A WWE superstar who began his college football career at an HBCU made history in his debut on wrestling’s biggest stage.
Trick Williams, who played two seasons at Hampton as a wide receiver, defeated Sami Zayn to win the United States Championship at Wrestlemania 42 Sunday night in Las Vegas.
The Hampton University alumni account on X sent Williams, born Matrick Belton, their well wishes ahead of his debut at professional wrestling’s biggest event.
From Hampton to WrestleMania.
The Hampton family is cheering on Trick Williams, former Hampton Pirate and member of the QT9 class, as he makes his @WWE WrestleMania debut this weekend in Las Vegas! pic.twitter.com/SI3xr6wHJG
— Hampton University Alumni Affairs (@HamptonU_Alumni) April 17, 2026
Williams left Hampton to walk on at South Carolina and after a short stint in Philadelphia Eagles rookie camp, turned to professional wrestling.
TRICK WILLIAMS IS THE NEW UNITED STATES CHAMPION!!! 🇺🇸 @_trickwilliams
Stream #WrestleMania LIVE RIGHT NOW on the @espn app!
➡️ https://t.co/jKAIj8nxxt pic.twitter.com/Gp00mwPJVw
— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026
