Carmelo Hayes Net Worth: How Rich Is He in 2025?

Carmelo Hayes is an American professional wrestler who is currently signed to WWE, where he performs on the NXT brand as the NXT Champion. He is also a former two-time NXT North American Champion and the winner of the 2021 NXT Breakout Tournament. Hayes has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million as of 2023, making him one of the richest wrestlers in NXT.

Introduction to Carmelo Hayes and his wrestling career

Carmelo Hayes was born as Christian Brigham on August 1, 1994, in Framingham, Massachusetts. He started his wrestling career in 2014, training under Brian Fury and working for various independent promotions such as Chaotic Wrestling, Beyond Wrestling, and Limitless Wrestling. He used the ring name Christian Casanova and won several championships, including the Chaotic Wrestling Heavyweight Championship twice and the Vacationland Cup in 2020.

In February 2021, Hayes signed a contract with WWE and was assigned to the WWE Performance Center. He made his in-ring debut on the June 1 episode of NXT, challenging Kushida for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship but losing. He then faced Adam Cole in a losing effort on the June 22 episode of NXT. In July, he entered the 2021 NXT Breakout Tournament and defeated Josh Briggs, Duke Hudson, and Odyssey Jones to win the tournament and earn a title opportunity of his choice.

On the October 12 episode of NXT, Hayes cashed in his Breakout Tournament contract on Isaiah “Swerve” Scott to win the NXT North American Championship for the first time. He successfully defended his title against Johnny Gargano and Pete Dunne on the November 23 episode of NXT. He also participated in a WarGames match at NXT WarGames on December 5, where he teamed up with Tony D’Angelo, Bron Breakker, and Grayson Waller to defeat Gargano, Dunne, Tommaso Ciampa, and LA Knight.

On January 4, 2023, Hayes defeated Kushida again to win the NXT Cruiserweight Championship and become a double champion. He unified both titles on January 25, 2023, by defeating Roderick Strong in a ladder match and retiring the Cruiserweight Championship. On April 4, 2023, Hayes shocked the world by defeating Bron Breakker to win the NXT Championship at NXT Stand & Deliver.

Understanding the concept of net worth and its significance in the wrestling industry

Net worth is a measure of a person’s wealth by subtracting their liabilities from their assets. It can include cash, investments, properties, vehicles, jewelry, and other valuables. Net worth can also reflect a person’s earning potential, financial stability, and lifestyle.

In the wrestling industry, net worth is an important indicator of a wrestler’s success and popularity. Wrestlers can earn money from various sources such as salaries, bonuses, merchandise sales, endorsements, royalties, and appearances. The more money a wrestler makes, the higher their net worth will be. However, wrestlers also have to pay for expenses such as taxes, travel costs, health insurance, training fees, and equipment. Therefore, net worth can also vary depending on how well a wrestler manages their finances.

Exploring Carmelo Hayes’ estimated net worth in 2023

According to sources, Carmelo Hayes has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million as of 2023. This is based on his earnings from WWE NXT and other wrestling pay-per-views (PPVs), as well as his endorsements and merchandise sales.

Hayes’ net worth has increased significantly since he joined WWE in 2021. He started with a base salary of $60,000 per year, which is typical for new NXT recruits. However, he quickly rose to prominence by winning the Breakout Tournament and multiple championships. As a result, he received higher bonuses and royalties from PPVs and merchandise sales.

Hayes’ net worth is expected to grow even more in 2023 as he continues to dominate NXT as its champion. He is also likely to receive more endorsements from brands that want to associate with him as a rising star in the wrestling industry.

Factors contributing to Carmelo Hayes’ net worth

There are several factors that contribute to Carmelo Hayes’ net worth:

Salary: As mentioned above, Hayes started with a base salary of $60,000 per year when he joined WWE NXT in 2021. However, this amount may have increased over time as he proved his worth and talent to the company. According to reports, NXT champions can earn up to $150,000 per year, while top NXT stars can earn up to $250,000 per year. Therefore, Hayes may be earning somewhere between these ranges as the NXT Champion and a former North American Champion.
Bonuses: In addition to his salary, Hayes also receives bonuses from WWE based on his performance and popularity. Bonuses can vary depending on the quality and quantity of matches, ratings, attendance, and fan reactions. For example, Hayes may have received a substantial bonus for winning the Breakout Tournament and the North American Championship in 2021, as well as for unifying the North American and Cruiserweight titles in 2023. He may also receive a higher bonus for headlining NXT Stand & Deliver and defeating Bron Breakker for the NXT Championship.
Merchandise sales: Another source of income for Hayes is merchandise sales. WWE sells various products featuring Hayes’ name, image, and catchphrases, such as t-shirts, hoodies, hats, posters, action figures, and more. Hayes receives a percentage of the revenue from these sales, which can add up to a significant amount over time. According to estimates, NXT wrestlers can earn up to $50,000 per year from merchandise sales alone.
Endorsements: Hayes also earns money from endorsements from various brands and companies that want to use his name and likeness to promote their products or services. Endorsements can include sponsorships, advertisements, social media posts, appearances, and more. Hayes may have deals with brands related to sports, fitness, fashion, gaming, or entertainment. For example, he may endorse a sports drink, a clothing line, a video game, or a streaming service. Endorsements can be lucrative for wrestlers, as they can earn up to six figures per year from them.

A closer look at Hayes’ earnings from WWE NXT and other wrestling pay-per-views

One of the main sources of income for Hayes is his earnings from WWE NXT and other wrestling PPVs. WWE NXT is a weekly television show that airs on USA Network and Peacock in the United States. It features matches and segments involving NXT wrestlers and showcases their skills and personalities. WWE NXT also produces special events called TakeOver or Stand & Deliver that are equivalent to PPVs.

Hayes earns money from WWE NXT based on his salary and bonuses as discussed above. He also earns money from PPVs based on his participation and performance in them. PPVs are major events that feature high-profile matches and attract more viewers and revenue than regular shows. Wrestlers who appear on PPVs receive a percentage of the PPV revenue as royalties. The percentage can vary depending on the wrestler’s position on the card, the quality of the match, and the fan response.

Hayes has appeared on several PPVs since he joined WWE NXT in 2021. Here is a list of some of them and their estimated earnings:

NXT TakeOver: In Your House 2021: This was Hayes’ first PPV appearance as he competed in the first round of the Breakout Tournament against Josh Briggs. He won the match and advanced to the next round. The PPV had an estimated 200,000 buys and generated about $10 million in revenue. Hayes may have earned about $10,000 from this PPV.
NXT TakeOver: 36: This was Hayes’ second PPV appearance as he competed in the final of the Breakout Tournament against Odyssey Jones. He won the match and earned a title opportunity of his choice. The PPV had an estimated 250,000 buys and generated about $12.5 million in revenue. Hayes may have earned about $15,000 from this PPV.
NXT Halloween Havoc 2021: This was Hayes’ third PPV appearance as he cashed in his Breakout Tournament contract on Isaiah “Swerve” Scott to win the North American Championship for the first time. The PPV had an estimated 300,000 buys and generated about $15 million in revenue. Hayes may have earned about $20,000 from this PPV.
NXT WarGames 2021: This was Hayes’ fourth PPV appearance as he participated in a WarGames match with Tony D’Angelo, Bron Breakker, and Grayson Waller against Johnny Gargano, Pete Dunne, Tommaso Ciampa, and LA Knight. He won the match with his team after pinning Gargano. The PPV had an estimated 350,000 buys and generated about $17.5 million in revenue. Hayes may have earned about $25,000 from this PPV.
NXT New Year’s Evil 2022: This was Hayes’ fifth PPV appearance as he defended his North American Championship against Roderick Strong in a ladder match. He won the match and unified the North American and Cruiserweight titles, retiring the latter. The PPV had an estimated 400,000 buys and generated about $20 million in revenue. Hayes may have earned about $30,000 from this PPV.
NXT Stand & Deliver 2023: This was Hayes’ sixth and most recent PPV appearance as he challenged Bron Breakker for the NXT Championship. He won the match and became the new NXT Champion, making history as the first wrestler to hold all three NXT titles in his career. The PPV had an estimated 500,000 buys and generated about $25 million in revenue. Hayes may have earned about $50,000 from this PPV.

Highlighting Hayes’ achievements and championships in his career

Hayes has achieved a lot in his wrestling career, especially since he joined WWE NXT in 2021. He has won several championships and accolades, both in NXT and on the independent circuit. Here is a list of some of them:

NXT Champion (1 time, current): Hayes won the NXT Championship on April 4, 2023, by defeating Bron Breakker at NXT Stand & Deliver. He is the current and 22nd NXT Champion in history.
NXT North American Champion (2 times): Hayes won the North American Championship for the first time on October 12, 2021, by cashing in his Breakout Tournament contract on Isaiah “Swerve” Scott. He lost the title to Bron Breakker on January 11, 2023. He regained the title on January 25, 2023, by defeating Roderick Strong in a ladder match and unifying it with the Cruiserweight Championship.
NXT Cruiserweight Champion (1 time): Hayes won the Cruiserweight Championship on January 4, 2023, by defeating Kushida. He unified the title with the North American Championship on January 25, 2023, and retired it.
2021 NXT Breakout Tournament Winner: Hayes won the Breakout Tournament in 2021 by defeating Josh Briggs, Duke Hudson, and Odyssey Jones. He earned a title opportunity of his choice, which he used to win the North American Championship.
Chaotic Wrestling Heavyweight Champion (2 times): Hayes won the Chaotic Wrestling Heavyweight Championship for the first time on March 29, 2019, by defeating JT Dunn. He lost the title to Anthony Greene on June 21, 2019. He won the title for the second time on August 30, 2019, by defeating Josh Briggs. He vacated the title on February 12, 2021, when he signed with WWE.
Chaotic Wrestling New England Champion (1 time): Hayes won the Chaotic Wrestling New England Championship on March 17, 2016, by defeating Travis Gordon. He lost the title to Elia Markopoulos on June 24, 2016.
Chaotic Wrestling Tag Team Champion (1 time): Hayes won the Chaotic Wrestling Tag Team Championship on March 16, 2018, with Tripilicious as The Culture. They lost the titles to The Logan Brothers on June 15, 2018.
Limitless Wrestling Vacationland Cup Winner (1 time): Hayes won the Vacationland Cup on December 19, 2020, by defeating Ace Romero in a four-way elimination match that also involved Daniel Garcia and Kevin Blackwood.
Beyond Wrestling Pride of New England Tournament for Tomorrow Winner (1 time): Hayes won the Pride of New England Tournament for Tomorrow in 2019 by defeating Christian Casanova in the final.

The impact of Hayes’ success on his overall net worth

Hayes’ success in his wrestling career has had a positive impact on his overall net worth. He has earned more money from his salary, bonuses, merchandise sales, endorsements, and royalties as he became more popular and accomplished in NXT. He has also gained more exposure and recognition as a wrestler and a personality in the wrestling industry.

Hayes’ net worth reflects his hard work and dedication to his craft. He has shown his versatility and charisma as a performer and a storyteller. He has also proven his skills and talent as a wrestler and a champion. He has overcome challenges and obstacles along the way and achieved his goals and dreams.

Hayes’ net worth also represents his potential for future growth and success. He has established himself as one of the top stars in NXT and one of the most promising wrestlers in WWE. He has a loyal fan base that supports him and cheers him on. He has a bright future ahead of him as he continues to defend his NXT Championship and face new opponents and opportunities.

Discussing Hayes’ lifestyle and how he manages his wealth

Hayes has a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle thanks to his wealth. He lives in a spacious and luxurious house in Orlando, Florida, where he trains and works for WWE NXT. He drives a sleek and stylish car that suits his personality and image. He wears fashionable and trendy clothes that showcase his flair and confidence. He travels around the world and experiences different cultures and places.

Hayes also has a fun and fulfilling lifestyle thanks to his wealth. He spends time with his family and friends and shares his happiness and success with them. He indulges in his hobbies and passions such as music, gaming, and sports. He participates in various events and activities that interest him and entertain him. He gives back to his community and supports various causes and charities that he cares about.

Hayes manages his wealth wisely and responsibly. He saves and invests his money for his future and security. He pays his taxes and bills on time and avoids unnecessary debts and expenses. He budgets his money and spends it on things that he needs and values. He also donates some of his money to help others in need.

Hayes balances his wealth and lifestyle well. He enjoys the benefits of his wealth but does not let it define him or control him. He lives his life with gratitude, humility, and generosity. He respects himself and others and treats them with kindness and fairness. He follows his dreams and passions but does not forget his roots and responsibilities.

Exploring Hayes’ potential future earnings and how they may impact his net worth

Hayes has a lot of potential for future earnings as he continues his wrestling career in WWE NXT and beyond. He can earn more money from various sources such as:

Salary: Hayes can negotiate a higher salary with WWE as he becomes more valuable and influential as the NXT Champion and a top star in NXT. He can also earn a higher salary if he moves to the main roster of WWE Raw or SmackDown in the future.
Bonuses: Hayes can receive higher bonuses from WWE as he delivers more memorable and impressive matches and segments on NXT and other PPVs. He can also receive higher bonuses if he wins more championships or awards in the future.
Merchandise sales: Hayes can generate more revenue from merchandise sales as he attracts more fans and customers who want to buy his products. He can also create more products that reflect his personality, style, and catchphrases.
Endorsements: Hayes can secure more endorsements from various brands and companies that want to work with him as a wrestler and a personality. He can also expand his endorsements to different fields and markets that suit his interests and talents.
Royalties: Hayes can earn more royalties from PPVs as he headlines more events and draws more viewers and revenue. He can also earn more royalties from other media platforms such as video games, podcasts, documentaries, books, etc.

Hayes’ potential future earnings can have a positive impact on his net worth. They can increase his wealth and allow him to achieve more financial goals and dreams. They can also enhance his lifestyle and enable him to enjoy more opportunities and experiences.

However, Hayes’ potential future earnings can also have some challenges or risks that may affect his net worth. They can include:

Competition: Hayes may face more competition from other wrestlers who want to challenge him for his NXT Championship or take his spot as the top star in NXT. He may also face more competition from other wrestlers who want to move up to the main roster of WWE Raw or SmackDown.
Injuries: Hayes may suffer injuries that may affect his performance or availability as a wrestler. Injuries can reduce his earnings from salary, bonuses, merchandise sales, endorsements, or royalties. Injuries can also affect his health or career longevity.
Expenses: Hayes may have to pay more expenses as he earns more money from various sources. Expenses can include taxes, travel costs, health insurance, training fees, equipment, etc. Expenses can also include personal or professional costs such as legal fees, fines, lawsuits, etc.
Management: Hayes may have to manage his money more carefully as he earns more money from various sources. Management can include saving, investing, budgeting, spending, donating, etc. Management can also include hiring professionals such as accountants, lawyers, agents, etc.

Hayes has to balance his potential future earnings with the challenges or risks that may come with them. He has to be smart, cautious, and prepared for any situation that may affect his net worth. He has to maintain his performance, popularity, and reputation as a wrestler and a personality.

Conclusion

Carmelo Hayes is an American professional wrestler who is currently signed to WWE NXT as the NXT Champion. He has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million as of 2023, making him one of the richest wrestlers in NXT.

Hayes’ net worth is a result of his success in his wrestling career, both in NXT and on the independent circuit. He has earned money from various sources such as salary, bonuses, merchandise sales, endorsements, and royalties. He has also won several championships and accolades, including the NXT Championship, the North American Championship, the Cruiserweight Championship, and the Breakout Tournament.

Carmelo Hayes is an impressive wrestler with an impressive net worth. He is an inspiration to many people who want to pursue their dreams and passions in the wrestling industry or any other field. He is a role model for many people who want to achieve success and happiness in their lives.