Trick Williams received a thunderous hometown reaction during the May 15 episode of WWE SmackDown, and the celebration was loud enough that even Triple H took notice afterward.
The United States Champion opened the show in Columbia, South Carolina, soaking in chants from a crowd that clearly treated the moment like a WrestleMania-level homecoming.
Still, the celebration didn’t stay smooth for long. Between mascot jokes, slam poetry, and an interruption from The Miz, the segment quickly turned from pep rally to fight night.
Trick Williams defeats The Miz during emotional SmackDown homecoming
Williams came to the ring alongside University of South Carolina mascot Cocky and rapper Lil Yachty while fans loudly chanted “Whoop That Trick.” The champion reflected on his South Carolina roots, mentioning his football days with the Gamecocks, local food spots, and family members seated ringside.
Before Trick could fully enjoy the moment, The Miz interrupted and mocked the segment, comparing it to “Sesame Street” and joking about the recent Gingerbread Man funeral storyline. Lil Yachty fired back at Miz, eventually roasting him by referencing his “tiny balls” — a line the Columbia crowd happily ran with throughout the night.
The segment later led to a non-title match between Williams and Miz. Miz slowed the pace early by targeting Trick’s back and using veteran tricks to frustrate the hometown favorite. However, the crowd stayed firmly behind the champion as chants of “Whoop That Trick” echoed around the arena.
Late in the match, interference from Kit Wilson nearly helped Miz steal the victory. Miz connected with Skull Crushing Finale, but Williams kicked out at two. Moments later, Lil Yachty stopped Miz from using a kendo stick and cracked Wilson with it instead. That distraction opened the door for Trick Williams to land the Trick Shot and score the pinfall victory.
After the show, Triple H shared a clip from the segment on social media and praised the atmosphere in Columbia.
“The entire building rocking… What a homecoming for the US Champion,” Triple H wrote.
For Trick Williams, it was the kind of reaction every rising WWE star chases — and judging by the crowd noise, Columbia definitely understood the assignment.
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