Adam Cole Initially Rejects ‘Choose Opponent’ Stipulation; Carmelo Hayes Answers Call

Adam Cole was about to forgo any of this “opponent of your choice” business bestowed on he and Kyle O’Reilly tonight on NXT, but a rising star answered the call.

Before Cole’s opponent sauntered out, he got on the mic to note his displeasure with Samoa Joe’s attack, but he mase something clear: “ain’t no way am I picking my opponent.”

He told fans that he didn’t have to wrestle on Tuesday night, but Carmelo Hayes came to the ring and said if anyone could change Cole’s mind, it’d be him. Hayes paid tribute to John Cena’s famous “Ruthless agression” moment, as he slapped Cole in the face. By provoking the former champion, Hayes convinced Cole to face him in a match.

Hayes does show a good deal of offense to start off, but the veteran Cole does take control and the fight sure enough does break off onto the outside, giving the match a picture-in-picture break. Hayes sure manages to fire back, but the finish comes with a Panama Sunrise.