Prior to signing with WWE, Brigham wrestled on the independent circuit, primarily in the New England region under the ring name Christian Casanova.

[10] He made his first successful title defense on the November 23 episode of NXT against Johnny Gargano and Pete Dunne.

[15] At NXT Stand & Deliver on April 2, Hayes lost the title to Grimes in a five-way ladder match, ending his reign at 172 days.

[16] Hayes failed to regain the title in a triple threat match involving Solo Sikoa at Spring Breakin' on May 3, but won it back from Grimes at NXT In Your House on June 4.

[24][25] Hayes then competed in the inaugural Iron Survivor Challenge at NXT Deadline on December 10, which was won by Waller.

Later that night, Hayes and Williams confronted NXT Champion Bron Breakker following the main event.

[33] At NXT The Great American Bash on July 30, he successfully defended the title against Ilja Dragunov.

[34] On the following episode of NXT, Williams told Hayes that he needed to leave and shine on his own, amicably separating the Trick Melo Gang.

[37] On Night 2 of NXT: Halloween Havoc, Hayes failed to regain the title from Dragunov after being distracted by the returning Williams.

[40] The next day, Hayes was chosen by Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative Shawn Michaels to represent NXT in the United States Championship #1 Contender Tournament on SmackDown,[41] defeating Grayson Waller in the first round but lost to Kevin Owens in the semifinals.

[44] During this time, Hayes and Williams competed in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament,[45][46] losing to Corbin and Breakker in the finals at NXT Vengeance Day on February 4.

[56] Hayes participated in the King of the Ring tournament and the Money in the Bank ladder match, but didn't win neither.

[60] On the October 25 episode of SmackDown, Hayes and Andrade's game seven match, which was also for a United States Championship opportunity, ended in a no contest after special guest referee and reigning United States Champion LA Knight attacked both men, ending their best-of-seven series match at three wins, three losses and one draw each.

Afterwards Hayes attacked Akira Tozawa, causing him to be replaced in the Royal Rumble by celebrity entrant IShowSpeed.