Trick Williams’ SmackDown call-up might’ve felt overdue to fans — but according to Trick himself, the delay was exactly what he needed.
While fans expected him to jump from NXT to SmackDown sooner, Williams stayed an extra year before officially joining the blue brand in 2026. Now, speaking to Baby Huey on February 13, Trick explained why that additional time turned out to be the best thing for his career: “Man, God’s timing, man. Everything happens when it’s supposed to, and I’m grateful it did.”
Instead of heading straight to SmackDown, Williams spent another year sharpening his edge—most notably by becoming TNA World Champion. According to him, that stretch completely changed his trajectory.
“I became your TNA—excuse me, baby—your TrickNA World Champion in that extra year there. And that was very necessary. It put me in a whole different caliber. The confidence, the charisma, through the roof—that just comes from reps and being in high-pressure situations.”
Rather than viewing the extended NXT run as a delay, Trick sees it as the proving ground that prepared him for the spotlight. The extra reps, the championship run, and the pressure moments gave him the polish he believes he needed before stepping onto SmackDown.
“So I’m grateful for my experience at TNA. I’m grateful for that extra year, and that’s why I’m here balling and shining like I am now.”
Williams was officially called up on the January 2, 2026 episode of SmackDown, interrupting Sami Zayn and making it clear he has his sights set on becoming World Champion. But in his mind, that moment only hits the way it does because of the year he spent building himself into a different level of star.
Do you think Trick Williams benefited from staying in NXT longer—or should WWE have pulled the trigger on his call-up sooner? Drop your thoughts below and let’s talk about it.
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