From HBCU to WWE SmackDown, Hampton University Alum reached out to Trick Williams
From HBCU to WWE SmackDown, Hampton University alum Trick Williams‘ Stepping onto pro wrestling’s biggest stage represents more than a personal career milestone—it’s a moment of national visibility for HBCU excellence. Williams, whose real name is Matrick Belton, played college football at Hampton University before embarking on a new career with WWE, officially making his SmackDown debut and stepping onto one of the most watched platforms in sports entertainment.
Williams’ journey from the Hampton campus to WWE television reflects the versatility and preparation that HBCUs instill in their student-athletes. Before captivating arenas with his presence and charisma, he developed discipline, toughness and a competitive edge as a Pirate, experiences that helped shape the confidence he now brings to the ring. His SmackDown arrival, after a dominant run in NXT, places him among WWE’s rising stars as he carries his Hamptons roots onto the global stage.
Trick Williams’ HBCU Roots Shaped His WWE Path
Before stepping into the squared circle, Williams was a student athlete at a Historically Black College and University, where he played football and developed the discipline and toughness that would later define his wrestling career. His time at the HBCU provided an environment of structure, mentorship, and competition that emphasized both personal growth and accountability—values that influenced his success in WWE.
Williams often acknowledges how her HBCU experience shaped her confidence and work ethic. The culture of excellence and pride that defines HBCUs is evident in the way he carries himself on screen, mixing showmanship with authenticity. Her journey reinforces the idea that HBCUs continue to prepare students for success outside of traditional career paths.
From NXT Standout to WWE SmackDown Star
Trick Williams’ rise through NXT was marked by standout performances, major storyline moments, and championship success that positioned him as a future major star. Known for his mic skills and crowd presence, Williams has cultivated a loyal fan base that has followed him from the developmental stages to WWE’s biggest arenas.
His SmackDown debut represented WWE’s confidence in its ability to connect with a wider audience. The transition places Williams in high-profile storylines alongside established superstars, raising her platform and maintaining the persona that made her a fan favorite. The iconic songs that followed him from NXT to SmackDown reflect his growing cultural influence within the wrestling community.
HBCU Representation Expands in Professional Wrestling
Williams’ success also underscores his expansion Having HBCU graduates in professional wrestling. While wrestling has historically drawn athletes from football and other sports, HBCUs are still underrepresented. Williams joins a generation of HBCU-educated athletes who have parlayed their competitive backgrounds into wrestling success, reinforcing the role HBCUs play in producing elite talent.
As WWE continues to emphasize diversity and global storytelling, Williams’ background adds depth to her story. His presence on SmackDown is a stark reminder that HBCUs aren’t just pipelines to traditional professional leagues, but also set the stage for success in the entertainment and media-based industries.
Cultural influence beyond the ring
Beyond the championships and storylines, Trick Williams’ journey resonates with fans who have seen their own path reflected in his rise. Her confidence, rawness, and unapologetic acceptance of her past fit into a larger cultural movement celebrating Black excellence across platforms. For HBCU students and alumni following her rise, Williams proves that unconventional dreams are valid and attainable.
His platform on SmackDown allows him to reach audiences far beyond the wrestling world, bringing HBCU stories to audiences who may not otherwise engage with HBCU culture. This visibility is especially important to younger fans who benefit from seeing success stories at organizations that have historically served Black communities.
The journey from HBCU to WWE SmackDown continues
As Trick Williams continues his run on WWE SmackDown, his story remains one to watch not only for wrestling fans, but for anyone invested in the continued rise of HBCU alumni on the national and global stages. His rise underscores the continued influence of HBCUs in shaping leaders, entertainers and pioneers in industries.
From packed arenas to primetime television, Williams carries her HBCU legacy with her every time she steps into the ring. His journey is a reminder that greatness can start on an HBCU campus and reach the brightest lights in sports entertainment.
