Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Carmelo Hayes

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Carmelo Hayes made an impact.

Christian Brigham, known as Carmelo Hayes in WWE, is an accomplished American professional wrestler. He currently performs on the SmackDown brand. Hayes boasts an impressive resume in NXT, including a reign as NXT Champion, two NXT North American Championship reigns (holding the record for the longest combined reign), and a stint as the final NXT Cruiserweight Champion. Most recently, he won the 2025 André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

April 12, 2014: In-Ring Debut for Chaotic Wrestling

On April 12, 2014, Christian Casanova, debuted in the ring for Chaotic Wrestling losing to Mikey Webb.

January 23, 2015: Beyond Wrestling Debut

On January 23, 2015, Christian Casanova debuted for Beyond Wrestling, teaming with Drew Mastone and Kevin Park to defeat 2Buff, Ace Romero and Xavier Bell.

November 2016: Turned Heel

In November 2016, Christian Casanova began working as a heel.

March 17, 2017: Chaotic Wrestling New England Championship Win

On March 17, 2017, Christian Casanova defeated Mike Verna for the Chaotic Wrestling New England Championship.

June 2018: Chaotic Wrestling Tag Team Championship

From March to June 2018, Christian Casanova held the Chaotic Wrestling Tag Team Championship with Triplelicious as "Killanova Inc".

March 29, 2019: Chaotic Wrestling Heavyweight Champion

On March 29, 2019, Christian Casanova defeated J.T. Dunn to win the Chaotic Wrestling Heavyweight Championship for the first time.

October 9, 2020: Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) Appearance

On October 9, 2020, Christian Casanova and Tasha Steelz, as "Culture SZN", participated in a triple threat tag team match for Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) at For The Culture.

February 12, 2021: Signs with WWE

On February 12, 2021, Christian Brigham signed a contract with WWE and was assigned to the WWE Performance Center.

March 19, 2021: Final Independent Circuit Match

On March 19, 2021, Christian Casanova lost the Limitless Wrestling World Championship to Daniel Garcia, marking his final match on the independent circuit.

January 4, 2022: NXT North American and Cruiserweight Championship Unification

On January 4, 2022, at NXT: New Year's Evil, Carmelo Hayes defeated NXT Cruiserweight Champion Roderick Strong to unify the North American Championship and the Cruiserweight Championship.