Trick Williams
{{Short description|American professional wrestler (born 1994)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Trick Williams
|image = Trick Williams on Stay Busy with Armon Sadler.jpg
|caption = Williams in 2024
|birthname= Matrick Mondre Belton{{cite web|url=https://gamecocksonline.com/sports/football/roster/player/matrick-belton/|title=
Matrick Belton - University of South Carolina Athletics|publisher=WWE|access-date=October 3, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/article/largest-class-in-history-reports-wwe-performance-center|title=Largest recruit class in history reports to WWE Performance Center|publisher=WWE|date=February 24, 2021}}
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1994|5|26}}
|birth_place = Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
|ring_names = Sweet Daddy Trick
Trick Williams{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/superstars/trick-williams|title=Trick Williams, WWE.com|publisher=WWE|access-date=October 3, 2023}}
|billed = Columbia, South Carolina
|trainer = CZW Academy{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=24301|title=Trick Williams|website=Cagematch|access-date=October 3, 2023}}
KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy
WWE Performance Center{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=24301|title=Trick Williams, cagematch.net|website=cagematch.net|access-date=October 3, 2023}}
|partner=Lash Legend}}
Matrick Mondre Belton (born May 26, 1994) is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on its NXT brand, under the ring name Trick Williams. He also makes appearances in WWE's partner promotion Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he is the current TNA World Champion in his first reign.
After playing gridiron football in college, Belton began his professional wrestling career in 2018 under the ring name Sweet Daddy Trick when he trained in Philadelphia with his uncle. Belton then signed a developmental contract with WWE in February 2021 and debuted in September of the same year under the Trick Williams ring name. Since then, he has become a two-time NXT Champion, a one-time NXT North American Champion, and was the winner of the 2023 Men's Iron Survivor Challenge. He won the TNA World Championship, his first world championship, in May 2025 and became the first WWE-contracted wrestler to win a TNA championship.
Football career
Belton excelled in athletics since childhood and played college football on a full scholarship for the Hampton Pirates in 2012 and 2013, the latter season cut short due to a pulled hamstring. Feeling he could do more, he abandoned his scholarship to walk on to the South Carolina Gamecocks team, his father's alma mater, from 2014 to 2016.{{cite web | url= https://amp.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-football/article293356259.html | title= Becoming Trick Williams: How former South Carolina football walk-on achieved WWE stardom | publisher=University of South Carolina |first= Peyton |last=Titus | date= October 11, 2024 |access-date=April 6, 2025}} There, he also played alongside his brothers, André and Hassan. He caught 11 passes for 121 yards during his college career, all of which came in 2015.{{cite web | url=https://www.footballdb.com/players/matrick-belton-belto0007 | title=Matrick Belton | publisher=Footballdb.com | access-date=October 16, 2023}} At South Carolina, he graduated in physical education. He went undrafted in 2017 and spent time as an assistant coach and student-teacher intern at Airport High School in West Columbia, South Carolina in the fall of 2017. He then played in The Spring League in 2018 and attended the Philadelphia Eagles rookie minicamp on a tryout basis in May 2018.{{cite web | url=https://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-football/josh-kendall-blog/article210228639.html | title=Matrick Belton and his NFL tryout: 'Sit down, this is kind of a wild story' | publisher=The State | date=May 3, 2018 | access-date=October 16, 2023 | author=Kendall, Josh}}
Professional wrestling career
=Training and early years (2018–2021)=
When he realized his football career was going nowhere, he made a last ditch attempt by sending a tape to WWE in order to make the XFL, a quickly defunct football league also ran by Vince McMahon. While he didn't make the XFL, WWE reached out to him via e-mail to encourage him to try out wrestling.
He moved in with his uncle to train and perform for Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) in Philadelphia. He worked as a fitness coach for Orangetheory Fitness by day and attended wrestling school at night. To honor his uncle and black roots, he created a Dolemite-inspired character named after his uncle's nickname "Sweet Daddy Trick" and even created a short film to develop his new persona. When the COVID pandemic hit, he decided to move out of his elderly uncle's house and relocated to Los Angeles, where he worked odd jobs while trying to make it as an actor. While there, he trained and performed at KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, until he was signed by WWE.
=WWE (2021–present)=
==Debut and Trick Melo Gang (2021–2024) ==
On February 24, 2021, Belton signed a developmental contract with WWE and was assigned to the WWE Performance Center and subsequently the NXT brand. He made his WWE on-screen debut as an unnamed "Elite Guard" of Apollo Crews on the March 5 episode of SmackDown.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXAD13NF6Tg |title=Apollo Crews demands an Intercontinental Title Rematch: SmackDown, March 5, 2021 |date=2021-03-05 |last=WWE |access-date=2025-02-22 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite web |last=Mendhe |first=Abhilash |date=March 6, 2021 |title=Identities of Apollo Crews' guards revealed |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-identities-apollo-crews-guards-revealed |access-date=February 22, 2025 |website=Sportskeeda |language=en-us}} On the September 14 episode of NXT, Belton made his NXT first appearance under the ring name Trick Williams as a friend of Carmelo Hayes, attacking Duke Hudson before his match, establishing himself as a heel and forming an alliance known as the Trick Melo Gang.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/09/14/9-14-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-the-nxt-2-0-premiere-with-tommaso-ciampa-vs-kyle-oreilly-vs-la-knight-vs-pete-dunne-for-the-vacant-nxt-championship-indi-hartwell-and-dexter-lumis-wedding/|title=9/14 NXT TV results: Moore's review of the NXT 2.0 premiere with Tommaso Ciampa vs. Kyle O'Reilly vs. LA Knight vs. Pete Dunne for the vacant NXT Championship, Indi Hartwell and Dexter Lumis wedding, Kayden Carter and Kacy Catanzaro vs. Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne, B-Fab's in-ring debut|first=John|last=Moore|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=September 14, 2021|access-date=October 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006202442/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/09/14/9-14-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-the-nxt-2-0-premiere-with-tommaso-ciampa-vs-kyle-oreilly-vs-la-knight-vs-pete-dunne-for-the-vacant-nxt-championship-indi-hartwell-and-dexter-lumis-wedding/|archive-date=October 6, 2021|url-status=live}} Williams made his in-ring debut on the October 5 episode of NXT, teaming with Hayes in a fatal four-way elimination tag team match for the NXT Tag Team Championship, which was won by MSK (Nash Carter and Wes Lee).{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=October 5, 2021 |title=10/5 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of MSK vs. Josh Briggs and Brooks Jensen vs. Zack Gibson and James Drake vs. Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams in a four-way for the NXT Tag Titles, LA Knight vs. Odyssey Jones, Mandy Rose vs. Ember Moon, Tony D'Angelo and Cora Jade debut |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/05/10-5-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-msk-vs-josh-briggs-and-brooks-jensen-vs-zack-gibson-and-james-drake-vs-carmelo-hayes-and-trick-williams-in-a-four-way-for-the-nxt-tag-titles-la-knight-vs/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529044658/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/05/10-5-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-msk-vs-josh-briggs-and-brooks-jensen-vs-zack-gibson-and-james-drake-vs-carmelo-hayes-and-trick-williams-in-a-four-way-for-the-nxt-tag-titles-la-knight-vs/ |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |access-date=March 13, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} In 2022, Williams feuded with Lee, defeating him at NXT: The Great American Bash on July 5, but lost to him in a rounds match on the August 9 episode of NXT.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=July 5, 2022 |title=7/5 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of Bron Breakker vs. Cameron Grimes for the NXT Title, Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne vs. Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade for the NXT Women's Tag Titles, Carmelo Hayes vs. Grayson Waller for the NXT NA Title, The Creeds vs. Roderick Strong and Damon Kemp for the NXT Tag Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/07/05/7-5-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-bron-breakker-vs-cameron-grimes-for-the-nxt-title-gigi-dolin-and-jacy-jayne-vs-roxanne-perez-and-cora-jade-for-the-nxt-womens-tag-titles-carmelo/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706022500/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/07/05/7-5-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-bron-breakker-vs-cameron-grimes-for-the-nxt-title-gigi-dolin-and-jacy-jayne-vs-roxanne-perez-and-cora-jade-for-the-nxt-womens-tag-titles-carmelo/ |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |access-date=February 6, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=August 9, 2022 |title=8/9 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of Santos Escobar vs. Tony D'Angelo meet for the last time, Cora Jade vs. Zoey Stark, Wes Lee vs. Trick Williams in a Rounds Match, Nikkita Lyons vs. Kiana James |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/09/8-9-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-santos-escobar-vs-tony-dangelo-meet-for-the-last-time-cora-jade-vs-zoey-stark-wes-lee-vs-trick-williams-in-a-rounds-match-nikkita-lyons-vs-ki/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007021230/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/09/8-9-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-santos-escobar-vs-tony-dangelo-meet-for-the-last-time-cora-jade-vs-zoey-stark-wes-lee-vs-trick-williams-in-a-rounds-match-nikkita-lyons-vs-ki/ |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |access-date=February 6, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}
Williams and Hayes turned face on the April 4, 2023 episode of NXT after Bron Breakker turned heel by attacking them.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=April 4, 2023 |title=4/4 NXT TV results: Moore's review of the Stand & Deliver fallout edition with Dragon Lee vs. Nathan Frazer, Dijak vs. Odyssey Jones, "Pretty Deadly" Elton Prince and Kit Wilson vs. Tony D'Angelo and Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/04/04/4-4-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-the-stand-deliver-fallout-edition-with-dragon-lee-vs-nathan-frazer-dijak-vs-odyssey-jones-pretty-deadly-elton-prince-and-kit-wilson-vs-tony/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405082422/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/04/04/4-4-nxt-tv-results-moores-review-of-the-stand-deliver-fallout-edition-with-dragon-lee-vs-nathan-frazer-dijak-vs-odyssey-jones-pretty-deadly-elton-prince-and-kit-wilson-vs-tony/ |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |access-date=February 6, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} On the August 1 episode of NXT, Williams told Hayes that they needed to part ways so he could achieve his own accomplishments, amicably breaking up the Trick Melo Gang.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=August 1, 2023 |title=NXT TV results (8/1): Moore's review of the Great American Bash fallout show with Lyra Valkyria vs. Jacy Jayne, Eddy Thorpe vs. Dijak, Yulisa Leon and Valentina Feroz vs. Elektra Lopez and Lola Vice |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/01/nxt-tv-results-8-1-moores-review-of-the-great-american-bash-fallout-show-with-lyra-valkyria-vs-jacy-jayne-eddy-thorpe-vs-dijak-yulisa-leon-and-valentina-feroz-vs-elektra-lopez-and/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805155430/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/01/nxt-tv-results-8-1-moores-review-of-the-great-american-bash-fallout-show-with-lyra-valkyria-vs-jacy-jayne-eddy-thorpe-vs-dijak-yulisa-leon-and-valentina-feroz-vs-elektra-lopez-and/ |archive-date=August 5, 2023 |access-date=February 6, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} At NXT: Heatwave on August 22, Williams lost to Ilja Dragunov.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=August 22, 2023 |title=NXT TV results (8/22): Moore's review of Heatwave with Carmelo Hayes vs. Wes Lee for the NXT Title, Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio vs. Dragon Lee and Lyra Valkyria, Nathan Frazer vs. Noam Dar for the NXT Heritage Cup |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/22/nxt-tv-results-8-22-moores-review-of-heatwave-with-carmelo-hayes-vs-wes-lee-for-the-nxt-title-rhea-ripley-and-dominik-mysterio-vs-dragon-lee-and-lyra-valkyria-nathan-frazer-vs-noam-dar/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823040233/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/22/nxt-tv-results-8-22-moores-review-of-heatwave-with-carmelo-hayes-vs-wes-lee-for-the-nxt-title-rhea-ripley-and-dominik-mysterio-vs-dragon-lee-and-lyra-valkyria-nathan-frazer-vs-noam-dar/ |archive-date=August 23, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} On the September 26 episode of NXT, Williams became the number one contender to the NXT North American Championship by defeating Axiom, Dragon Lee and Tyler Bate in a fatal four-way match.{{cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=September 26, 2023 |title=NXT TV results (9/26): Moore's review of Butch vs. Joe Coffey in the Global Heritage Invitational final, Dijak vs. Eddy Thorpe in a strap match, Gigi Dolin vs. Blair Davenport, Joe Gacy vs. Trick Williams, the final push for NXT No Mercy |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/26/nxt-tv-results-9-26-moores-review-of-butch-vs-joe-coffey-in-the-heritage-cup-final-dijak-vs-eddy-thorpe-in-a-strap-match-gigi-dolin-vs-blair-davenport-joe-gacy-vs-trick-williams-the/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927034111/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/26/nxt-tv-results-9-26-moores-review-of-butch-vs-joe-coffey-in-the-heritage-cup-final-dijak-vs-eddy-thorpe-in-a-strap-match-gigi-dolin-vs-blair-davenport-joe-gacy-vs-trick-williams-the/ |archive-date=September 27, 2023 |access-date=September 26, 2023 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} Four days later at NXT No Mercy, Williams defeated "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio to win the title.{{cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=September 30, 2023 |title=NXT No Mercy results: Moore's live review of Carmelo Hayes vs. Ilja Dragunov for the NXT Title, Becky Lynch vs. Tiffany Stratton in an Extreme Rules match for the NXT Women's Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/30/nxt-no-mercy-results-moores-live-review-of-carmelo-hayes-vs-ilja-dragunov-for-the-nxt-title-becky-lynch-vs-tiffany-stratton-in-an-extreme-rules-match-for-the-nxt-womens-title/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004133424/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/30/nxt-no-mercy-results-moores-live-review-of-carmelo-hayes-vs-ilja-dragunov-for-the-nxt-title-becky-lynch-vs-tiffany-stratton-in-an-extreme-rules-match-for-the-nxt-womens-title/ |archive-date=October 4, 2023 |access-date=September 30, 2023 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} Two days later, Williams made his debut appearance on Raw as the new NXT North American Champion.{{Cite web |last=Tessier |first=Colin |date=October 2, 2023 |title=Trick Williams Appears On 10/2 WWE Raw, Gets Confronted By Dominik Mysterio |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/trick-williams-appears-102-wwe-raw-gets-confronted-dominik-mysterio |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209143722/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/trick-williams-appears-102-wwe-raw-gets-confronted-dominik-mysterio |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |access-date=November 2, 2023 |website=Fightful}} However, on the October 3 episode of NXT, Williams lost the title back to Mysterio after interference from Mysterio's Judgment Day stablemates, ending his reign at three days and marking it the shortest reign in the title's history.{{cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=October 3, 2023 |title=NXT TV results (10/3): Moore's review of Trick Williams vs. Dominik Mysterio for the NXT North American Title, Gigi Dolin vs. Blair Davenport, Tyler Bate and Butch vs. Mark Coffey and Wolfgang |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/03/nxt-tv-results-10-3-moores-review-of-trick-williams-vs-dominik-mysterio-for-the-nxt-north-american-title-gigi-dolin-vs-blair-davenport-tyler-bate-and-butch-vs-mark-coffey-and-wolfgang/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010135207/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/03/nxt-tv-results-10-3-moores-review-of-trick-williams-vs-dominik-mysterio-for-the-nxt-north-american-title-gigi-dolin-vs-blair-davenport-tyler-bate-and-butch-vs-mark-coffey-and-wolfgang/ |archive-date=October 10, 2023 |access-date=October 3, 2023 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} Williams made his Main Event debut on the October 16 taping in a losing effort against Chad Gable.{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |date=October 22, 2023 |title=WWE Main Event Results (10/19): Trick Williams Faces Chad Gable |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/wwe-main-event-results-1019-trick-williams-faces-chad-gable |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102160223/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/wwe-main-event-results-1019-trick-williams-faces-chad-gable |archive-date=November 2, 2023 |access-date=November 2, 2023 |website=Fightful}}
On the October 17 episode of NXT, Williams was slotted into the triple threat match between Hayes, Dijak and Baron Corbin to make it a fatal four-way match for a NXT Championship opportunity against Dragunov at NXT: Halloween Havoc, causing a rift between Williams and Hayes. Before the match started, Williams was found attacked backstage and taken to a hospital. Hayes then defeated Dijak and Corbin for the title opportunity.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=October 17, 2023 |title=NXT TV results (10/17): Moore's review of Carmelo Hayes vs. Baron Corbin vs. Dijak for a shot at the NXT Title, Lyra Valkyria vs. Tegan Nox, Bada-Bing, Bada-Boom Battle Royal |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/17/nxt-tv-results-10-17-moores-review-of-carmelo-hayes-vs-baron-corbin-vs-dijak-for-a-shot-at-the-nxt-title-lyra-valkyria-vs-tegan-nox-bada-bing-bada-boom-battle-royal/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019051225/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/17/nxt-tv-results-10-17-moores-review-of-carmelo-hayes-vs-baron-corbin-vs-dijak-for-a-shot-at-the-nxt-title-lyra-valkyria-vs-tegan-nox-bada-bing-bada-boom-battle-royal/ |archive-date=October 19, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} At Night 2 of Halloween Havoc on October 31, Williams returned and cost Hayes the NXT Championship match.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=October 31, 2023 |title=NXT TV results (10/31): Moore's review of Ilja Dragunov vs. Carmelo Hayes for the NXT Championship, Dominik Mysterio vs. Nathan Frazer for the NXT North American Title, Bron Breakker vs. Mr. Stone |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/31/nxt-tv-results-10-31-moores-review-of-ilja-dragunov-vs-carmelo-hayes-for-the-nxt-championship-dominik-mysterio-vs-nathan-frazer-for-the-nxt-north-american-title-bron-breakker-vs-mr-stone/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101042502/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/31/nxt-tv-results-10-31-moores-review-of-ilja-dragunov-vs-carmelo-hayes-for-the-nxt-championship-dominik-mysterio-vs-nathan-frazer-for-the-nxt-north-american-title-bron-breakker-vs-mr-stone/ |archive-date=November 1, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} On the November 14 episode of NXT, he defeated Joe Coffey to qualify for the Iron Survivor Challenge at NXT Deadline.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=November 15, 2023 |title=NXT TV results (11/14): Moore's review of Andre Chase and Duke Hudson vs. Tony D'Angelo Stacks for the NXT Tag Titles, Ridge Holland and Butch vs. OTM, Wes Lee vs. Baron Corbin |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/11/14/nxt-tv-results-11-14-moores-review-of-andre-chase-and-duke-hudson-vs-tony-dangelo-stacks-for-the-nxt-tag-titles-ridge-holland-and-butch-vs-otm-wes-lee-vs-baron-corbin/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117161034/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/11/14/nxt-tv-results-11-14-moores-review-of-andre-chase-and-duke-hudson-vs-tony-dangelo-stacks-for-the-nxt-tag-titles-ridge-holland-and-butch-vs-otm-wes-lee-vs-baron-corbin/ |archive-date=November 17, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} At the event on December 9, Williams won the men's Iron Survivor Challenge to earn an NXT Championship match against Dragunov at NXT: New Year's Evil on January 2, 2024.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=December 9, 2023 |title=NXT Deadline results: Moore's live review of Ilja Dragunov vs. Baron Corbin for the NXT Title, Iron Survivor Challenge matches, Dominik Mysterio vs. Dragon Lee for the NA Title, Carmelo Hayes vs. Lexis King |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/12/09/nxt-deadline-results-moores-live-review-of-ilja-dragunov-vs-baron-corbin-for-the-nxt-title-iron-survivor-challenge-matches-dominik-mysterio-vs-dragon-lee-for-the-na-title-carmelo-hayes-vs-lex/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209235527/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/12/09/nxt-deadline-results-moores-live-review-of-ilja-dragunov-vs-baron-corbin-for-the-nxt-title-iron-survivor-challenge-matches-dominik-mysterio-vs-dragon-lee-for-the-na-title-carmelo-hayes-vs-lex/ |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |access-date=March 14, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} At the event, it was announced that Dragunov was not medically cleared to wrestle. Instead, Hayes put Williams in a match against Grayson Waller with his Iron Survivor Challenge title match on the line, which he won after interference from Kevin Owens.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=January 2, 2024 |title=NXT TV results (1/2): Moore's review of New Year's Evil with Ilja Dragunov vs. Trick Williams for the NXT Championship, Lyra Valkyria vs. Blair Davenport for the NXT Women's Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/02/nxt-tv-results-1-2-moores-review-of-new-years-evil-with-ilja-dragunov-vs-trick-williams-for-the-nxt-championship-lyra-valkyria-vs-blair-davenport-for-the-nxt-womens-championship/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104032738/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/02/nxt-tv-results-1-2-moores-review-of-new-years-evil-with-ilja-dragunov-vs-trick-williams-for-the-nxt-championship-lyra-valkyria-vs-blair-davenport-for-the-nxt-womens-championship/ |archive-date=January 4, 2024 |access-date=January 3, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} On the January 16 episode of NXT, Dragunov returned from injury and informed Williams that their title match would take place at NXT Vengeance Day. At the same time, Williams and Hayes defeated Edris Enofé and Malik Blade in the first round of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.{{Cite web |last=Berge |first=Kevin |date=January 16, 2024 |title=WWE NXT Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights from Jan. 16 |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10105390-wwe-nxt-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-and-highlights-from-jan-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120191933/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10105390-wwe-nxt-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-and-highlights-from-jan-16 |archive-date=January 20, 2024 |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=Bleacher Report}} Williams made his SmackDown appearance debut on January 26, saving Hayes from a beatdown by A-Town Down Under (Waller and Austin Theory).{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=January 26, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (1/26): Barnett's review of the Royal Rumble go-home show, LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa, Kayden Carter and Katana Chance vs. Kabuki Warriors for the WWE Women's Tag Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/26/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-1-26-barnetts-review-of-the-royal-rumble-go-home-show-la-knight-vs-solo-sikoa-kayden-carter-and-katana-chance-vs-kabuki-warriors-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-ti/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127072906/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/26/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-1-26-barnetts-review-of-the-royal-rumble-go-home-show-la-knight-vs-solo-sikoa-kayden-carter-and-katana-chance-vs-kabuki-warriors-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-ti/ |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |access-date=January 27, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} On the January 30 episode of NXT, Williams and Hayes defeated Latino World Order's Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro to advance to the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=January 30, 2024 |title=NXT TV results (1/30): Moore's review of Ilja Dragunov and Trick Williams meet face to face before Vengeance Day, Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams vs. Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro in a Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic semifinal match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/30/nxt-tv-results-1-30-moores-review-of-ilja-dragunov-and-trick-williams-meet-face-to-face-before-vengeance-day-carmelo-hayes-and-trick-williams-vs-joaquin-wilde-and-cruz-del-toro-in-a-dusty-rhode/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131074406/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/30/nxt-tv-results-1-30-moores-review-of-ilja-dragunov-and-trick-williams-meet-face-to-face-before-vengeance-day-carmelo-hayes-and-trick-williams-vs-joaquin-wilde-and-cruz-del-toro-in-a-dusty-rhode/ |archive-date=January 31, 2024 |access-date=January 31, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}
== Championship reigns (2024–present) ==
At NXT Vengeance Day on February 4, Williams and Hayes lost to Baron Corbin and Bron Breakker in the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Later that night, Williams failed to win the NXT Championship from Dragunov. After the match, Hayes attacked Williams with a steel chair, ending their partnership.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=February 4, 2024 |title=NXT Vengeance Day results: Moore's live review of Ilja Dragunov vs. Trick Williams for the NXT Title, Lyra Valkyria vs. Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women's Title, Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic finals |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/02/04/nxt-vengeance-day-results-moores-live-review-of-ilja-dragunov-vs-trick-williams-for-the-nxt-title-lyra-valkyria-vs-roxanne-perez-for-the-nxt-womens-title-dusty-rhodes-tag-team-classic-finals/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205023731/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/02/04/nxt-vengeance-day-results-moores-live-review-of-ilja-dragunov-vs-trick-williams-for-the-nxt-title-lyra-valkyria-vs-roxanne-perez-for-the-nxt-womens-title-dusty-rhodes-tag-team-classic-finals/ |archive-date=February 5, 2024 |access-date=February 5, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} On the following episode of NXT, Hayes revealed that he was the one who attacked Williams back in October 2023.{{cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=February 13, 2024 |title=NXT TV results (2/13): Moore's review of Tony D'Angelo and Channing Lorenzo vs. Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin for the NXT Tag Titles, Von Wagner and Mr. Stone vs. Noam Dar and Oro Mensah |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/02/13/nxt-tv-results-2-13-moores-review-of-tony-dangelo-and-channing-lorenzo-vs-bron-breakker-and-baron-corbin-for-the-nxt-tag-titles-von-wagner-and-mr-stone-vs-noam-dar-and-oro-mensah/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214045307/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/02/13/nxt-tv-results-2-13-moores-review-of-tony-dangelo-and-channing-lorenzo-vs-bron-breakker-and-baron-corbin-for-the-nxt-tag-titles-von-wagner-and-mr-stone-vs-noam-dar-and-oro-mensah/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=March 13, 2024 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} After Tony D'Angelo defeated Hayes at NXT: Roadblock, Williams made his return and attacked Hayes.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=March 5, 2024 |title=NXT TV results (3/5): Moore's review of NXT Roadblock with Carmelo Hayes vs. Tony D'Angelo for a shot at the NXT Title, Kabuki Warriors vs. Lyra Valkyria and Tatum Paxley for the WWE Women's Tag Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/05/nxt-tv-results-3-5-moores-review-of-nxt-roadblock-with-carmelo-hayes-vs-tony-dangelo-for-a-shot-at-the-nxt-title-kabuki-warriors-vs-lyra-valkyria-and-tatum-paxley-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-ti/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310221316/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/05/nxt-tv-results-3-5-moores-review-of-nxt-roadblock-with-carmelo-hayes-vs-tony-dangelo-for-a-shot-at-the-nxt-title-kabuki-warriors-vs-lyra-valkyria-and-tatum-paxley-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-ti/ |archive-date=March 10, 2024 |access-date=March 6, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} The following week on NXT, Williams challenged Hayes to a match at NXT Stand & Deliver on April 6, which Williams won.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=March 12, 2024 |title=NXT TV results (3/19): Moore's review of Oba Femi vs. Brooks Jensen for the NXT North American Title, Trick Williams' appearance, Shawn Spears vs. Ridge Holland, Gigi Dolin vs. Arianna Grace |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/12/nxt-tv-results-3-19-moores-review-of-oba-femi-vs-brooks-jensen-for-the-nxt-north-american-title-trick-williams-appearance-shawn-spears-vs-ridge-holland-gigi-dolin-vs-arianna-grace/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314043639/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/12/nxt-tv-results-3-19-moores-review-of-oba-femi-vs-brooks-jensen-for-the-nxt-north-american-title-trick-williams-appearance-shawn-spears-vs-ridge-holland-gigi-dolin-vs-arianna-grace/ |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |access-date=March 13, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}{{Cite news |last=Barrasso |first=Justin |date=March 14, 2024 |title=Carmelo Hayes-Trick Williams Match Officially Set for Stand & Deliver |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/wwe/carmelo-hayes-trick-williams-match-officially-set-for-stand-deliver |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327225236/https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/wwe/carmelo-hayes-trick-williams-match-officially-set-for-stand-deliver |archive-date=March 27, 2024 |access-date=March 15, 2024 |work=Sports Illustrated |language=}}{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=April 6, 2024 |title=NXT Stand & Deliver results: Moore's live review of Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes, Ilja Dragunov vs. Tony D'Angelo for the NXT Title, Lyra Valkyria vs. Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women's Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/06/nxt-stand-deliver-results-moores-live-review-of-trick-williams-vs-carmelo-hayes-ilja-dragunov-vs-tony-dangelo-for-the-nxt-title-lyra-valkyria-vs-roxanne-perez-for-the-nxt-womens-title/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406160030/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/06/nxt-stand-deliver-results-moores-live-review-of-trick-williams-vs-carmelo-hayes-ilja-dragunov-vs-tony-dangelo-for-the-nxt-title-lyra-valkyria-vs-roxanne-perez-for-the-nxt-womens-title/ |archive-date=April 6, 2024 |access-date=April 7, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} On the following episode of NXT, Williams called out Dragunov to challenge him for the NXT Championship. Dragunov agreed to a title match at Spring Breakin' on the condition that Williams leave NXT if he loses, which Williams accepted.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=April 9, 2024 |title=NXT TV results (4/9): Moore's review of the Stand & Deliver fallout show, Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin vs. Axiom and Nathan Frazer for the NXT Tag Team Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/09/nxt-tv-results-4-9-moores-review-of-the-stand-deliver-fallout-show-bron-breakker-and-baron-corbin-vs-axiom-and-nathan-frazer-for-the-nxt-tag-team-titles/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410021822/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/09/nxt-tv-results-4-9-moores-review-of-the-stand-deliver-fallout-show-bron-breakker-and-baron-corbin-vs-axiom-and-nathan-frazer-for-the-nxt-tag-team-titles/ |archive-date=April 10, 2024 |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} In a NXT Stand & Deliver rematch on the April 16 episode of NXT, Williams defeated Hayes in a steel cage match despite interference from Hayes' security team to end their feud.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=April 16, 2024 |title=NXT TV results (4/16): Moore's review of Carmelo Hayes vs. Trick Williams in a steel cage match, Ridge Holland vs. Joaquin Wilde, Sol Ruca vs. Lola Vice, Noam Dar vs. Dijak |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/16/nxt-tv-results-4-16-moores-review-of-carmelo-hayes-vs-trick-williams-in-a-steel-cage-match-ridge-holland-vs-joaquin-wilde-sol-ruca-vs-lola-vice-noam-dar-vs-dijak/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421035048/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/16/nxt-tv-results-4-16-moores-review-of-carmelo-hayes-vs-trick-williams-in-a-steel-cage-match-ridge-holland-vs-joaquin-wilde-sol-ruca-vs-lola-vice-noam-dar-vs-dijak/ |archive-date=April 21, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} On Week 1 of Spring Breakin'
After losing the NXT Championship, Williams got into with a feud with Pete Dunne, who derided Williams for seeking advice to recapture the NXT Championship. This led to a match at Week 2 of NXT: The Great American Bash on August 6 where Dunne won.{{Cite web |last=Berge |first=Kevin |date=August 7, 2024 |title=WWE NXT Great American Bash Night 2 Results: Winners, Live Grades, Highlights, More |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10131002-wwe-nxt-great-american-bash-night-2-results-winners-live-grades-highlights-more |access-date=September 5, 2024 |website=Bleacher Report |language=}} Williams retaliated by costing Dunne in a triple threat match against Joe Hendry and Wes Lee for a NXT Championship match at NXT No Mercy on September 1,{{Cite web |date=August 20, 2024 |title=WWE NXT results: Aug. 20, 2024 |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2024-08-20/article/results |access-date=September 5, 2024 |website=WWE |language=}} where Williams served as the special guest referee for the NXT Championship match between Hendry and Page. After the match, he was attacked by Dunne.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=September 1, 2024 |title=NXT No Mercy results: Moore's live review of Ethan Page vs. Joe Hendry for the NXT Championship with Trick Williams as special referee, Roxanne Perez vs. Jaida Parker for the NXT Women's Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/09/01/nxt-no-mercy-results-moores-live-review-of-ethan-page-vs-joe-hendry-for-the-nxt-championship-with-trick-williams-as-special-referee-roxanne-perez-vs-jaida-parker-for-the-nxt-womens-championshi/ |access-date=September 5, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=}} On the September 10 episode of NXT, Williams defeated Dunne in a Last Man Standing match to end their feud and to earn an NXT Championship match at NXT
On the April 22 episode of NXT, Williams began to tease a heel turn, as his character shifted to become more selfish and entitled as he whined for another title opportunity from Femi. Afterwards, Williams would insult TNA World Champion Joe Hendry following his surprise appearance and quick loss to Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41. Williams solidified his heel turn by attacking Hendry at Rebellion and later helping DarkState win their match against Hendry and Hank and Tank (Hank Walker and Tank Ledger) on the May 6 episode of NXT. At NXT Battleground on May 25, Williams defeated Hendry to win the title. This marked the first world championship in his career and the first time a contracted WWE wrestler won a TNA title.{{cite web|last=Moore|first=John|title=NXT Battleground results: Moore's live review of Stephanie Vaquer vs. Jordynne Grace for the NXT Women's Championship, Joe Hendry vs. Trick Williams for the TNA World Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/05/25/nxt-battleground-results-moores-live-review-of-stephanie-vaquer-vs-jordynne-grace-for-the-nxt-womens-championship-joe-hendry-vs-trick-williams-for-the-tna-world-championship/|date=May 25, 2025|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=May 25, 2025}} On the June 3 episode of NXT, Williams successfully defended the title against Mike Santana in his first title defense after interference from First Class (A. J. Francis and KC Navarro.{{Cite web |last=Mueller |first=Chris |title=WWE NXT Results, Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights Before Worlds Collide |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25201858-wwe-nxt-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-and-highlights-worlds-collide |access-date=2025-06-04 |website=bleacherreport.com |language=en}}
= Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2025–present) =
Trick Williams made his Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) debut at Rebellion on April 27, 2025, where he attacked Joe Hendry after Hendry retained his TNA World Championship against Frankie Kazarian and Ethan Page.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 27, 2025 |title=TNA Rebellion results (4/27): Powell's review of Joe Hendry vs. Ethan Page vs. Frankie Kazarian for the TNA World Championship, Masha Slamovich vs. Tessa Blanchard for the Knockouts Title, Ultimate X |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/04/27/tna-rebellion-results-4-27-powells-review-of-joe-hendry-vs-ethan-page-vs-frankie-kazarian-for-the-tna-world-championship-masha-slamovich-vs-tessa-blanchard-for-the-knockouts-title-ultim/ |access-date=April 28, 2025 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} Williams went on to defeat Hendry for the TNA World Championship at NXT Battleground a month later.
Other media
Belton, as Trick Williams, made his video game debut as a playable character in WWE 2K23 as a DLC{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k23-roster/|title=WWE 2K23 roster reveal with every confirmed wrestler|last=Wilson|first=Ben|date=February 20, 2023|website=GamesRadar+|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223072613/https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k23-roster/|archive-date=February 23, 2023|url-status=live}} and has since appeared in WWE 2K24{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k24-roster/|title=WWE 2K24 roster guide with every confirmed wrestler|publisher=GamesRadar+|language=EN|date=January 25, 2024|archive-date=February 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227042348/https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k24-roster/|url-status=live}} and WWE 2K25.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/wwe-2k/wwe-2k25-roster/|title=Full WWE 2K25 roster guide with every confirmed wrestler sorted by brand|publisher=GamesRadar+|first=Ben|last=Eilson|date=March 12, 2025|access-date=May 5, 2025}}
Belton worked as an extra in the third season of the TV series All American. He also appeared as a guest star in the finale of the show's seventh season.{{cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=April 10, 2025 |title=WWE's Trick Williams to Guest Star on 'All American' Season 7 Finale (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/wwe-trick-williams-all-american-season-7-finale-1236365930/ |access-date=May 5, 2025 |work=Deadline Hollywood}}
Discography
Personal life
Belton is currently in a relationship with fellow female American professional wrestler Anriel Howard, who currently competes under the ring name Lash Legend.{{Cite web |last=@ungodlyrollins |title=need jassi back on real housewives of potomac next season so we can get another lash legend cameo 🙂↕️ |url=https://x.com/ungodlyrollins/status/1910377765800394888?t=QXz_mOCR7qqH8V93tmw0_A&s=19 |access-date=April 10, 2025 |website=Www.Twitter.com}}
Championships and accomplishments
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Ranked No. 28 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2024{{cite journal |last1=PWI Staff |title=The 2024 PWI 500 |journal=Pro Wrestling Illustrated |date=December 2024 |volume=45 |issue=9 |page=33}}
- Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
- TNA World Championship (1 time, current)
- WWE
- NXT Championship (2 times)
- NXT North American Championship (1 time){{Cite web |title=NXT North American Championship |url=https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/nxt-north-american-championship |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111122152/https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/nxt-north-american-championship |archive-date=January 11, 2024 |access-date=January 3, 2024 |website= |publisher=WWE}}
- Men's Iron Survivor Challenge (2023)
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{WWE superstar|trick-williams|Trick Williams}}
- {{Professional wrestling profiles}}
- {{IMDb name|name=Matrick Belton}}
{{WWE personnel}}
{{Impact World Championship}}
{{NXT Championship}}
{{NXT North American Championship}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Williams, Trick}}
Category:Players of American football from Columbia, South Carolina
Category:African-American professional wrestlers
Category:American football wide receivers
Category:South Carolina Gamecocks football players
Category:Sportspeople from Columbia, South Carolina
Category:Professional wrestlers from South Carolina
Category:American male professional wrestlers
Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers
Category:21st-century American professional wrestlers
Category:NXT North American Champions
Category:TNA World Heavyweight/Impact World Champions
Category:The Spring League players