Randy Orton vs. Carmelo Hayes: How “The Viper” Could Help Hayes Gain Nuclear Heat in Barcelona
The March 15th edition of WWE SmackDown promises to be an electric one, as it kicks off the European stretch of the Road to WrestleMania. The episode, set to take place in Barcelona, Spain, is expected to feature unforgettable moments, and one of them could involve Randy Orton and Carmelo Hayes.
Carmelo Hayes’ Disrespectful Comments About Randy Orton
Last week on WWE SmackDown, Carmelo Hayes made a bold (and disrespectful) comment about Randy Orton, suggesting that “The Viper” had been sitting on the couch for four months before making his triumphant return at Elimination Chamber 2025.
Unfortunately for Hayes, Orton was right behind him when he said it. The moment led to Nick Aldis announcing a match between the two for this week’s SmackDown in Barcelona.
But here’s where things get interesting—Carmelo Hayes could take things to another level and generate nuclear heat with the Barcelona crowd.
Carmelo Hayes’ Master Plan to Become WWE’s Most Hated Man (At Least in Barcelona)
Barcelona is a football-crazed city, home to the legendary FC Barcelona, one of the biggest clubs in the world. Their biggest rivals? Real Madrid CF. The two teams have a historic and often bitter rivalry, not just in Spain but worldwide.
If Carmelo Hayes really wants to provoke the Barcelona crowd, he could walk out wearing a Real Madrid jersey. This move would immediately turn him into the most hated man in the building, as the Barcelona faithful would take it as the ultimate act of disrespect.
Why This Move Could Be Genius for Hayes
- Instant Heel Heat:
The moment Hayes walks out in a Real Madrid kit, the crowd will erupt with deafening boos. It would be a level of heat that only a few superstars can generate, as it taps into the city’s deep-rooted passion for football. - A Perfect Setup for Randy Orton’s Pop:
With Hayes getting booed out of the arena, the moment Orton’s theme hits, the crowd will explode in cheers. It makes Orton an even bigger babyface in this setting, setting up a thrilling crowd dynamic. - A Memorable SmackDown Moment:
WWE loves creating moments that fans will never forget, and this would be one of them. Carmelo Hayes trolling an entire city on international television would be something that fans and WWE historians would talk about for years. - Building His Character:
Carmelo Hayes is already one of WWE’s brightest young stars, but this kind of calculated disrespect would help him stand out even more as a top-tier heel.
How Will Randy Orton Respond?
If Hayes does pull off this stunt, expect Randy Orton to punish him for it. Orton has been known for his ruthless and merciless in-ring style, and after being disrespected last week, he’ll be out for revenge.
Whether The Viper strikes early or waits until the match is in full swing, Hayes is almost guaranteed to suffer an RKO in spectacular fashion. And in front of a red-hot Barcelona crowd, that moment will be even sweeter.
Final Thoughts: WWE’s European Tour Is Off to a Fiery Start
SmackDown’s European leg is set to deliver iconic moments, and Carmelo Hayes trolling Barcelona fans with a Real Madrid jersey could go down as one of the best heel moves in recent memory.
Whether he goes through with it or not, one thing is certain—Randy Orton is coming for revenge, and the Barcelona crowd will be ready for the ride.
