Trick Williams has slayed The Mad Dragon.
On the April 23rd Spring Breakin’ special episode of NXT, Williams did what so many failed to do before as he pinned Ilja Dragunov to become the new NXT Champion. Prior to the match taking place, the stipulation was agreed upon that if Williams didn’t win then he had to leave the brand.
With a big fight feel from the outset, the crowd were very much behind the challenger and wanted to see Williams triumph. The hard-hitting bout saw Williams survive everything Dragunov threw at him. Spilling to the outside, Williams drove Dragunov through the announce table but it still wasn’t enough. All hope seemed to be lost as Dragunov hit multiple H Bombs onto Williams, but the former North American Champion kicked out at the last second to rapturous applause.
With both men standing in opposite corners, Williams used his speed to get the better of Dragunov to hit the Trick Shot to win the match and the championship.
Trick Williams Begins First Reign As NXT Champion
Williams’ victory brings Dragunov’s 206-day reign as champion to an end. Williams has been destined to become champion for a number of months with the loud crowd reactions week after week and racking up major victories. Defeating former best friend Carmelo Hayes at Stand & Deliver and in a steel cage match a couple of weeks after, many knew it was only a matter of time until Williams became the new NXT Champion.
Back in 2023, Shawn Michaels heaped praise on Trick Williams and his work ethic in NXT.
The victory also foreshadows the future of Ilja Dragnov, who was declared to be a part of the 2024 WWE Draft while still a champion. With it being also previously reported that Ilja Dragunov would be called up to the main roster when he lost the title, The Mad Dragon will be selected by Raw or SmackDown during one of the upcoming Draft episodes.
Sharing new footage from the match, Triple H thanked the unbelievable fans.