Trick Williams, Once South Carolina Wide Receiver Matrick Belton, Fulfills Dream by Becoming Professional Wrestling World Champion Against All Odds
The path to greatness often weaves through unlikely turns, and few stories exemplify that truth better than that of Trick Williams, formerly known as Matrick Belton. The former University of South Carolina wide receiver has officially ascended to the peak of professional wrestling by capturing a world championship, a feat that once seemed a distant dream during his gridiron days. Now standing tall as the face of a wrestling empire, Williams’ journey is not only about personal triumph—it’s a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of belief.
Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Matrick Belton was a multi-sport standout long before he ever laced up a pair of wrestling boots. He made his mark as a dynamic wide receiver for the South Carolina Gamecocks, where his size, speed, and physicality turned heads on the field. Though he didn’t become a household name in college football, those who watched closely recognized his raw athleticism and larger-than-life charisma—traits that would serve him well in a very different arena.
After college, the NFL didn’t come calling the way he hoped. Belton faced the harsh reality that many athletes encounter: the sports world is fiercely competitive, and talent alone doesn’t guarantee opportunity. But rather than fading into anonymity, he chose a new path—one that would challenge him in ways he hadn’t yet imagined. Professional wrestling, a world where athleticism meets storytelling, caught his attention. It wasn’t a random choice; wrestling had always held a special place in his heart, a childhood fascination that never quite left.
He joined the WWE Performance Center in 2021, where he adopted the ring name Trick Williams. From the outset, it was clear he wasn’t just another ex-athlete dabbling in wrestling. Williams approached the business with respect, dedication, and a willingness to learn the craft. He soaked up knowledge from veterans, refined his in-ring skills, and developed a magnetic personality that quickly made him a standout on the NXT brand.
In NXT, Williams first gained widespread recognition not as a solo act but as the charismatic mouthpiece and right-hand man for Carmelo Hayes, another rising star. The duo’s chemistry was undeniable, and fans quickly took to their confident swagger and sharp promos. Williams, however, was more than a sidekick. Over time, his in-ring performances began to match the strength of his persona. He moved with the explosive power of a football player but had the timing, psychology, and finesse of a seasoned wrestler.
As the months passed, the “Whoop That Trick” chants grew louder at NXT events, symbolizing his swelling fan base. His popularity reached a tipping point when he broke away from Hayes, sparking a rivalry that elevated both men. Their feud culminated in a series of hard-hitting matches that not only showcased Williams’ physical prowess but also revealed his emotional depth as a performer. It was no longer just about proving he belonged—it was about proving he could lead.
And lead he did. Trick Williams steadily climbed the ranks, collecting key victories and headlining events, until finally earning a shot at the world championship. The match was billed as a clash of eras, with Williams representing the new wave of stars looking to shake the foundation of wrestling tradition. His opponent, a respected champion with years of dominance, underestimated the challenger’s hunger. What unfolded was a dramatic contest that tested Williams’ endurance, skill, and spirit.
The crowd was electric as the match reached its climax. After nearly thirty minutes of brutal action, near-falls, and breathtaking reversals, Williams delivered his finishing move—a devastating leaping knee strike that left the champion sprawled on the canvas. The three-count that followed wasn’t just a victory; it was a coronation. Trick Williams had done it. He was the new world champion.
For fans, the moment was emotional. For Williams, it was surreal. Standing atop the turnbuckle with the title raised high, he shouted out not just to the fans, but to everyone who ever doubted him, everyone who told him to pick a “safer path,” everyone who couldn’t see past the football helmet. This was his arrival. Not just as a performer, but as a symbol of transformation.
His victory resonated beyond the wrestling world. Back in South Carolina, former teammates, coaches, and fans celebrated the homegrown hero who had taken the long road to stardom. In an age where athletes often specialize early and are pushed into rigid career paths, Williams broke the mold. He reminded the world that identities can be fluid, that passions can evolve, and that success comes in many forms.
What makes Williams’ story especially compelling is how he stayed true to himself throughout the journey. Wrestling is a business where personas are often exaggerated versions of reality. For Trick Williams, the charisma wasn’t an act—it was an extension of the confidence he built over years of athletic discipline and personal growth. Whether cutting a promo or fighting through a tough match, there’s an authenticity to Williams that draws people in.
That authenticity is now fueling his reign as champion. Unlike some who retreat behind the spotlight after reaching the top, Williams has leaned into his new role with grace and fire. He’s already defended the title in grueling matches, showing the same tenacity that brought him to the dance. Outside the ring, he’s spoken openly about mental toughness, faith, and the importance of mentorship, quickly becoming a role model for young fans who see in him not just a champion, but a path forward.
What comes next for Trick Williams is anyone’s guess. Wrestling, like life, is unpredictable. Rivals will come for his title. Injuries, politics, and the wear of constant travel are all part of the game. But one thing is clear: Williams has earned his place in the spotlight, not by chance, but by sheer willpower and evolution. He didn’t just transition from football to wrestling—he reinvented himself, proving that it’s never too late to chase a different dream.
In many ways, his story is still being written. The championship may be the pinnacle for now, but for someone like Trick Williams, the ceiling is only as high as he allows it to be. Acting, commentary, entrepreneurship—there are many doors ahead, and he’s got the keys to all of them.
But no matter where he goes from here, the image of Trick Williams standing tall with the championship belt, eyes toward the sky, is etched into wrestling history. It’s a story of redemption, of belief, of embracing the unknown and daring to thrive in it.
Matrick Belton the football player gave us moments. Trick Williams the wrestler gave us hope. And now, the world champion gives us inspiration.
Whoop that trick, indeed.
