Trick Williams Returns, Causes Carmelo Hayes To Lose NXT Title Match To Ilja Dragunov - WrestleTalk
Trick Williams made his return to NXT at Halloween Havoc Night 2 tonight, and effectively cost Carmelo Hayes the NXT Championship.
wrestletalk.comHere’s the latest on Trick Williams’ finisher news.
- Trick Williams is known for his Trick Shot finishing move, a knee strike variation that he says evolved from an in-ring accident with Ilja Dragunov. This origin story was discussed in interviews and recaps in 2024–2025, highlighting how the move became his signature finisher.[3][4][9]
- In 2025, Williams continued to defend championships (including across NXT and TNA-related events) and used the Trick Shot as a decisive finish in several high-profile matches, reinforcing its role as his primary finisher during that period.[2][5]
- Across 2026 coverage, outlets continued to track his in-ring repertoire, with ongoing references to the Trick Shot as his staple finish, even as rumors surface about potential cross-program appearances and title defenses on various promotions.[6][7]
Illustrative example:
- Trick Williams described how the Trick Shot became his finish after a high-risk spot with Dragunov: he saw the crowd reaction and decided it should be his finisher going forward, cementing the move in his repertoire.[4]
Notes:
- The most consistent, citable details about the trick’s origin and its usage come from wrestling outlets and veteran reporting (411MANIA, Wrestling News sources, and official profiles). If you’d like, I can pull direct quotes or assemble a timeline of key matches where the Trick Shot decided outcomes.
Citations:
- Trick Williams origin of Trick Shot: 411MANIA report on origin and Happy Hour interview.[4]
- Finisher in-title matches and defenses: Wrestling Attitude and related coverage.[2]
- Additional context on the finisher’s framing and usage in reports: Wrestling News Source and related 2024–2025 articles.[3]