Trick Williams wins TNA World Championship at NXT Battleground

An NXT wrestler is now in possession of the TNA World Championship.

Trick Williams made history on Sunday night by becoming the first WWE-contracted wrestler to win the TNA World Championship. In the main event of NXT Battleground, Williams used a belt shot to his advantage as he defeated Joe Hendry to win the title. It was the first time the TNA World Championship had ever been defended on WWE programming.

The heel Williams tried to use the TNA title belt as a weapon during the closing stretch of the match but had it taken away by the referee. When Hendry went for a roll-up, the referee left the title belt on the mat so he could count the pin. Williams kicked out, blinded Hendry with a thumb to the eye, and then slammed Hendry face-first onto the belt. Williams followed up with a Trick Shot knee strike to get the win.

Carlos Silva, the president of TNA, was in the front watching the match. He was shown looking on in disappointment as Williams celebrated his victory.

WWE and TNA officially entered into a multi-year formal partnership this January after the working relationship between the two promotions grew throughout 2024.

Hendry’s reign as TNA World Champion lasted four months after winning the title from Nic Nemeth at TNA Genesis 2025.

On NXT this Tuesday, Williams will make his first appearance as TNA World Champion. TNA star Mike Santana was at Battleground and has his eyes on challenging Williams for the title.