A major WrestleMania opportunity was officially confirmed on the March 27 episode of WWE SmackDown, as Nick Aldis rewarded rising star Trick Williams with a spot on the WrestleMania 42 card — though the full picture didn’t come into focus right away.
The announcement came during a backstage segment. Aldis made it clear that the decision was based on fan support. He signaled that the “Whoop That Trick” wave has gone from catchy chant to career checkpoint.
A confrontation with Sami Zayn adds fuel to Trick Williams’ WrestleMania path
While Williams celebrated the milestone, even joking about calling Lash Legend and Lil Yachty, the mood quickly shifted when Sami Zayn entered the scene. Zayn congratulated him but turned his attention to Aldis, asking about his own WrestleMania status.
The SmackDown GM responded bluntly, stating that championship priorities leave no clear path for Zayn at this time. That didn’t sit well.
As Sami Zayn walked away, he stopped, turned back, and dropped Williams with a sudden right hand — a moment that hit harder than a surprise roll-up and left the situation far from settled.
The confrontation builds on weeks of tension between the two. Williams has previously interfered in Zayn’s matches, including a recent loss to Aleister Black, adding layers to what now appears to be a WrestleMania-bound rivalry.
Later, in the night, Sami Zayn defeated Carmelo Hayes to become the new Men’s United States Champion, and moments later, the SmackDown GM confirmed that he will be defending his title against Trick Williams at WrestleMania
For Williams, the opportunity caps off a strong 2026 run. After appearances in both the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber, his transition from NXT standout to main roster contender continues to gain momentum. This emerges as proof that sometimes you don’t just climb the ladder, you “whoop” your way up it.
With WrestleMania 42 set for April 18–19 in Las Vegas, Williams now has his stage.
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