Why Trick Williams Threatens Sami Zayn's WWE Title

Trick Williams made his main roster debut on the January 2 episode of SmackDown by interrupting Sami Zayn during a promo about pursuing the WWE Championship. Williams announced his move to the brand and staked his own claim to the title. Zayn acknowledged the newcomer but cautioned that Williams still required humbling.

Both competitors appeared in a Fatal 4-Way match at Saturday Night's Main Event on January 24 in Montreal. The bout also featured Randy Orton and Damian Priest to determine the number one contender for the undisputed championship. Zayn secured the victory by pinning Priest after a Helluva Kick, despite Williams pulling the referee from the ring to break an earlier count.

Two days before WrestleMania 42, Williams and rapper Lil Yachty appeared on SmackDown with a performer dressed as the Gingerbread Man to mock Zayn. The performer received a Helluva Kick from Zayn in response. Williams then challenged Zayn for the United States Championship on night two of WrestleMania 42.

During the April 19 title match at Allegiant Stadium, Zayn attacked Yachty early, and the rapper later interfered from the apron. Williams countered a late charge from Zayn and scored the pinfall to win the United States Championship. The victory marked Williams' WrestleMania debut and his first main roster title.

Five days after the loss, Zayn returned to SmackDown in the Gingerbread Man costume, disrupting Williams' celebration and attacking both Williams and Yachty with a candy cane. The two met again at Backlash on May 9 in Tampa. Zayn faked an injury, delivered a Helluva Kick to Yachty, and ultimately pinned Williams after a missed kick allowed the Trick Shot to end the match.

Zayn captured the undisputed WWE Championship on June 27 at Night of Champions by rolling up Cody Rhodes in a Triple Threat match that also included Gunther. Johnny Gargano and Ricky Saints aligned with Zayn on SmackDown following the win. Williams interrupted Zayn's address to Gargano on the October 16 episode of SmackDown.