Former NXT Champion sends a bold message to Randy Orton ahead of their first-ever match on SmackDown 

One might feel that the odds do favor Randy. However, the kind of showing Melo’s had since getting called-up to SmackDown speaks volumes about how undeterred he is. On his first night as the official member of the blue brand, The A-Champion threw the ball in Cody Rhodes‘ court, only for the latter to pick it up. They went the distance in a classic that saw the Undisputed WWE Champion edge past the 29-year-old.

Swimming with the sharks, never felt more at home. #KOTR #Smackdown #Quarterfinals Carmelo Hayes on X

Needless to say, the former NXT Champion must’ve picked a lot from there. But that doesn’t alleviate the ominous prospect looming in the form of Randy Orton. The veteran’s found his mojo of late and could dilapidate Melo’s standing within a blink of an eye. For Hayes, the key would be to stay out of harm’s way so as to thwart the RKO.

Kevin Owens extols Randy Orton for being a true leader

Initially, there was some skepticism among fans over WWE’s decision to pair Randy Orton in a tag team alongside Kevin Owens. The major pet-peeve is that it would limit The Apex Predator from plying his trade in singles competition for the time being.

However, not only have the two been a duo the fans didn’t know they needed, Owens has some high remarks for Orton. Speaking on The Bump, the French-Canadian lauded the 44-year-old for being such an inspiration to the locker room and the kind of veteran he’s turned into.

The Prizefighter affirmed that Randy is a leader without wanting to be one. A couple of weeks ago at Backlash, the makeshift team went down while waging war against a rechristened Bloodline. However, they seem far from being done with one another.