Money in the Bank 2024?