Latest news with #NXTBattleground
Miami Herald
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Trick Williams: From HBCU Football to Wrestling Royalty
In a history-making moment that stunned the professional wrestling world, Trick Williams-real name Matrick Belton-etched his name into the record books by becoming the first WWE-contracted superstar to win the TNA World Championship. The victory, which occurred at NXT Battleground on May 25, 2025, is not just a milestone for Williams but also a cultural moment for HBCUs, highlighting the often-overlooked path from HBCU athletics to global superstardom. Williams began his athletic career in HBCU football at Hampton University. In 2012, he played wide receiver for the Pirates football team, making modest on-field contributions-four catches for 33 yards across six games, including a memorable 20-yard reception against Florida A&M. Though he remained on the roster in 2013, playing time eluded him. That didn't dim his drive. Williams later transferred to the University of South Carolina, where his athletic prowess blossomed. In 2015, he earned a starting role with the Gamecocks, logging 11 receptions for 121 yards. While his college football numbers weren't earth-shattering, his physical gifts and drive attracted NFL attention, and he received a minicamp invite from the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018. But fate had a different arena in mind. In early 2021, Williams signed with WWE and reported to its NXT brand. With charisma that lit up the screen and a physicality rooted in years of football, it wasn't long before he captivated fans and rose through the ranks. In just a few short years, he became NXT North American Champion and then captured the NXT Championship twice-cementing his place as one of WWE's hottest rising stars. Yet it was his crossover victory at NXT Battleground that shifted the wrestling landscape. Facing TNA's Joe Hendry, Williams shocked the industry by winning the TNA World Championship, a belt historically held by legends like Kurt Angle, AJ Styles, and Sting. No WWE-contracted wrestler had ever done it before. Williams sealed the deal with his devastating finisher-"The Trick Shot"-after strategically using the title belt during the match. The moment drew comparisons to classic wrestling invasions and crossovers, but this wasn't just storyline chaos. It was a career-defining statement. The fallout from the win was immediate and unforgettable. Williams declared himself the "face of TNA" on WWE programming, cheekily rebranding the belt as the "TrickNA Championship." His swagger wasn't just for show-he issued open challenges to wrestling icons like AJ Styles and Kurt Angle, signaling he had no intention of playing it safe with his newly claimed title. Up next: Williams will defend his TrickNA crown against Mike Santana, a respected veteran with something to prove. The feud has already ignited online buzz, with fans speculating whether Williams's crossover reign is just beginning-or nearing a dramatic end. For Hampton University and the broader HBCU community, Trick Williams's meteoric rise serves as a powerful reminder of the talent cultivated within historically Black colleges and universities. His journey-from catching passes on the Pirates' gridiron to lifting one of professional wrestling's most storied titles-is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and self-belief. HBCU athletes have long faced an uphill battle for national recognition, often overlooked by mainstream media and professional leagues. Williams's success breaks that mold. His story isn't just about athletic transition-it's about cultural elevation. He represents a new generation of HBCU alumni making waves in unconventional arenas. With WWE and TNA both placing their chips on his star power, Trick Williams is now in rare air. He's proven he can draw eyes, generate headlines, and deliver in high-pressure moments. Whether his future holds more title unifications, a main roster debut, or headlining WrestleMania, one thing is certain-Trick Williams is no longer just a rising star. He's the moment. And for HBCUs across the country, his triumph is more than just a win. It's a shining example of where grit, charisma, and HBCU pride can take you, even to the very top of the wrestling world. The post Trick Williams: From HBCU Football to Wrestling Royalty appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tony Khan Reacts To WWE Frequently Counterprogramming AEW Events
Tony Khan assesses the competition. Last weekend, AEW and WWE went head-to-head, with Double or Nothing and NXT Battleground both airing on Sunday evening in the United States. This wasn't the first time the two companies have gone directly against each other, as AEW Collision has occasionally competed against WWE premium live events, and AEW Dynamite famously battled NXT in the Wednesday Night Wars. Advertisement At the Double or Nothing post-show media scrum, AEW CEO Tony Khan addressed this trend, likening it to another popular wrestling franchise. 'It's pretty consistent. I'd say it's the most consistent event head-to-head scheduling since Jim Crockett Promotions,' Khan said. 'Saw a lot of scheduling that went that way, and I can tell you that this will go a lot differently than that did.' Before its sale to the Turner Broadcasting System in 1988, Jim Crockett Promotions stood as a popular wrestling organization, with successful pay-per-view events. Under the Vince McMahon Jr. regime, however, JCP saw their shows frequently countered by WWE, with a notable example being the annual WWE Survivor Series event, which directly opposed Starrcade in 1987. Given Khan's statement, it seems AEW is confident that they will not suffer the same fate as JCP. In the main event of AEW Double or Nothing, 'Hangman' Adam Page defeated Will Ospreay in the finals of the Men's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament. Meanwhile, on NXT Battleground, Trick Williams dethroned TNA World Champion Joe Hendry in the main event. RELATED: Tony Khan Addresses Scorpio Sky's AEW Absence The post Tony Khan Reacts To WWE Frequently Counterprogramming AEW Events appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Three NXT champions set for WWE main roster takeover
Jordynne Grace and Stephanie Vaquer (Image via WWE) The WWE world is changing fast, and NXT is right in the middle of it. In just a few days, some of the biggest stars in NXT lost their titles, and now they are getting ready to move up to the main roster. Stephanie Vaquer, Jordynne Grace, and Ricky Saints are all expected to join Raw or SmackDown very soon. These changes show how WWE is building up its future with fresh and talented wrestlers. At NXT Battleground, Trick Williams won the TNA World Championship, shocking fans everywhere. Right after that, Stephanie Vaquer lost her NXT Women's Championship to Jacy Jayne, and Ricky Saints lost the North American Title to Ethan Page. Jordynne Grace, who recently signed with WWE, also had a big match at Battleground against Vaquer but did not win. Now, with their title runs over, all three are moving forward to bigger stages. Stephanie Vaquer and Jordynne Grace lead the way Stephanie Vaquer is expected to join Monday Night Raw. She signed with WWE in 2024 and quickly made a name for herself in NXT by defeating Giulia to become the Women's Champion. Even though she could've gone straight to the main roster, Vaquer chose to stay in NXT first. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Accounting Automation Software Might Help You To Earn More Accounting Automation Software | Search ads Undo She wanted to learn English and get used to WWE's television style and wrestling approach. That smart decision helped her grow into a strong performer who is now ready for the big leagues. FULL MATCH: Stephanie Vaquer vs. Jacy Jayne | NXT Women's Title Match: NXT, May 27, 2025 Jordynne Grace also started in NXT even though she had a main roster deal. She had a strong presence from the beginning and became a top name quickly. She defeated Giulia to earn a title shot at Battleground, where she faced Vaquer in a hard-fought match. Now, Grace is set to join SmackDown and bring her power and skills to WWE's blue brand. As reported by Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter : 'The reason was that both, along with Jordynne Grace are all expected on the main roster imminently. There are reports of Vaquer to Raw and Grace to Smackdown. When asking, we were told that it appeared that way right now. We didn't get a read on where Saints would be going.' Ricky Saints is to join them soon Ricky Saints also seems to be on his way to the main roster. He lost the North American Championship to Ethan Page on the May 27 episode of NXT. While it is not yet clear which brand Saints will join, fans can expect to see him show up on Raw or SmackDown very soon. FULL MATCH: Ricky Saints vs. Ethan Page | North American Title Match: NXT, May 27, 2025 Ricky Saints is actually the ring name of Ricky Starks. Known for his charisma and athletic style, he has been a standout in NXT and looks ready for the next step in his WWE journey. His move to the main roster will give him more chances to shine and compete with WWE's top talent. Also Read: Stephanie Vaquer reportedly moves to WWE RAW after shocking NXT title loss With Vaquer, Grace, and Saints all moving up, WWE's main shows are about to get a lot more exciting. These call-ups prove that NXT continues to be a strong platform for future stars.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Report: Jordynne Grace and Stephanie Vaquer Moving To WWE Main Roster; Which Shows Are They Expected On?
Jordynne Grace and Stephanie Vaquer are said to be main-roster bound. Upon joining WWE this year, Jordynne Grace reportedly inked a main-roster level deal, though her initial steps would lead her to WWE's development brand of NXT. Most recently, Grace challenged Stephanie Vaquer, albeit unsuccessfully, for the NXT Women's Championship at NXT Battleground. Looking ahead, she is now slated to ascend to WWE's main roster. Advertisement According to Cory Hays of Grace is expected to join the WWE SmackDown roster imminently. The blue brand also recently became the home to former NXT Women's Champion Giulia. Grace and Giulia previously faced off to determine Vaquer's Battleground opponent, with Grace emerging victorious. Tiffany Stratton currently serves as the WWE Women's Champion on the blue brand. Following her shocking NXT Women's Championship loss to Jacy Jayne, Vaquer is also due for a main roster call-up. Hays reports that 'La Primera' will soon move to the WWE Raw brand. Last month, Vaquer made a pair of appearances on WWE's red brand, the first of which pitted her against WWE Women's World Champion IYO SKY in a non-title match. The following week, she defeated Ivy Nile in singles competition. In coming to Raw, Vaquer will join the likes of SKY, Rhea Ripley, Liv Morgan, and Roxanne Perez, who officially signed with the brand last week. When Vaquer signed with WWE last year, the company offered her an immediate spot on the main roster. Per Vaquer's request, though, she stated her journey in NXT, primarily to better her English, work on television, and learn the American style of pro wrestling. RELATED: Stephanie Vaquer Isn't Focused On The Past, Highlights Favorite Part Of The United States The post Report: Jordynne Grace and Stephanie Vaquer Moving To WWE Main Roster; Which Shows Are They Expected On? appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Newsweek
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Former TNA Champion Furious World Title Held By WWE Superstar
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Professional wrestling fans were shocked during NXT Battleground when TNA World Champion lost his title to former NXT Champion Trick Williams. This marked the first time a TNA title has been won by a WWE superstar while they were still signed with WWE. More Pro Wrestling: Former AEW Wrestler To Make WWE In-Ring Debut Despite this being a history-making moment in pro wrestling, not everyone is happy with the move. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 20: Randy Orton (R) celebrates after defeating Joe Hendry during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 20: Randy Orton (R) celebrates after defeating Joe Hendry during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, a recent interview with WhatCulture, former TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth, formerly known as Dolph Ziggler in WWE, said how he truly felt that the title was now in the hands of an NXT Superstar. "I'm absolutely furious and pissed off about it, and that's not a joke or a game," Nemeth said, per Corey Brennan of Fightful. "I feel like Joe Hendry has accomplished so much and he's brought so many eyes to TNA and he's kicked so much ass. "This isn't a world of participation medals and awards that says, 'hey, great job. You lost our world title to a different guy from a company from a different company.' "So I don't go, hey, great job, buddy. Thanks for trying really hard and losing our title to a different company. I say, I congratulate him when he brings people in, when he defends that title, he beat me, and I said, 'damn it, you beat me. You got me.' And when you lose and you mess up, just like I do to myself, or I get on Ryan's case, when we make mistakes, we own up to it. "He lost our world title. I am not okay with that. I feel like we might need to bring back wrestler court or something, or pull him aside with everybody in the locker room. Because if everyone's gonna pat him on the back for the good things, we need to let him know that he messed up and lost our world title. More Pro Wrestling: Wrestling Legend Mick Foley Shuts Down Outrageous WWE Rumor "Trick Williams is a badass. He's awesome. He's got a great future, but he is an NXT talent who now is the TNA world champion, and I am pissed off about it." "I'm gonna be the one to take the TNA World Title from you!"@Santana_Proud did not hold back on @_trickwilliams! 😲#WWENXT — WWE (@WWE) May 28, 2025 Williams is now set to defend the championship against TNA wrestler Mike Santana on the June 3 episode of NXT. There has been no word on what the future holds for Joe Hendry. More Pro Wrestling: WWE Is Planning To Call-Up Top NXT Stars: Report Bryan Danielson Makes Surprise Wrestling Appearance Amid AEW Hiatus Pro Wrestling Legend Jim Ross Shares Major Surgery Update For more WWE, TNA, and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
