Trick Williams expresses ‘mad respect’ for indie wrestlers, says NIL athletes almost expect to have spot on WWE roster

Photo Courtesy: WWE

Williams says he understands both sides of the coin.

The opportunity for Trick Williams to become a two-time NXT Champion is taking place on 10/1 at the NXT on CW premiere. He’ll be challenging Ethan Page for the title and the special guest referee for their bout is going to be CM Punk.

Going into the show, Williams was one of many NXT talents and representatives that made the media rounds. Along the way, he recorded an interview for Insight with Chris Van Vliet

Williams spoke about getting a second WWE tryout opportunity that led to him joining the company. He mentioned that some N.I.L. athletes come in with the expectation that they’ll land a spot on the roster. That’s why he has so much respect for independent wrestlers because they know the grind. Williams said he was not on the indies long, but he understands both sides of the coin.

I’m blessed, I’m blessed (to have gotten the second WWE tryout). I think actions speaks louder than words. They asked me to go take that step and take a chance on myself, and I’m not sure how many people who aren’t familiar with the craft would be willing to do that. Now we have the whole N.I.L. deal and everything like that and athletes, they almost come into it expecting to be on the roster and have a chance. But, that’s why I have mad respect for everybody who comes from the indies, because they truly know the craft, they put the time in. They driving from city to city, they’re working for nothing, they’re working for 20 bucks, you know what I mean? And they’re hoping to get booked and I feel like the bridge. I see it from both sides now because I had to do both sides. Yeah, I’m an athlete, new to the world… I wasn’t spending a bunch of time on the indies, but I learned to appreciate how good of a vehicle this WWE is and I can’t take this for granted.

As of this writing, below is the advertised lineup for the NXT on CW premiere in Rosemont, Illinois:

  • NXT Championship: Ethan Page (c) vs. Trick Williams (Special Guest Referee: CM Punk)
  • NXT Women’s Championship: Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Giulia
  • Street Fight: Wes Lee vs. Zachary Wentz
  • Lola Vice & Jaida Parker vs. Fatal Influence
  • Miz TV with Tony D’Angelo and NXT North American Champion Oba Femi

If the quote in this article is used, please credit Insight with Chris Van Vliet with an H/T to POST Wrestling for the transcription.

About Andrew Thompson 9356 Articles
A Washington D.C. native and graduate of Norfolk State University, Andrew Thompson has been covering wrestling since 2017.