On Friday night, Trick Williams made his official debut on WWE SmackDown, setting his ambitions on championship success as the newest member of the blue brand. Making his first appearance since leaving NXT, Williams confronted Sami Zayn in the ring, making it clear that his goal is to become a world champion with WWE SmackDown as his new stage.
Williams’ Arrival and First Challenge on SmackDown
Williams, a former NXT Champion, addressed the audience alongside Nick Aldis, who facilitated his move to SmackDown due to Williams’ star quality. During their face-to-face, Williams told Sami Zayn that his aim is to be a world champion and he is determined not to wait as long as Zayn did to reach that milestone. Williams asserted his intentions to stand out on one of WWE’s flagship shows, making his quest for singles gold clear from the outset.
Exchange with Sami Zayn Raises the Stakes
During their in-ring encounter, Sami Zayn pointed out that Williams had yet to experience true humility in the wrestling world. Zayn shared that he might be the one to deliver that lesson. This heated exchange set the stage for Williams’ first match on SmackDown, where he is set to face Rey Fenix next week in Berlin, Germany, adding anticipation for how Williams will adapt to his new environment.
“You have yet to be humbled.”
?Sami Zayn is having NONE of @_trickwilliams tonight! pic.twitter.com/jMxV7WawBC
Williams’ Track Record Prior to SmackDown
Trick Williams first joined WWE in 2021, quickly amassing significant achievements. He is recognized as a two-time NXT Champion and former holder of the NXT North American Championship, and he also captured the TNA Championship during his rising career. In addition, Williams has been ranked among the top wrestling talents of the past year, further supporting Nick Aldis’ rationale for bringing him to SmackDown.
Looking Ahead: Williams’ Future on SmackDown
The next chapter for Trick Williams begins as he seeks to earn his first victory on SmackDown, with the immediate opportunity against Rey Fenix. With his rapid ascent through WWE’s ranks and a reputation for headline-worthy performances, Williams’ arrival sparks questions and anticipation regarding his prospective championship pursuits and how quickly he can adapt to the unique challenges of this new platform.
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
