NXT’s Trick Williams now has the TNA World Championship.
Williams pulled off a pinfall victory against Joe Hendry in the main event of NXT Battleground on Sunday night, ending the viral sensation’s 127-day reign as TNA’s top champion.
Williams used cheap tactics to win the match in 15 minutes, bringing the world title into the ring near the end of the contest and causing Hendry to land face-first on the championship during the finishing sequence.
The former NXT champ used his Trickshot finisher just moments after Hendry collided with the belt, causing an end to the match.
Hendry had held TNA’s world title since January, when he ended the reign of Nic Nemeth at Genesis. He appeared with the title at Wrestlemania 41 when he was the surprise opponent for Randy Orton.
Williams’ title win underscores the deep connection between WWE and TNA currently, as he represents the NXT brand but now holds a title in an entirely different promotion.
The win marked his first time holding gold since his second NXT Champion reign came to an end last October.
No other title changes took place on Sunday’s NXT card. Top NXT champs Oba Femi and Stephanie Vaquer successfully retained their titles in Tampa, Florida, and Sol Ruca held onto her North American Championship in the opening bout of the night.
