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Before Trick Williams entered the ring, Matrick Belton was tearing up the football field.
Belton was one of the best high school football players in South Carolina before deciding to commit to Hampton University and later joining the University of South Carolina as a walk-on. He ended up graduating from South Carolina and trying to make the Philadelphia Eagles roster in mini-camp.
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Trick Williams celebrates during WrestleMania 42: Night 2 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 19, 2026. (Rich Freeda/WWE)
The football dream did not come to fruition, but WWE would influence him to train as a professional wrestler. He debuted on WWE NXT in September 2021 and quickly became a fan favorite.
In an interview with PK Press Club Digital, he explained how college football prepared him for the move to professional wrestling.
“I’m just learning to persevere,” he said. I played at Hampton and decided to continue at the University of South Carolina. Being a substitute wasn’t easy and it taught me to be mentally strong. I remember there were times when I was like, “Hey, man, you can’t hang out with the rest of the team. You don’t get those extra meals with the rest of the team.
WWE United States Champion Trick Williams makes his entrance during SmackDown at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas on April 24, 2026. (Michael Marques/WWE)
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“I remember this big chip on my shoulder. I have to prove myself to you. I have to prove myself to the rest of the coaches. I have to prove myself to the world. This chip isn’t going anywhere, man. That’s why I work so hard. …”
Belton reached his peak in NXT, winning the NXT Championship twice, the NXT North American Championship, and even holding the Total Nonstop Action (TNA) World Championship at one point.
He debuted at WrestleMania 42 against Sami Zayn on Sunday night and defeated him for the United States Championship.
Trick Williams attends Netflix Presents: The Raw Brunch in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 20, 2026. (David Becker/Getty Images for Netflix)
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The entire audience of over 50,000 chanted “Whoop that Trick” as he made his way down to the ring. It’s a testament to how far he’s come as a professional wrestler and athlete.
