Trick Williams’ Jaw-Dropping NXT Title Win Goes Viral—Here’s What It Means for WWE’s Future

Trick Williams’ meteoric climb from undrafted NFL hopeful to centerpiece of WWE programming hit a new high on the 8 May episode of SmackDown, where the reigning United States Champion staged a tongue-in-cheek “funeral” for Sami Zayn—only for the red-brand veteran to crash the ceremony before being laid out by Williams and surprise ally Lil Yachty. The viral segment capped a whirlwind four-month stretch for the former South Carolina wide receiver, who transitioned from two-time NXT Champion to SmackDown’s breakout star after a January call-up. Industry insiders point to Williams’ mix of legit athleticism and microphone swagger—traits honed during his gridiron days—as the reason WWE fast-tracked him into the United States title picture and marquee storylines. Behind the scenes, creative momentum is building around a three-pronged rivalry: Williams vs. Oba Femi vs. Je’Von Evans. Speaking with Wrestling Inc., the champion acknowledged that both powerhouses “bring out a different hunger” in him as Backlash weekend approaches, hinting that a triple-threat clash could headline an upcoming premium live event. Search traffic for “Trick Williams” spiked immediately after Friday’s segment, and social impressions surged when Lil Yachty reposted highlights to his 12 million followers. Coupled with Williams’ NFL-to-WWE backstory, the buzz positions him as a crossover name that can pull casual sports fans into the wrestling orbit. What’s next? Backlash’s go-home SmackDown teased that Zayn isn’t finished, while Femi and Evans lurk with open contracts. If WWE makes the expected triple-threat official, Williams will carry the United States Championship—and his surging mainstream spotlight—into a match that could define the company’s summer slate. One thing is certain: the man who once dreamed of Super Bowls has already found championship gold, and his rapid ascent shows no signs of slowing.