Trick Williams Explains How NXT & TNA Were “Very Necessary” Before WWE Main Roster Push

Trick Williams knows the timing couldn’t be better. With the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania right around the corner, the former NXT standout is officially on the WWE main roster—and he’s making it clear this didn’t happen overnight.

During his interview on Busted Open Radio, Trick explained why his journey through NXT and TNA wasn’t just important—it was essential. He admitted he once felt ready for the big leagues, but now he’s grateful things played out exactly the way they did.

“A year ago, I was probably on the show saying, ‘I think I'm ready to be on SmackDown or RAW.’ But the truth is, man, every single step along the way was very necessary.”

From his time in TNA where he broke records to the weekly pressure of NXT under Shawn Michaels’ watchful eye, Trick says it all shaped him into who he is today.

“TNA—excuse me, the Trick Era World Champion—Bully, you was there. You know we put on the show that broke the records... all of this stuff was very necessary.”

He didn’t shy away from comparing how each promotion prepared him differently. TNA gave him creative freedom, while NXT brought pressure and structure.

“You know how the TNA locker room is. I mean, it’s kind of—you know, I don’t want to say the Wild Wild West—but there’s a lot of freedom there, where you have to trust yourself as a performer to go with your gut.”

“In NXT… you feel the pressure from Shawn Michaels every single day walking through Gorilla. If you can look Shawn Michaels in the face every single Tuesday, then you can do a one-on-one promo with Randy Orton.”

That experience under pressure now fuels him on SmackDown. For Trick, every stop along the way taught him how to deliver in big moments.

“That type of pressure right there in front of 300 feels like WrestleMania every single Tuesday when you’re trying to make it... I just feel like everything I’ve been through honestly prepared me for where I am on the main roster.”

Trick made it clear he’s still got goals to check off—like entering the Royal Rumble and competing at WrestleMania—but when it comes to mindset, he’s already locked in.

“I haven’t been in the Royal Rumble yet. Haven’t been to WrestleMania yet. But as for now, I feel like, man, what they did with my career is—I’m ready.”

Trick Williams isn’t just happy to be here anymore—he’s ready to take over. And if his rise is any indication, his next chapter on SmackDown might be the biggest one yet.

What do you think about Trick Williams’ journey to WWE’s main roster? Did the slow build work in his favor—or should he have been called up sooner? Let us know in the comments below.

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