WWE’s landscape is shifting, and there’s no denying that Trick Williams is at the heart of the change. In just under two months since his explosive debut on SmackDown, Williams has carved out a place for himself not just as a rising star, but as a phenomenon—one whose charisma, confidence, and unmistakable style have made him a must-see attraction for wrestling fans across the globe.
It all began on January 2, 2026, when Williams stepped onto the blue brand’s stage for the first time. Since then, he’s become a fixture on WWE SmackDown, electrifying arenas from coast to coast. But what’s behind this meteoric rise? The answer, according to Williams himself, lies in his spiritual philosophy and his now-iconic all-white attire. During a recent appearance on WAVE News’ Sunrise Extra in Louisville, Williams explained, “I keep it pretty simple. All white. Because I’m The Anointed One. I’m anointed to do what I do, so we keep it all white.”
His look isn’t just for show. The white fur coat, crisp white pants, and those signature Lemon Pepper Steppers shoes create a visual identity that’s impossible to ignore. Whether he’s strutting down the ramp or hyping up a crowd, Williams stands out—his presence is magnetic, and the fans have taken notice. Every entrance brings thunderous reactions, reminiscent of the pop culture icons of wrestling’s golden age. As one fan put it on X, “Trick Williams gets pops from the crowd like a cast member from a 90s sitcom walking into the room.”
Williams’ appeal isn’t confined to the United States, either. He proudly told WAVE’s hosts Shannon Cogan and Olivia Russell, “A lot of people don’t speak English, but they know three words.” The hosts finished for him: “Whoop that Trick.” It’s a chant that’s followed him from his days as a two-time NXT Champion to his current run on SmackDown, echoing in arenas worldwide regardless of language barriers. “We’re whoopin’ that trick all over the world,” Williams declared. “The arenas are packed—just like they will be... at the KFC Yum! Center. We’re gonna pack it out, we’re gonna have a good time.”
But Williams is more than just talk. On the February 20, 2026 episode of SmackDown, he cemented his status as a legitimate contender by pinning former World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest in a Triple Threat Elimination Chamber qualifying match. Carmelo Hayes was the third man in the bout, but it was Williams’ Trick Shot finisher that sealed the victory and punched his ticket to the Elimination Chamber event scheduled for February 28, 2026. The stakes? A shot at Drew McIntyre’s WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42.
This rapid ascent hasn’t gone unnoticed by WWE’s veterans. In a recent interview with ESPN’s Get Up, Randy Orton—himself a legend and multiple-time world champion—praised Williams and fellow up-and-comer Je’Von Evans. “Those are all great talent. I think that whenever I can get a chance to get my hands on the younger talent, that’s always more fun for me. They’re the future and to get in there with them and mix it up with them. Je’Von Evans, I mean, he’s an amazing athlete. I’ve been in there with him before. Trick Williams, same goes for him. Both those guys are awesome,” Orton said. For Williams, to be mentioned alongside such high praise is a testament to his impact in such a short time.
Orton, who is entering his tenth Elimination Chamber match, added, “Cody Rhodes and I have quite the history, so it’s gonna be an interesting night, and it all leads to WrestleMania, man. This—like I said, we’ve only got so much more gas left in the tank, and I plan on going to WrestleMania, main eventing WrestleMania, and becoming 15-time world champion.” With veterans like Orton acknowledging the new blood, the anticipation for the Chamber match is reaching a fever pitch.
Williams’ journey to this moment is as unique as his persona. As highlights from his college football days played during his Louisville interview, Williams was asked what drew him to WWE. Ever the showman, he replied, “I said, when you look this good, where can you talk as much trash as you possibly can, and not wear a shirt?” He then flashed his chest and abs before adding, “And then I found my home and I been wrestling ever since.” It’s this blend of athleticism, confidence, and humor that’s made him a favorite among fans and peers alike.
Comparisons to legends like The Rock, Booker T, and “Superstar” Billy Graham aren’t thrown around lightly in wrestling circles. Yet, Williams’ combination of mic skills, charisma, and crowd connection has prompted just that. His brief backstage cameo during a segment between Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn last week drew massive cheers, underscoring his growing popularity. Observers have noted that his organic “over-ness” signals a main-event destiny—something WWE hasn’t seen develop this quickly in years.
What’s next for The Anointed One? With the Elimination Chamber looming, Williams stands shoulder-to-shoulder with established stars and other fast-rising talents like Oba Femi and Bron Breakker. The Chamber match will feature a stacked lineup, including Orton, Je’Von Evans, Cody Rhodes, and more, all vying for the opportunity to headline WrestleMania 42. Williams’ qualification for this high-stakes bout is already a major accomplishment, but the WWE Universe is buzzing about whether he can continue this momentum and ascend to championship glory.
His global appeal is undeniable. International crowds chant his catchphrase, and his unique style sets him apart from every other superstar on the roster. WWE now faces the challenge of harnessing this energy and sustaining Williams’ meteoric rise. Will The Anointed One capture gold at Elimination Chamber and etch his name into the annals of WrestleMania history?
For now, all eyes are on Trick Williams as he heads into one of the most important weekends of his career. The arenas are packed, the fans are chanting, and the world is watching. Whether or not he emerges victorious, one thing’s for sure: The Anointed One has arrived, and WWE may never be the same again.