Hampton Alum Trick Williams Wins WrestleMania Title

From the football fields of Hampton University to the grand stage of WrestleMania, Trick Williams is making waves! The former Hampton Pirate has officially claimed the United States Championship title at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, defeating Sami Zayn in a thrilling match.

A Championship Dream Realized

Williams, whose real name is Matrick Belton, proved his dedication and hard work, overcoming his opponent to secure the prestigious title. Recording artist Lil Yachty was even in attendance, cheering him on from ringside, adding to the star-studded event.

From Football Field to Wrestling Ring

Williams’ journey to the top of the wrestling world is a testament to his athletic versatility. He played football for Hampton University for two seasons as a wide receiver before transferring to the University of South Carolina. There, he played in every game as a walk-on, making five starts and catching 11 passes for 121 yards in his first season.

After his college football career, Williams attended a camp with the Philadelphia Eagles. However, his path ultimately led him to the wrestling ring. He trained at the Combat Zone Wrestling Academy in New Jersey and has since achieved significant success, including two WWE NXT titles, a NXT North American Championship, and the TNA World Championship.

A Promising WWE Main Roster Debut

Williams made his debut on WWE’s main roster on Friday Night SmackDown on January 2, 2026, signaling the start of what has become a championship-winning run. His victory at WrestleMania is a major milestone, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.

• Trick Williams, a former Hampton University football player, won the United States Championship at WrestleMania 42.
• He defeated Sami Zayn for the title.
• Williams has a history in college football before transitioning to professional wrestling.
• He has previously held multiple championships in NXT and TNA.
• His main roster WWE debut occurred in January 2026.

Trick Williams’ success story is an inspiration, demonstrating that passion and hard work can lead to achieving championship dreams, no matter the path taken. Congratulations to the new United States Champion!