Summary

Ilja Dragunov believes Carmelo Hayes missing a match at WrestleMania 42 will not hurt his long-term standing in WWE.

Speaking during an appearance on The Ringer Wrestling Show, Dragunov reflected on his history with Hayes from NXT through their time on SmackDown, and said one missed WrestleMania does not erase what they have already built together. The two have shared the ring in NXT title matches and more recently in battles connected to the United States Championship picture.

The latest comments also line up with Hayes saying he is staying ready despite missing WrestleMania 42, which keeps the focus on how WWE may position him after the event.

Quote from Ilja Dragunov

Dragunov said Hayes has already made a strong impression on the main roster and will be rewarded in time:

"I was just talking about that tattoo. You kind of roll with the punches. What would you say? Disappointment is such a hard word. I'm living my absolute best life. I have amazing performances with Carmelo (Hayes), and I think, honestly, everything that we achieved together, from NXT, to the main roster, not having a match on WrestleMania, this year, is only one thing that we don't have, compared to all the things that we achieved in front of the audience. All the memories and moments we gave to the people that were watching us fighting. It is nothing that anyone could take away from us, and people will remember this, and somewhere down the line, it's all gonna make sense… And look at Melo. Melo is on the main roster since one and a half years? Roundabout. I was out for a year with the ACL tear. But, looking at him, how much he connects with the audience, how much people, like, are on their feet when he has his entrance. Not having a match this year on WrestleMania is not gonna do any harm to him, and people that work like him get their payoff."

What WrestleMania 42 means for Carmelo Hayes

Dragunov's comments put Carmelo Hayes in a familiar WWE spot, missing the biggest show of the year but still being framed as a talent the audience reacts to. That matters because Hayes was recently part of the United States Championship picture before losing the title to Sami Zayn in the build to WrestleMania 42.

With Zayn set to defend the championship against Trick Williams at WrestleMania 42, Hayes remains connected to a part of the roster that could shift quickly once the show ends. Missing the card is a setback in the moment, but Dragunov made it clear he does not see it as a sign that Hayes has lost momentum.

Sources

Ilja Dragunov on The Ringer Wrestling Show