Trick Williams has sparked significant attention with reported backstage heat as TNA World Champion, following his recent title defense on WWE NXT that has left TNA’s locker room divided, according to Tommy Dreamer. Tensions have grown within TNA’s roster and staff, driven by the uncertainty surrounding their championship being held by a WWE-contracted wrestler.
Backstage Concerns Arise Following Title Defense
Tommy Dreamer, a TNA veteran and member of the creative team, disclosed growing internal unrest after Williams kept the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Mike Santana during NXT’s June 3rd episode. Dreamer described the anxiety caused by the title situation and cross-promotional agreement between WWE and TNA. Williams directly addressed the issue, asking Dreamer about his standing in the locker room:
“How much heat do I have in the TNA locker room right now, Mr. Dreamer?”
—Trick Williams, TNA World Champion
Dreamer responded with transparency about the internal reaction:
“I have received the most amount of texts from the moment you won… I watched your match with a lot of employees and people who work there… and everyone turned to me and they were like, it was almost like, ‘What are we going to do now?’ And I was like, ‘I don’t know.’”
—Tommy Dreamer, TNA veteran and creative team member
Highlighting the unpredictable nature of inter-promotional alliances, Dreamer added:
“These deals have always fallen apart. If this deal fell apart today, you’re the champ. We’d have to like you… we’d have to declare a new champ, because, hey, our champ works somewhere else. So I think there’s the scary part.”
—Tommy Dreamer, TNA veteran and creative team member
Locker Room Unrest and Fan Buzz Grow
While Mike Santana’s effort in the ring drew widespread appreciation, Dreamer noted that uncertainty persists, especially concerning a WWE NXT wrestler holding and defending TNA’s most prestigious title. Addressing the ongoing concern, Dreamer shared how the reaction extended beyond talent to the broader staff:
“I’m getting everybody texting me, and this is within the company, so if you could get the talent, it’s just imagine what the fans are talking about.”
—Tommy Dreamer, TNA veteran and creative team member
This sentiment highlights the larger unease within TNA regarding outsider involvement at such a high level, raising questions about both competitive unity and the future of the championship should the WWE-TNA collaboration falter.
Williams Leans Into His Heel Persona and Prepares for Title Defense
Despite the backstage friction and controversy, Trick Williams appears to have embraced his polarizing reputation and the momentum it brings. He credited the TNA atmosphere for his newfound confidence and drive:
“There’s something about the atmosphere of TNA that’s special. It’s magical. That allows me to spread my wings and fly and trust myself… there’s a different feel at TNA that I’ve experienced that, you know, that’s when I really realized I can do this anywhere, anytime, anyplace.”
—Trick Williams, TNA World Champion
Looking ahead, Williams is scheduled to defend the TNA World Championship once again at the upcoming Against All Odds event in Tempe, Arizona, where he will face Elijah (formerly Elias). The outcome of this high-stakes match could further influence perceptions within the locker room and among fans as this contentious title reign continues.
This latest chapter in the WWE x TNA partnership has heightened tensions and debate across both companies, putting Trick Williams and the TNA World Championship firmly at the center of the wrestling world’s attention.
