Breaking: Trick Williams Officially Joins SmackDown Roster
Trick Williams has formally aligned with WWE SmackDown, ending a brief free-agent period and signaling a clear intent for a high-profile run on the blue brand. The move was confirmed on the Jan. 2 edition of SmackDown after Williams spent much of 2025 appearing on both RAW and SmackDown.
Williams announced his SmackDown allegiance during an in-ring moment with Sami Zayn, declaring his ambition to contend for the WWE Championship and immediately placing himself in the top-tier title talk.
Zayn offered a respectful nod to Williams’ credentials but issued a pointed warning: “You haven’t been humbled yet.” The exchange established immediate tension between the two that carried into later segments.
Backstage, Williams confronted SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis over Zayn’s remarks. The confrontation also drew Rey Fenix into the scene, and Williams and Zayn traded barbs once again. aldis then booked Williams vs. Zayn for next week’s SmackDown, giving Williams a direct test in his first week on the brand.
Williams’ rise has stood as one of WWE’s notable recent success stories. A former NFL hopeful, he began wrestling training in 2018 with Combat Zone Wrestling before joining WWE’s advancement system in 2021. He initially gained momentum through his alliance with Carmelo Hayes, now the WWE United States Champion, before the two split and feuded.
Since then,Williams captured two NXT Championships and the NXT North American Championship,establishing himself as a leading figure on the brand. In 2025, he held the TNA World Championship for several months, before losing the title later that year at Bound for Glory. With his SmackDown move complete, he enters 2026 positioned as a rising contender with championship ambitions on display.
Industry observers view Williams’ SmackDown debut as part of WWE’s ongoing roster strategy—elevating proven champions and strong performers to headline programs and premium live events. The move underscores WWE’s focus on building main-event-worthy talent from within its own ranks.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Trick Williams |
| New Brand | SmackDown |
| Previous Highlights | Two-time NXT Champion; NXT North American Champion; 2025 TNA World Champion |
| First SmackDown Week | Jan. 2, 2026; in-ring pledge of SmackDown allegiance with Sami Zayn; backstage clash with Nick Aldis |
| Next Match Teed | Against Sami Zayn on the following SmackDown |
| Context | illustrates WWE’s roster-shuffle approach and push toward main-event potential |
For broader context on WWE’s current roster moves, readers can explore updates from ESPN’s WWE coverage and SmackDown details on WWE’s official site.
ESPN WWE coverage • SmackDown on WWE.com
Reader Engagement
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