WWE Superstars are professionals, but they aren't perfect. Austin Theory and Carmelo Hayes' match on SmackDown last week ended suddenly, but thankfully, they are both okay now.

On the January 12th episode of WWE SmackDown, the match featuring Austin Theory and Carmelo Hayes was halted by the referee due to an incident during an Avalanche Spanish Fly from the top turnbuckle that resulted in both wrestlers landing awkwardly.

The referee, signaling the "X" position to indicate a potential injury, decided to wave off the match. Reports indicated that facial contusions were sustained by both wrestlers as a consequence of the spot.

Bryan Alvarez shared an update on Wrestling Observer Radio, suggesting that Austin Theory entered medical protocol, hinting at a potentially more significant impact from the incident.



Carmelo Hayes previously made his SmackDown debut towards the end of the preceding year, participating in the WWE United States Championship No.1 Contenders Tournament.

His return to the blue brand occurred in a backstage segment, discussing Royal Rumble chances with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, leading to a confrontation with Austin Theory and Grayson Waller and ultimately setting up the match between Hayes and Theory later in the show.

Hayes is currently booked with Trick Williams in a team as they take on the 2024 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. That storyline is getting a big spotlight in NXT, as it should.