Trick Williams joins SmackDown as the roster’s newest addition, making his debut on the first show of the year. The former two-time NXT champion made it clear that he is after the WWE Championship, officially putting his free agent days behind him after only a week.
Williams previously kept fans guessing with appearances on both Raw and SmackDown, choosing to declare himself a free agent in 2025. That freedom, however, was short-lived; only seven days after making the announcement, Williams committed to the blue brand on WWE’s first show of the new year.
Sami Zayn and Trick Williams Face Off Amid Growing Tensions
During the live SmackDown broadcast, Sami Zayn took to the ring, expressing his goal of winning the WWE Championship. As Zayn addressed the audience, Williams interrupted the promo, boldly stating his new allegiance to SmackDown and his ambitions for the same title. The confrontation quickly escalated as the two exchanged heated words, fueling a sense of competition and resentment on the SmackDown roster.
Williams, frustrated by Zayn’s comments, approached SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis backstage, where he interrupted an ongoing conversation between Aldis and Rey Fenix. This sparked an argument between Williams and Zayn, resulting in Aldis stepping in to book a head-to-head match between the rivals on next week’s episode.
“You have yet to be humbled.” 👀@SamiZayn is having NONE of @_trickwilliams tonight! pic.twitter.com/jMxV7WawBC— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2026
Sami Zayn’s words,
“You have yet to be humbled,”
intensified the feud, underlining the tension as both wrestlers set their eyes on championship glory.
Williams’s Path From Football to WWE and Championship Success
Before entering professional wrestling, Trick Williams was an NFL prospect. His wrestling journey began in 2018 with Combat Zone Wrestling, followed by a WWE developmental contract in 2021. Williams gained rapid momentum by teaming up with Carmelo Hayes. That alliance ended in a public breakup and rivalry, ultimately leading Williams to secure two NXT Championships and the NXT North American title.
His accolades extend beyond WWE. In 2025, Williams also captured the TNA World Championship, holding it for several months until dropping the title to Mike Santana at Bound for Glory in October. His continued rise through wrestling’s ranks—combined with his bold move to SmackDown—puts him on a collision course with top stars such as Zayn and Rey Fenix, all under the watchful management of GM Nick Aldis.
What Lies Ahead for Trick Williams and SmackDown
With Trick Williams officially on SmackDown, a high-stakes bout against Sami Zayn is scheduled for next week. The result could shape the title picture and dynamics for months to come. Williams’s ambition, combined with his history of winning championships and making controversial moves, is likely to impact the WWE and potentially the chase for the WWE Championship. Fans now wait to see whether Williams will be humbled or rise past his latest challenge as he integrates into a new chapter with WWE SmackDown.
WHOOP THAT TRICK 🙌@_trickwilliams is HERE! pic.twitter.com/j0CkFtOz1b
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2026
Is @_trickwilliams the future of WWE? 🤩 pic.twitter.com/M3f13dTaX7
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2026
"You have yet to be humbled." 👀@SamiZayn is having NONE of @_trickwilliams tonight! pic.twitter.com/jMxV7WawBC
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2026
TRICK WILLIAMS MAKES HIS IN RING SMACKDOWN DEBUT NEXT WEEK AGAINST REY FENIX 🔥#Smackdown
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) January 3, 2026
