Whether you love or hate the outcome, there’s no denying that Trick Williams’ title win was one of the most shocking moments in recent wrestling history
It’s rare for a single match to shake the foundations of two major promotions at once—but this one did just that.
Carlos Silva’s shock, Joe Hendry’s loss, and Trick’s controversial win have opened Pandora’s box. And now, the entire industry is watching to see what comes next.
If played right, this could be a turning point not just for TNA and WWE—but for wrestling as a whole.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of WWE, TNA, or both, this moment is one to celebrate. It’s bold, it’s unexpected, and it sets the stage for what could be a revolutionary time in pro wrestling.
Trick Williams is now more than a rising star—he’s a trailblazer. He’s the man who walked into NXT Battleground and walked out as the TNA World Champion. The Trick Era has officially begun.
Also Read: Trick Williams: Message After Major WWE Title Victory, Wrestling Figure and More
Table of Contents
Trick Williams Makes History at NXT Battleground
In one of the most shocking and groundbreaking moments in modern pro wrestling, Trick Williams defeated Joe Hendry in the main event of NXT Battleground to become the new TNA World Champion.1
The event was already buzzing with anticipation, but Trick’s victory broke barriers and reshaped the boundaries of wrestling collaboration between WWE and TNA.
Not only was this the first time the TNA World Championship was defended inside a WWE ring, but Trick also etched his name in history as the first active WWE Superstar to win the TNA World Title.
Thanks now I need my own locker room.#letstalkaboutit https://t.co/iNC0UshbCq
— Trick Williams (@_trickwilliams) May 26, 2025
The Match That Changed Everything
The main event between Trick Williams and Joe Hendry was a high-octane encounter filled with drama, power moves, and clever storytelling.
Hendry, representing TNA with pride, entered the match with momentum and fan support. Trick, meanwhile, had a point to prove—not just as a representative of WWE NXT, but as a competitor with something to say and something to claim.
In a dramatic turning point, Trick introduced the TNA World Championship belt into the match. His attempt to use it as a weapon was thwarted by the referee.
Hendry, ever the opportunist, attempted to hit Trick with his signature move, the Standing Ovation. But fate had other plans. Hendry missed, stumbled, and fell face-first into the championship belt.
Trick took full advantage of the moment, delivering his devastating finisher—the Trickshot—to secure the win. The referee counted three, and with that, history was made.
Who Is Trick Williams?
For those new to Trick Williams, this moment is just the latest milestone in a rapidly accelerating career.2
Real name Matrick Belton, he is a former college football player turned professional wrestler who signed with WWE in 2021.
Standing at 6’4″ and weighing around 240 pounds, Trick brings charisma, presence, and natural athleticism to the squared circle.
His journey through NXT has seen him evolve from Carmelo Hayes’ bodyguard and hype man to a full-fledged singles star capable of headlining premium live events.
Known for his mic skills, swagger, and unique fashion sense, Trick has grown into a fan-favorite thanks to his energy, confidence, and ability to deliver in big-match situations.
What This Means for TNA Wrestling
Trick Williams becoming the TNA World Champion is a game-changer for TNA. It puts the promotion in the spotlight in a way few partnerships ever have.
With their top title now in the hands of a WWE talent, eyes from around the world will be watching closely to see what comes next.
Will Trick appear on a TNA show to defend the belt? Will more WWE Superstars follow suit and cross the line into TNA? Could TNA stars begin to show up on WWE programming?
These are the questions now buzzing within wrestling communities worldwide.
Implications for WWE and NXT
For WWE, this moment demonstrates a new openness to inter-promotional storytelling.
It’s not the first time WWE has worked with outside promotions—think of their involvement with ECW in the past or Shinsuke Nakamura facing The Great Muta in Pro Wrestling NOAH—but this partnership feels different. It’s deeper. It’s more direct.
As for NXT, Trick’s win adds another layer of prestige to the brand. Having a world title from another promotion on NXT elevates both the roster and the show’s credibility.
It signals that NXT is more than a developmental territory—it’s a battleground for major wrestling storylines and global talent.
Trick Williams’s Next Move
With the TNA World Championship over his shoulder, Trick Williams now has a massive target on his back.3
Will he defend the title on NXT? Will TNA demand he show up and face challengers from their side? And how will his NXT commitments align with the responsibilities of a world champion?
There’s no doubt that Trick’s calendar is about to get a lot busier. Names like Moose, Steve Maclin, Eddie Edwards, or a rematch with Joe Hendry could be looming.
The most intriguing aspect? How Trick balances dual brand presence—potentially appearing on both WWE and TNA platforms. It’s uncharted territory, and Trick is leading the way.
What’s on the Horizon?
Joe Hendry may have lost the title, but his stock has arguably never been higher.
The Scottish star’s magnetic presence, musical entrances, and solid in-ring work have made him a standout in TNA.
Losing to Trick doesn’t diminish his standing—it amplifies his hunger for redemption. Expect Hendry to push for a rematch, perhaps with stricter rules, or even on a grander stage.
His fanbase remains loyal, and if anything, Hendry now has even more material to fuel his storytelling both in and out of the ring.
A Defining Moment in Modern Wrestling
Trick Williams’ win at NXT Battleground is more than just a title change—it’s a defining moment in modern wrestling history.
It reflects the breaking down of walls between companies, the rise of crossover stars, and a growing hunger among fans for fresh, unpredictable content.
With one Trickshot, the wrestling world saw its boundaries shift. Championships no longer belong solely to one brand. Loyalties, allegiances, and rivalries can now span multiple promotions.
And at the center of it all stands Trick Williams, holding the TNA World Championship with confidence, purpose, and undeniable momentum.
Also Read: Trick Williams (Professional Wrestler): Age, Bio/Wiki, Career, Family And More Explained
Trick Williams: Shocking Twist at Battleground
The wrestling world was left reeling after the main event of Battleground, where Trick Williams shockingly captured the TNA World Championship from Joe Hendry.
The victory wasn’t just unexpected—it was controversial, with Trick’s win coming by nefarious means, leaving fans, critics, and insiders stunned.
None more so than TNA President Carlos Silva, who was visibly shocked and unable to hide his disbelief as Trick celebrated with the title belt.
The Look on Carlos Silva’s Face Said It All
Following the final bell, cameras captured Carlos Silva at ringside, his jaw nearly on the floor.
As Trick stood tall, flaunting the TNA World Championship above his head, Silva appeared frozen, blinking in confusion, and visibly mouthing the words, “What just happened?”
In a business where outcomes are tightly controlled and leaders are rarely caught off guard, this was a visual that said more than a thousand words.
The Unlikely Rise of Trick Williams
Trick Williams has been a breakout WWE NXT star over the past year. Known for his charisma, athleticism, and mic skills, he had slowly been climbing the ranks in NXT and establishing himself as one of the most over performers in developmental.
However, no one expected him to cross over to TNA—let alone dethrone one of its top stars, Joe Hendry.
This unexpected crossover began with subtle hints, but exploded into reality at Battleground. And now, Trick isn’t just a visitor; he’s the face of TNA.
A WWE Invasion, or a Bold Business Move?
If Silva did indeed approve the finish, then Trick Williams’ victory may mark the beginning of a new era—one of interpromotional collaboration between WWE and TNA.
In recent months, we’ve seen WWE begin to open the forbidden door, allowing stars like Jordynne Grace to appear on NXT. Could Trick’s win be part of a much larger working relationship?
Fans online have already dubbed this the start of the “WWE-TNA Alliance,” referencing the 2001 Invasion storyline—only this time, it could be more creatively rewarding.
Trick Williams: Champion With Dual Loyalties
What makes this situation even more fascinating is that Trick Williams is still an active WWE talent.
He’s not signed exclusively to TNA, which raises an immediate question: How will this championship reign work logistically?
Will Trick now defend the TNA title on WWE programming? Will he appear on Impact Wrestling weekly? Can he juggle both schedules without burning out? These are all valid concerns—and potential storylines in the making.
Social Media Explodes With Reactions
Wrestling Twitter was ablaze the moment Trick’s win aired. Fans and insiders alike couldn’t believe what they had seen.
“TRICK JUST STOLE THE TNA TITLE?!?!?” one user posted, while others marveled at WWE’s strategic move: “Triple H is playing chess while others are playing checkers.”
Memes of Carlos Silva’s stunned face have gone viral, and fan theories are spreading like wildfire. Is Trick the beginning of a WWE takeover of TNA? Or is this a true collaborative effort to elevate both brands?
Trick Williams: Birthday Gift
Trick Williams got the best birthday gift ever and shared some glimpses from his photoshoot right after becoming TNA World Champion.
View this post on Instagram
The Future of the TNA World Championship
Now that Trick holds the most prestigious title in TNA, what does this mean for its credibility? On one hand, having a WWE star hold the belt elevates its visibility.
On the other, if Trick doesn’t regularly appear on TNA programming, the title’s relevance could suffer.
To prevent that, it’s likely TNA will make major creative changes, possibly even hosting joint tapings with WWE or NXT to accommodate Trick’s dual obligations. Otherwise, the belt risks becoming a mere prop in a WWE storyline.
What Role Will WWE Play Moving Forward?
- This development raises broader questions about WWE’s motives. Are they looking to quietly absorb TNA the way they did ECW in the early 2000s? Or is Triple H simply testing the waters for cross-brand collaborations?
- So far, WWE has remained tight-lipped. No official statement has been made regarding Trick’s win or what it means for their relationship with TNA.
- But actions speak louder than words, and the visual of Trick holding the TNA World Title in a WWE ring would be worth more than any press release.
- No matter how you slice it, the wrestling world is at a crossroads. With Trick Williams as the TNA World Champion, lines are being blurred in unprecedented ways.
- Promotions that once operated in their own silos are now openly collaborating—or competing—on new turf.
- This could usher in a golden age of inter-promotional storytelling. Or it could lead to chaos. Either way, fans are buckled in for the ride.
Also Read: Trick Williams (Professional Wrestler): Age, Bio/Wiki, Career, Family And More Explained
