NXT North American & Cruiserweight Titles Unified At New Year's Evil
Who took the gold when Carmelo Hayes met Roderick Strong?
Carmelo Hayes became a double champion on last night's special New Year's Evil episode of NXT 2.0, capturing Roderick Strong's Cruiserweight Championship to unify it and the North American Title, which Hayes already held.
A fast-paced, exciting match between the two opened the show, with Hayes eventually scoring the victory after hitting Strong with his guillotine leg drop. It was the first of two title changes on the night, followed, later on, by Bron Breakker unseating Tommaso Ciampa to become NXT Champion.
With Hayes' victory, the Cruiserweight Championship is no more. He is to be referred to as the North American Champion from hereon out.
Carmelo has been with WWE for less than a year. Signed in February 2021, he made his televised debut in June, wrestling Kushida for the Cruiserweight Title, and has retained a steady televised presence ever since. Winning the 2021 NXT Breakout Tournament in August punched his ticket for a future title shot - and he ended up cashing in on North American Champion Isaiah 'Swerve' Scott to take the belt the following month.
The 27-year-old's reign has brought a successful Triple Threat defence against Johnny Gargano and Pete Dunne thus far.