SmackDown GM Nick Aldis announces WWE legend is out with injury, names King of the Ring replacement for SmackDown

For tonight’s episode of SmackDown, only two first-round matches are scheduled to take place. In the first match, old rivals AJ Styles and Randy Orton will go one-on-one. The match between Dawkins and Tonga will take place on tonight’s episode of SmackDown as well.

The dates for the other two matches, Baron Corbin vs. Carmelo Hayes and Knight vs. Escobar, are yet to be decided. On the Raw side of things, top stars like Jey Uso, Ilja Dragunov, and Gunther have already progressed to the next round after winning their respective matches. The bracket winners from both brands will fight for the crown at the King & Queen of the Ring PLE on May 25 in Saudi Arabia.

Bobby Lashley comments on Carmelo Hayes’ change in attitude

When Carmelo Hayes was enjoying his days as the NXT Champion, he shared a pretty good relationship with The Almighty. However, since his fallout with his friend Trick Williams, Melo has tapped into his darker side. Moreover, he disrespected Bobby Lashley in a backstage segment when he was drafted to SmackDown in the recently concluded 2024 WWE Draft.

The 47-year-old star appeared on WWE’s The Bump and was asked about the former NXT Champion’s attitude and insulting posts. He stated that he didn’t like what Hayes said to him and found it extremely disrespectful. Lashley recalled his younger days and talked about how he never insulted any legends.

We have all these guys that come to the main roster and all they want to do is start talking trash? Bro, I've been doing stuff way before you even got here. So, the fact that he came in and disrespected me now, that kinda pi--es me off. Bobby Lashley on Carmelo Hayes via The Bump

Many fans predicted that Hayes would join Lashley and The Street Profits to become a member of The Pride. However, with the recent change in attitude, Melo has surely made an enemy out of the 47-year-old veteran. Needless to say, only time will tell whether the two cross paths inside the ring or not.