Main roster move, Sami Zayn's next challenger? - 4 possible directions for Trick Williams following his crushing defeat at WWE NXT Heatwave
Trick Williams has long been one of WWE's most popular stars. However, his rise to the top seemingly came out of nowhere. He went from being Carmelo Hayes' sidekick to becoming the most popular man on NXT.
As a result, Trick has found success in the title picture. The former NXT North American Champion won the NXT Title earlier this year. Unfortunately, his reign with that prized title ended last night at the Heatwave Premium Live Event.
Trick battled Shawn Spears, Ethan Page, and Je'Von Evans in a Fatal Four-Way Match and ultimately fell victim to the golden rule of the bout. Ethan pinned Je'Von, thus meaning Trick lost his prized belt without even being pinned or made to submit.
Williams was rightfully frustrated following his loss. But what's next for the now-former NXT Champion? Could Trick chase the title again or even turn heel? Could he find himself moved up to the main roster? This article will look at a few directions for the former titleholder.
Below are four possible directions for Trick Williams following his crushing defeat at Heatwave 2024:
#4. He could chase Ethan Page to regain the title
The first and most obvious direction for Trick Williams is to attempt to regain the coveted WWE NXT Championship.
Given that Williams wasn't even pinned or made to submit, he would have a credible claim to a rematch. Not only that, but it was his move that knocked Je'Von Evans out. On top of those points, Williams defeated Ethan Page when the two clashed in a singles match at Battleground 2024.
NXT will have a special show, The Great American Bash, next month. That could be the perfect date for Trick and Ethan to collide again, this time with nobody else around to interfere. Will Williams stand tall again, or will Page have his number?
#3. Trick Williams could move to WWE SmackDown and feud with Carmelo Hayes
Often, when NXT Superstar loses the top title of the developmental brand, they get called up to WWE's main roster. SmackDown, in particular, has been a prime location for NXT performers. Nick Aldis clearly has a close eye on the brand and tries to grab anybody he believes can fit on the brand.
SmackDown would be a great place for Trick since he already has an in-built feud there. The former NXT Champion could reignite his rivalry with friend-turned-foe Carmelo Hayes.
This may have been teased already during the Money in the Bank Kickoff. Melo mentioned that if he were to win the briefcase, he could have potentially cashed it in on Trick Williams. Could that have been foreshadowing the two feuding more soon?
#2. He could be signed by Adam Pearce and join Monday Night RAW
SmackDown is a great WWE brand, but RAW is the flagship show of the promotion. Monday Night RAW was first launched over 30 years ago, in 1993. It spent decades as the promotion's number-one show until SmackDown moved to FOX in 2019.
Adam Pearce runs the red brand and has also made an effort to sign NXT talent. The likes of Lyra Valkyria, Ilja Dragunov, Kiana James, The Creed Brothers, and Ivy Nile are some NXT stars that Adam brought to RAW. Trick Williams could be next on his list.
Supposing that Adam Pearce does sign Trick to Monday Night RAW, Williams could once again chase championship glory. Now that Sami Zayn has defeated Bron Breakker, the IC Champion needs a new challenge. Trick could be the man who steps up and takes on the beloved champion.
#1. A frustrated Trick Williams could turn heel on NXT
Trick Williams showed a side of himself at Heatwave that most WWE fans aren't used to. For starters, he was quite aggressive during the Fatal Four-Way Match, even shockingly pushing Je'Von Evans off the ropes onto the announce table on the floor.
When Trick eventually did lose his prized title, he looked extremely frustrated and angry. While this could just be a case of understandable emotions due to losing his belt, there is a very real chance that the popular WWE star may turn heel.
A heel Trick could betray Je'Von Evans. The two are portrayed as friends, and Williams is even seen as a mentor to Evans. If Trick turns on the Young OG, fans may actually decide to boo the otherwise popular former NXT Champion.