Carmelo Hayes and Kelani Jordan are one of wrestling’s rising couples. Both rose through NXT and are now planning a big wedding for October 2026 after getting engaged in July 2025.
Backgrounds: Two different paths to WWE
Carmelo Hayes was born Christian Brigham and began wrestling on the independent scene in 2014 as Christian Casanova. He worked for groups like Chaotic Wrestling and Ring of Honor before signing with WWE after several years. At the WWE Performance Center he became Carmelo Hayes and rose quickly in NXT. His list of NXT titles includes two runs as NXT North American Champion, a run as NXT Cruiserweight Champion, and time as NXT Champion. He later moved to the main roster on SmackDown.
Kelani Jordan followed a different path. She was a gymnast at Michigan State when WWE recruiting contacted her. She attended a SummerSlam tryout in Nashville in 2022 and earned a developmental deal with no prior pro wrestling experience. Jordan learned fast. By her late 20s she had already held the NXT Women’s North American Title and the TNA Knockouts World Title.
How they met at the Performance Center
The two met at the WWE Performance Center. Jordan has described the moment as very strong and almost like time stood still. She said she was new and greeting people, and when they shook hands they both paused and stared at each other. Hayes later told a coach she thought she was beautiful, and he messaged her soon after. Their first date was simple: tacos.
“So we were at the Performance Center… it felt like time stood still… I was greeting everyone because I was very new and going around shaking everyone’s hands. But in that moment, it felt like time stood still and we both just stared at each other.” — Kelani Jordan (August 2024 interview with UFCcoverage)
Engagement and wedding plans
Jordan announced on July 5, 2025, that Hayes had proposed four days earlier and she said yes. Engagement photos posted in March 2026 led some fans to think they had already married, but Hayes cleared up the timeline on the Battleground Podcast. He said the photos were engagement pictures and confirmed the wedding is set for October 2026. He also said Jordan is handling much of the planning while he offers his input.
“A lot of people thought that we already got married… Those were engagement photos and I’m super excited and we’re halfway there really.” — Carmelo Hayes (Battleground Podcast)
The couple has been open about how their shared work helps them understand each other. Hayes noted that wrestling is mentally and emotionally demanding, and having a partner who knows the job matters a lot to both of them.
Looking ahead
Both wrestlers continue to build their careers. Fans hope to see Jordan called up to SmackDown so the two can appear on the same show. For now, they remain focused on their work and their wedding plans for October 2026.
Watch Kelani Jordan’s interview: YouTube – UFCcoverage
Hayes on the wedding timeline: YouTube – Battleground Podcast
Kelani’s engagement post: Twitter
Engagement photos and reel: Instagram
UFCcoverage wishes Carmelo Hayes and Kelani Jordan the best as they prepare for their wedding and new chapters in their WWE careers.
