WWE Star Tips His NXT Graduate Class To ‘Change The Game’ For Modern Era

A WWE star has tipped his NXT class of talent to “change the game” in the company for the modern era.

While many established names still rule over the main event scene within the men’s division of WWE, it’s evident that a new crop of potential headliners are on the verge of breaking out and reaching the next level.

One of WWE’s brightest rising stars Carmelo Hayes spoke to Good Karma Wrestling and was asked how important he feels his graduating class of NXT is to WWE.

Comparing his class from NXT to others from decades prior, Hayes responded:

“I think it’s crucial. I think every 10 years you see a group of guys come in and change the game. I was comparing it at one point to when Roman (Reigns), Seth (Rollins), Big E and all that crop of guys came through and changed the game in that era, Daniel Bryan.

“10 years before that when it was Randy (Orton), (John) Cena, (Brock) Lesnar, Shelton (Benjamin), that whole class and that boom era of the Ruthless Aggression era.

“Every 10 years or so you get that crop of guys and I believe we’re that crop of guys for that modern era.”

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Hayes won his first championship on the main roster in December 2025 by defeating Ilja Dragunov to become the United States Champion – a title he still holds with his reign recently surpassing 60 days.

Hayes will compete against former NXT ally-turned rival Trick Williams in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match on the February 20 episode of SmackDown, with Damian Priest also involved.

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