Creating the 946 was brilliant and linking Carmelo Hayes with the faction makes even more sense. The clique has big, strong and powerful guys in Royce Keys, Bronco Nima and Lucien Price. It also has a beautiful, talented and powerful female presence in Jaida Parker. Even with those components, there was a need for someone with a bit of style, swag and flair. Oh yeah, and he brought a new hairstyle and a crowbar just to fit in.
Hayes was essentially going nowhere on SmackDown. This change was needed and on point. WWE has been trending toward elevating its younger talent — and let’s be frank — there’s never been a better time to be young and African American in WWE. It’s refreshing considering that hasn’t been the promotion’s MO in the past.
Hayes, like Je’Von Evans, Trick Williams, Oba Femi, Kelani Jordan and Lash Legend are all getting an opportunity to shine. The time is now for them to thrive. Fans are wrong if they think Hayes is going to get buried. He’s nine years younger than Keys and ultimately has a higher ceiling.
Carmelo Hayes and the 946 Key Facts
Detail |
Info |
|---|---|
Show |
WWE Raw, Oct. 12, 2026 |
Moment |
Carmelo Hayes joins the 946 |
Match |
Solo Sikoa and The Usos vs. Royce Keys, Bronco Nima and Lucien Price |
Result |
No contest |
Hayes’ weapon |
Crowbar |
The 946 |
Royce Keys, Bronco Nima, Lucien Price, Jaida Parker, Carmelo Hayes |
Name origin |
Oakland’s 946 ZIP code prefix |
Rival |
The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, The Usos) |
Hayes made his move on the Oct. 12 episode of Raw. Solo Sikoa and The Usos faced Keys, Nima and Price, and the match ended in a no-contest, per WWE.com.
Parker pulled the referee from the ring as Sikoa pinned Keys. When Sikoa went for the Samoan Spike on Keys, Hayes hit him with a crowbar, then joined the 946 in beating down Sikoa and The Usos.
Hayes is in a position to rise to new heights in 946 and ultimately, he’ll clash with Keys for leadership of the faction. That’s when he can turn face again and be an even bigger star.
Parker joined the group after hitting Jacob Fatu with a car during a Raw brawl. The faction’s name comes from the 946 ZIP code prefix in Oakland.
WWE’s Young Black Stars and Where They Stand
Wrestler |
Where they stand |
|---|---|
Carmelo Hayes |
Joined the 946 on Raw, Oct. 12 |
Je’Von Evans |
Speared by Bron Breakker on Raw while injured, Oct. 12 |
Trick Williams |
Two-time United States Champion |
Oba Femi |
Beat Bronson Reed at Money in the Bank, Oct. 10 |
Kelani Jordan |
NXT Women’s Champion |
Lash Legend |
Competed in the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match, Oct. 10 |
Femi is a certified superhero. Williams is the US champion. Evans just stole the show at Money in the Bank and Evans just made the biggest splash on the Raw after the PLE. I can’t remember a time when there were so many African-American WWE Superstars in choice spots.
The one thing WWE has to get right in the next week or so is Hayes’ mic work and presentation when he addresses the WWE Universe. The explanation is coming and it’ll give Hayes the platform to steal the show and drive his new character home. If it falls flat, it’ll kill the momentum. So next week’s episode of Raw is crucial for him and the 946.
More Wrestling News
- Who Will Be The Bloodline’s 4th Member After Carmelo Hayes Joined 946?
- ‘Thought He Was Leaving’: WWE Star Returns To Join 946 & Attacks The Bloodline, Fans React
- “I’m Not Brock Lesnar”: 6ft Tall WWE Giant Sends Strong Message to Paul Heyman
- Jey Uso Denies Relationship With Rumored Girlfriend Jaida Parker
