The convergence of WWE NXT and TNA Wrestling reached another milestone as Trick Williams successfully retained his TNA World Championship for the third time in just over a month. This latest defense came against fellow NXT Superstar Josh Briggs in what proved to be Williams’ most challenging title match since capturing the gold from Joe Hendry.
Making Wrestling History Across Promotions
Williams continues to break new ground as the first active WWE talent to hold TNA’s top prize. His championship reign began at Battleground in May when he shocked the wrestling world by defeating the popular Joe Hendry. Since then, he’s been a fighting champion, taking on all comers from both promotions.
His previous two defenses showcased the cross-promotional nature of his reign. Williams first battled TNA’s Mike Santana and Elijah at Against All Odds, then defended the title again on NXT programming. This busy schedule has seen three title defenses in just 31 days, proving Williams means business as champion.
Briggs Brings the Fight in Championship Showdown
Josh Briggs came into this match with something to prove, and he nearly pulled off the upset of a lifetime. The towering challenger controlled the early portions of the contest, using his size and power advantage to ground the champion. Briggs’ signature shoulder tackles and powerslams kept Williams on the defensive for much of the opening sequence.
The champion found himself in serious trouble when Briggs connected with his devastating chokeslam. Only a last-second rope break saved Williams’ championship reign, showing just how close Briggs came to capturing TNA gold on NXT television.
High-Risk Move Backfires for the Challenger
Looking to put the match away, Briggs climbed to the top rope for a high-impact moonsault. The high-risk maneuver would have been the perfect exclamation point on an impressive performance. However, Williams rolled out of harm’s way at the crucial moment, leaving Briggs crashing to the canvas.
The champion seized his opportunity immediately, connecting with his finishing move, the Trick Shot. The perfectly timed counter proved to be the difference maker, allowing Williams to secure the victory and retain his championship.
Champion Sends Message to Former Partner
Williams grabbed the microphone following his hard-fought victory, delivering a message that wrestling fans won’t soon forget. The champion made it clear he’s moved on from his past partnership with Carmelo Hayes, making a bold statement about their previous relationship.
“I carried him,” Williams declared, referring to his former tag team partner Hayes. He continued by claiming he’s now “carrying both TNA and NXT as the greatest World Champion of all time.”
This proclamation shows Williams’ growing confidence as champion and his willingness to distance himself from his past associations. The comments about Hayes suggest unfinished business between the former allies.
Joe Hendry Returns to Confront the Champion
Williams’ celebration was short-lived as Joe Hendry made his presence felt. The former TNA World Champion emerged to interrupt Williams’ post-match promo, creating an electric atmosphere in the arena. Hendry wasted no time clearing his rival from the ring, sending a clear message about his intentions.
According to reports from Fightful Select, Hendry’s appearance isn’t a one-time occurrence. The Scottish star is expected to continue showing up on NXT programming as TNA builds toward their major Slammiversary event. This ongoing presence suggests the Williams-Hendry rivalry is far from over.
Cross-Promotional Success Continues
Williams’ reign represents one of the most successful cross-promotional storylines in recent memory. His ability to defend the TNA Championship on WWE programming while maintaining relevance in both companies showcases the potential for future collaborations. With Slammiversary on the horizon and unresolved issues with multiple challengers, will Williams be able to maintain his grip on the TNA World Championship, or is Joe Hendry positioning himself for another shot at reclaiming the gold he lost at Battleground?
