Carmelo Hayes

Christian Brigham (born August 1, 1994) is an American professional wrestler. As of February 2021, he is signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown brand under the ring name Carmelo Hayes and is a former one-time WWE United States Champion. He is also a former one-time NXT Champion, a two-time and record-tying longest combined reigning NXT North American Champion, a one-time and the final NXT Cruiserweight Champion (having unified it with the NXT North American Championship), 2021 NXT Breakout Tournament Winner,and the 2025 André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal winner. Christian Brigham was born in Framingham, Massachusetts, on August 1, 1994. He graduated from Framingham High School in 2012. A fan of professional wrestling since childhood, he began training for a career at the New England Pro Wrestling Academy following his graduation. Prior to signing with WWE, Brigham wrestled on the independent circuit, primarily in the New England region under the ring name Christian Casanova. Brigham is in a relationship with fellow professional wrestler Lea Mitchell, professionally known as Kelani Jordan. On July 5, 2025, Mitchell announced that she and Brigham got engaged on July 1.