League: WWE Sport: Wrestling Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

MJF posts throwback photo with Carmelo Hayes during WWE absence

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 12, 2026, 10:38 AM

Last updated Oct 12, 2026

MJF posts throwback photo with Carmelo Hayes during WWE absence

Summary

Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) shared a throwback photo on Instagram featuring himself and former WWE United States Champion Carmelo Hayes. The image, taken before their respective rises in WWE and AEW, shows them wrestling in a school gym. Hayes has been absent from WWE programming since mid-August 2026, sparking speculation about his future with the company. His recent social media activity, including scrubbing his X account, has fueled rumors regarding a potential move to join MJF in AEW. However, no official announcements have been made about Hayes's status or potential departure from WWE.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•MJF's Instagram post features a throwback photo of him and Carmelo Hayes.
•Carmelo Hayes has not appeared on WWE television since August 14, 2026.
•Hayes's recent social media activity has sparked speculation about his future.
•Sources indicate Hayes may consider joining AEW with MJF.
•MJF and Hayes last wrestled together in January 2019.

Latest Updates

10:38 AMYahoo Sports — AEW’s MJF posts throwback picture with ex-US Champ amid WWE hiatus

What they're saying

"
Is there a chance that former WWE United States Champion Carmelo Hayes is leaving the company to join Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) in AEW ? MJF took to his Instagram Stories to share a throwback picture of himself during a match against Hayes. They both look significantly younger, as the three-time AEW World Champion doesn’t have the beard he now […] The post AEW’s MJF posts throwback picture with ex-US Champ amid WWE hiatus appeared first on ClutchPoints.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

WWE Wrestling