Trick Williams Stuns Wrestling World: Wins TNA World Title at WWE NXT Battleground

TAMPA, Fla.—With a raucous Yuengling Center crowd chanting “Whoop That Trick,” WWE’s Trick Williams shocked the industry Sunday night by defeating TNA star Joe Hendry to capture the TNA World Championship in the main event of NXT Battleground. The history-making victory makes Williams the first wrestler to win the storied title on a WWE platform, underscoring the growing collaboration between NXT and TNA Wrestling. After a 17-minute clash packed with powerhouse lariats, apron DDTs and a photo-finish “Trick Shot” knee, the Charlotte native secured the three-count to an arena-wide eruption. Williams, 29, has been on a meteoric rise since splitting from longtime ally Carmelo Hayes last year. The former college football safety parlayed his charisma into an NXT North American Title run before setting sights on world-champion gold. Sunday’s triumph places him in rarified air alongside AJ Styles and Kurt Angle as crossover champions recognized by both WWE and TNA lineages. Backstage, Williams credited the NXT faithful for fueling his performance: “Every ‘Whoop That Trick’ chant reminds me why I lace up these boots. Tonight the world championship came home with us.” Hendry, visibly frustrated yet respectful in defeat, vowed a rematch: “The world knows my name for a reason. Trick, enjoy that shine—it won’t last long.” Industry insiders view the title change as a strategic masterstroke for both brands. For WWE, featuring an external world championship on Tuesday nights injects fresh stakes into summer programming. For TNA, the belt’s presence on USA Network promises renewed eyeballs ahead of its Slammiversary season. Expect cross-promotional appearances, social-media callouts and perhaps a Hendry invasion as the storyline intensifies. What’s next for the new champion? Sources inside the Performance Center hint that Williams will hold an open celebration this Tuesday on NXT, where potential challengers could range from Oba Femi to surprise TNA names such as Moose or Josh Alexander. Meanwhile, Hayes—who fell short earlier in the night against Trick’s former rival Ilja Dragunov—may have renewed motivation to rekindle their unfinished business. Key Takeaways for Fans and Searchers • Trick Williams is the NEW TNA World Champion after pinning Joe Hendry at NXT Battleground in Tampa. • The win marks the first time WWE programming has crowned a reigning TNA titleholder. • Expect cross-brand storylines, a potential Hendry rematch, and Tuesday’s live championship celebration on NXT. Keep your browser locked on NXT’s weekly broadcast and official WWE digital channels for updates, behind-the-scenes footage and full replay information as the “Trick Era” officially begins.