The identity of the masked man who aided Carmelo Hayes on the March 19, episode of WWE NXT isn’t a secret anymore. 

During the show, Trick Williams was ready to fight Hayes but was confronted by Melo’s henchman. A figure then appeared on stage, pretending to be Hayes, which allowed the former NXT Champion the distraction to jump his former ally. 

Masked Man Revealed

The figure who appeared on the stage was none other than head WWE NXT referee Darryl Sharma, aka Adrian Butler, Fightful Select reports. Sharma and the masked man could be seen wearing identical shoes during the show. 

Failure to protect yourself from repeated blows to the head will result in referee stoppage, and a loss via TKO. #WWENXT #wwe #UFC pic.twitter.com/T72oYDcvth

— Darryl Sharma (@AdrianButlerWWE) March 20, 2024

Carmelo Hayes se estaba haciendo pasar por uno de seguridad para engañar a Trick Williams. Genio. #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/Nnydxgu30H

— LuigiWrestling (@LuigiWrestling) March 20, 2024

Sources within WWE NXT also confirmed to Fightful that Sharma was the man in question. 

Who is Darryl Sharma? 

Before donning the stripes as a WWE NXT official, Sharma wrestled under the name ‘Hornet’ around the world. He is a student of the Battle Arts Academy, owned by WWE alum and current TNA name Santino Marella. At the academy, he trained in both wrestling and MMA. He ranked #437 in the PWI 500 ranking in 2016 but joined WWE in November that same year to be a referee. 

Sneak Attacks

Carmelo Hayes is hardly the first Superstar to use subterfuge to get the upper hand. As seen in the video below, several wrestlers have used disguises and other tactics to take out their opponents. 

What’s Next? 

Melo and Trick will face off at NXT Stand & Deliver on April 6, mere hours before WWE WrestleMania 40. The show will take place at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA, less than a mile away from the Lincoln Financial Field that’ll host WrestleMania. 

Trick Williams took the ring to close out the March 12 episode of WWE NXT. He got a lot of things accomplished in the process.

Williams and Carmelo Hayes’ feud has come to a head. Things are physical now, and there will be a brutal match at Stand & Deliver. Before the big event, Williams also had to take care of a personal matter.

WWE NXT’s Closing Segment This Week

Noam Dar and the Meta Four came out and interrupted Trick in the middle of his promo, where he challenged Hayes to a match at Stand & Deliver. Dar said that he and Williams have something in common, because they both lost something close to them at Roadblock.

While Dar lost his Heritage Cup, Williams lost Carmelo Hayes. Then things took a turn when the Meta Four got on the apron.

Trick Williams made a comment about being the hottest talent in NXT, and then made a point to say that Lash Legend was giving him the eyes. Suddenly, the Meta Four took to the ring, and Williams got to work.

After dispatching of Noam Dar and Oro Mensah, William grabbed Lash Legend, and then he held her in his arms. They locked eyes, and then they locked lips in a very sensual way.

TRICK WILLIAMS YOU LEGEND!!!@_trickwilliams #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/gS2vaf1vg0

— WWE (@WWE) March 13, 2024

This action was likely confirming their real-life relationship. The two NXT Superstars have been spotted in public together for the past few months. Many fans were under the impression that they coupled up.

It appears that Trick Williams was able to confirm this rumor about his personal life while booking a match against Carmelo Hayes for NXT Stand & Deliver.

https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C1f79H3uY9W

What’s Next For Trick Williams

Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes will do battle at NXT Stand & Deliver. It appears that Williams may face Noam Dar on NXT next week, but his eyes will still be set for WrestleMania weekend.

SEScoops will have more on the stories you need on the road to WrestleMania. Keep checking back for more updates and headlines.

WWE NXT 2024 Stand & Deliver Card (So Far):

• Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. Tony D’Angelo – Singles match for the NXT Championship
• Baron Corbin and Bron Breakker (c) vs. Tournament Winners – Tag team match for the NXT Tag Team Championship
• Carmelo Hayes vs Trick Williams

WWE included a couple surprises for this week’s episode of NXT, and it seems that they tried their best to keep those things under wraps.

William Regal and Trick Williams both showed up for the episode, and many fans were shocked to see them. That being said, neither of them were noted in any backstage rundown, either.

WWE Protecting NXT Surprises

In the latest WWE NXT episode, the No Quarter Catch Crew, holding the Heritage Cup, made a strong presence in the ring. Drew Gulak, Charlie Dempsey, Damon Kemp, and Myles Borne delivered a message to the rest of the NXT roster.

The stable declared their intention to defend the Heritage Cup as a group, allowing any member to defend the title. They emphasized their commitment to uphold the championship’s prestige as genuine athletes.

Unexpectedly, William Regal’s entrance music played, signaling his return. Regal received a warm welcome from the NXT crowd, with chants of “Welcome back” filling the arena. Clearly, the fans hadn’t forgotten the former General Manager.

Sean Ross Sapp noted on Fightful Select that, “William Regal was not listed for the No Quarter Catch Crew Promo. His promo is expected to play a key part in Charlie Dempsey’s next few weeks.”

Trick Williams did a run-in during the main event segment as well. He still wants to hash things out with Carmelo Hayes. It seems that WWE wanted to keep his appearance a secret as well.

It was also noted that Trick Williams was not included on any rundown for the show, either. His absence during rehearsals raised eyebrows, but he was at the show.

Why William Regal Had To Wait

When William Regal moved from AEW to WWE for an office position, a notable condition arose in his departure agreement. It dictated that Regal couldn’t make appearances on WWE television for a year, explaining his absence during the WarGames announcement. Now that this condition has expired, Regal has made his return to NXT.

The timing of Regal’s reappearance on WWE television remains uncertain, but his impromptu appearance during NXT Roadblock was met with praise. Currently serving as the company’s Vice President of Global Talent Development, Regal’s involvement, particularly in Charlie Dempsey’s storyline, is anticipated in the coming weeks. We will have to see how this pans out.

SEScoops will have more coverage of this story, and so many more from all over the pro wrestling world. Please keep checking back for more updates!

Carmelo Hayes is the victim of being betrayed by Trick Williams, contrary to what we saw at Vengeance Day, according to the former NXT Champion. 

At WWE NXT’s latest Premium Live Event, Williams failed to dethrone NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov in the show’s main event. After the match, Hayes ambushed his friend and attacked him with a steel chair. This came after months of teased tensions between the pair, who also lost the Dusty Rhodes Classic finals earlier in the show. As he left, Melo told the fans that they had made him this way. 

Carmelo Hayes Gives No Explanation

This week’s episode of WWE NXT kicked off with Carmelo Hayes, who walked out to the ring with a steel chair in his hand. Hayes took a seat in the ring to a chorus of boos from the fans in Orlando. After taking his time, Hayes told fans “not yet.”

Later in the show, Hayes came back and said he was not jealous of Trick as he wanted Williams to be successful. With that said, Trick betrayed him by pursuing the NXT Championship, according to Melo, who added that the two of them are not on the same level. 

Hayes also admitted that he was the one who attacked Trick several months ago. He said that since Williams went behind his back for the NXT Championship, he had to put him in his place. Trick’s theme then played which earned a massive ovation from the fans. This however was just a ‘trick’ from Melo, who relished in fooling the fans. 

Hayes then closed the segment by saying that Trick Williams was his hype and that’s the way it will always be.

WWE’s NXT brand held their Vengeance Day event on Sunday night, and the pro wrestling world didn’t know what to expect. No titles changed hands, but they certainly gained a lot of momentum as the brand hits the road to Stand & Deliver on WrestleMania weekend.

WWE NXT Vengeance Day’s Big Finish

Ilja Dragunov faced Trick Williams in the main event of WWE NXT Vengeance Day at the F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, TN. The two left it all in the ring, bleeding hard way, about a minute into the match. Then Dragunov was able to pull down the win.

The talk among fans shifted to the final angle of the show. Following the match, Carmelo Hayes betrayed Williams, assaulting him with a chair multiple times, ending their long partnership. 

The post-main event actions were shrouded in secrecy, with rehearsals limited to those directly involved in organizing the sequence, according to Corey Brennan of Fightful Select.

“There was a lot of secrecy surrounding the main event aftermath, as rehearsals for the main event were kept to those who were directly involved in putting it together.”

The event kicked off with the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Finals, pitting Hayes and Williams against Bron Breakker & Baron Corbin. The heels secured victory, claiming the tournament trophy. Now, Breakker and Corbin are one of the top teams in NXT, as Melo and Trick are no longer together.

What’s Next For Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes

The NXT roster is now on the road to defend her NXT Women’s Title at March 5th’s Roadblock event. Then Stand & Deliver is coming on April 6.

Odds are, Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes’ feud is far from over, and fans will see the two collide soon enough. 

WWE’s Vengeance Day main event match saw Ilja Dragunov defend the NXT Title against Trick Williams. The Tennessee crowd was more than ready for the match, as they chanted “WHOOP THAT TRICK” loudly. The end of the night included a shocking moment that fans will be talking about for weeks to come.

Trick Williams’ NXT Title Match

Trick and Ilja battled in a match where they were both bloodied. Trick was already busted open in the first match of the night, one where he and Carmelo Hayes lost the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic final to Baron Corbin and Bron Breakker. Then Trick busted Dragunov’s nose open early on in their match.

???@_trickwilliams and @UNBESIEGBAR_ZAR are holding NOTHING back. This is an absolute war! #VengeanceDay pic.twitter.com/GXTIeE3PW3

— WWE (@WWE) February 5, 2024

This match got the crowd to a boiling point, and then Dragunov was able to pull off the big win. This came after several dramatic moments where it appeared that Trick Williams would pull down the title.

The Mad Dragon retained his title at Vengeance Day. In the end, Carmelo Hayes told Trick Williams that he’s his boy, and “you were so close.” Suddenly, the moment Trick’s back was turned, Melo’s face changed.

Oh no that wasn't good…

But @_trickwilliams is fighting through the pain! #VengeanceDay pic.twitter.com/L3saR0bCf9

— WWE (@WWE) February 5, 2024

Carmelo Hayes Turns On Trick Williams

Hayes nailed Williams with a chopblock, which sent the big man down holding his knee. Then Carmelo got a chair from underneath the ring to lay down a few chair shots on Trick’s knee for good measure.

THIS IS MADNESS!!!#VengeanceDay pic.twitter.com/NIY35fOif9

— WWE (@WWE) February 5, 2024

This turn has been coming for a while. Now, Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes are officially broken up. As “F*ck you Melo” and “Melo Sucks” chants rang out from the crowd, he left with a satisfied look on his face.

As Carmelo Hayes left, he blamed the crowd, saying “you made me like this, it’s your fault.” We will have to see what’s next for Melo and Trick.

NOOOOOOOOOO!

WHAT DID YOU JUST DO @Carmelo_WWE?!?!#VengeanceDay pic.twitter.com/IzdRiCMvKj

— WWE (@WWE) February 5, 2024

Lyra Valkyria already retained her NXT Women’s Title during Vengeance Day. That match was changed into a triple threat match by a big surprise as Lola Vice cashed in her Women’s Breakout Tournament contract.

No words. #VengeanceDay pic.twitter.com/34Om9nmhUc

— WWE (@WWE) February 5, 2024

What’s Next

The NXT roster is now on the road to defend her NXT Women’s Title at March 5th’s Roadblock event. Then Stand & Deliver is coming on April 6.

WWE NXT Vengeance Day took place on February 4, 2024, at the F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, Tennessee, marking the first NXT livestreaming event to be held in Tennessee. 

Former NXT North American Champion Trick Williams is grateful for the positive reaction from the WWE Universe when he made his first main roster appearance.

Trick Williams, who comes from a football background has made quite an impact in the pro wrestling landscape. Williams has gained massive popularity over the last few months and fans start “WHOOP THAT TRICK” chants whenever he shows up. He has certainly become a breakout star of WWE’s developmental brand. Williams has been associated with the former NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes and they are currently thriving as a tag team. 

Ahead of the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event, the WWE SmackDown go-home edition on January 26 emanated from Miami, Florida. A rematch between Carmelo Hayes and Austin Theory saw the latter securing the win. However, following the match, Theory and Grayson Waller attacked Hayes. 

Trick Williams would come out to a massive ovation from the fans and rescue his tag-team partner Hayes from the assault.

Trick Williams says it’s a dream come true moment

Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Trick Williams recalled the positive reception from the crowd when he showed up on SmackDown. He said that it was a ‘dream come true’ for him.

”Honestly, it’s a dream come true (reaction he received at 1/26 WWE SmackDown). I think that’s the feeling that every wrestler wants to feel. Running out when you hear your music being played. So, beyond my imagination. Who thinks their first debut is gonna sound like that? So, I’m grateful for.’

Williams will have to pull off double duty this Sunday at NXT Vengeance Day. He is set to team up with Carmelo Hayes and take on Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Finals. Later in the main event, Williams will challenge Ilja Dragunov for the NXT Championship.

There are chances that Williams could walk out a double champ. We will have to wait and see what the future holds for him.

This week’s SmackDown will have an NXT flair to it with several gold brand Superstars set to be present at the upcoming show.

Tomorrow’s SmackDown will be the first episode of the blue brand following last weekend’s Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. The show will take place at The BJCC Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. 

WWE NXT Superstars at SmackDown

NXT’s Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes, and Trick Williams are all slated to be at this week’s SmackDown, PW Insider reports. It’s interesting that these three men have been selected, as speculation grows considering potential call-ups. Hayes has been competing on SmackDown as of late, including on last week’s episode. Last week’s show also saw Trick Williams earn a massive pop from the fans as he made the save for Hayes who was being attacked by Austin Theory & Grayson Waller. 

Bron Breakker has yet to arrive on SmackDown but that could change very soon. On this week’s Raw, Andrade signed a contract with the red brand, much to the delight of Adam Pearce. Pearce and SmackDown GM Nick Aldis would trade some barbs before Aldis took a phone call from the two-time former NXT Champion. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiREJ6KwLgs

WWE SmackDown – February 2

These NXT Superstars will be just part of a stacked first SmackDown on the road to WrestleMania 40. 2024 Womens Royal Rumble winner Bayley will be on the show alongside her Damage CTRL allies. Bayley will reveal which challenges she will face at WrestleMania 40. Her current options are Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley or WWE Women’s Champion (and Damage CTRL sister) IYO SKY.

Men’s Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes will also appear on SmackDown, as will Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. WWE U.S. Champion Logan Paul is also set to appear. LA Knight, Bianca Belair, and IYO SKY are also advertised. 

WWE has several soon-to-be big deals in NXT, and a few of them are ready for their spotlight right now. Although it may not be Trick Williams’ time yet, they are preparing him for big things internally.

Trick Williams Has Eyes On Him

Haus of Wrestling reports that the WWE SmackDown creative team was highly impressed with the crowd’s reaction to Trick Williams. Some influential figures within the company now believe that Williams possesses “future WrestleMania main eventer potential.”

One top WWE talent reportedly said that Trick has a “great attitude and skill set that he’s cultivating.” They are seeing a future with some positive outcomes for him.

Williams is set for significant momentum this week with two crucial matches. He teamed up with Carmelo Hayes in a Dusty Rhodes Classic semi-final match against the LWO this week on NXT. After winning, it was determined that the two will advance to the finals this Sunday at Vengeance Day, where they will face Baron Corbin and Bron Breakker.

Trick Williams’ Big SmackDown Reaction

This past Friday on WWE SmackDown, WWE NXT star Carmelo Hayes faced off against Austin Theory. The two men had a previous encounter a few weeks ago, but it was cut short due to a botched Avalanche Spanish Fly that worried a lot of people.

In their rematch, Austin Theory secured the win with the help of distractions from Grayson Waller and a roll-up involving a handful of tights. Following the victory, Waller and Theory initiated a beatdown on Hayes, prompting WWE NXT Star Trick Williams to make a save amid the crowd’s enthusiastic chants of “Whoop That Trick!” WWE higher-ups certainly noticed that reaction for Trick. 

Trick Williams is known for his explosive offense in the ring, and he has fans all over chanting “WHOOP THAT TRICK”at him. He emerged  in the WWE landscape from a football background, adding to a long list of Superstars who entered through the gridiron. 

During a conversation with Brad Gilmore, Trick Williams clarified that the XFL was indeed an option for him. He had a tryout with the Philadelphia Eagles, but he didn’t make it. Then his agent arranged an XFL tryout. 

This was the XFL during Vince McMahon’s second re-birth of the league, prior to the pandemic. So, when WWE saw the kind of skills Trick Williams brought to the table, things changed for his life. 

“I wasn’t into wrestling. I was into football. After college, I had a mini camp tryout with the Philadelphia Eagles, but I got cut. From there, I didn’t know what I was going to do, but I wanted to play football. I had an agent at the time who wanted me to tryout for the XFL. The XFL was owned by Vince McMahon. I filled out this questionnaire for the XFL, and the next day WWE reached out to me.”

WWE Superstars’ Connection to Football

Transitioning from football to pro wrestling is a common journey, with figures like The Rock, Roman Reigns, and Baron Corbin making their way to WWE from the football world. Trick Williams, too, had football as a potential path, and interestingly, it almost led him to the XFL.

The Rock resurrected the XFL after Vince McMahon’s attempt to revive the defunct league faced setbacks. McMahon’s XFL reboot was thwarted by the pandemic, but The Rock took up the mantle shortly after. Williams, however, tried out for McMahon’s version of the XFL reboot, although it didn’t steer him toward a football career.

Trick Williams’ Future in WWE 

Trick Williams is gearing up for the challenge against Ilja Dragunov at NXT New Year’s Evil on January 2nd. That is a huge opportunity for Trick Williams, as he has worked hard for over a year to make it to this point in his WWE career, even if his original path was in the football world.