Long before he was laying out opponents with the "Trick Shot" pump knee, Trick Williams was known as Matrick Belton, a gridiron standout. Standing at a legitimate 6-foot-4 and packing incredible explosive power, he played college football as a wide receiver for the Hampton Pirates before transferring to the South Carolina Gamecocks.
His athleticism caught the eye of pro scouts, leading him to a rookie mini-camp with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018. While an NFL career didn’t materialize, the work ethic, agility, and sheer physical presence required to compete at a professional football level perfectly translated to his next endeavor. In early 2021, he traded his cleats for wrestling boots and signed a developmental contract with WWE, reporting to the Performance Center in Orlando.
The NXT Breakout: More Than a Hype Man
Trick didn't debut as a main eventer. He arrived in late 2021 as the swaggering, fast-talking sidekick to Carmelo Hayes. Together, they formed the "Trick Melo Gang," running roughshod over NXT. While Hayes was the golden boy collecting championships, Trick was the charismatic enforcer learning the ropes in real-time.
But soon, the WWE Universe realized Trick had far too much natural charisma to stay in the background. His infectious energy, combined with his rapidly improving in-ring skills, sparked an organic connection with the audience.
By late 2023 and into 2024, the "Whoop That Trick" chant became a viral sensation. He captured the NXT North American Championship, the Men's Iron Survivor Challenge, and eventually, the ultimate prize: the NXT Championship, which he held twice. He even made history in 2025 as the first WWE-contracted talent to cross over and win the TNA World Championship. Trick had evolved from a hype man into the undisputed face of NXT.
The Main Roster Call-Up and The Devil's Playground
When a superstar achieves everything there is to do in NXT, the main roster inevitably comes calling. Making his permanent jump to Friday Night SmackDown, Trick immediately proved he belonged with the big dogs. But his biggest test to date arrived just days ago on the February 20, 2026 episode of SmackDown.
With a spot in the 2026 Men's Elimination Chamber on the line, Trick found himself in a high-stakes Triple Threat match against heavy-hitter Damian Priest and—poetically—his former "blood brother" turned bitter rival, Carmelo Hayes. In a grueling, hard-hitting contest, a gassed-out Trick hit an incredible "Trick Shot" on Damian Priest to secure the biggest victory of his career.
Now, he heads to the United Center in Chicago on February 28th to step inside the Elimination Chamber. This isn't just a match; it's a brutal, multi-man steel cage match where the winner earns a guaranteed Undisputed WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 42.
He will be locked inside pods alongside some of the greatest to ever lace a pair of boots, including Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, LA Knight, and fellow rising star Je'Von Evans.
Can He Do It?
Trick Williams entering the Elimination Chamber is a massive statement by WWE. It signifies that they view him not just as a mid-card act, but as a legitimate main-event player capable of anchoring a WrestleMania.
He might be the underdog stepping into the unforgiving steel against veterans like Orton and Rhodes, but if there's one thing we've learned since his days trying out for the NFL, it's that you can never count Trick Williams out. If he can survive the Chamber in Chicago, we might just be hearing 80,000 fans chanting "Whoop That Trick" in the main event of WrestleMania 42.
What do you think? Does Trick Williams have what it takes to survive the Elimination Chamber and go on to WrestleMania? Drop your predictions in the comments below!
