In WWE, pairings often tell a story over years, even when the wrestlers are apart from each other. Fans have seen it with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, and now Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams. There is often a catalyst that keeps getting brought up in these types of stories. For Hayes and Williams, it’s the Vengeance Day betrayal that led to the former’s debut on the main roster and the latter becoming NXT Champion.
That night has followed them years later as they both are on Friday Night SmackDown. When Williams became the WWE United States Champion on night 2 of WrestleMania: Vegas, fans were hoping that at some point Hayes would challenge him. However, the two only faced off in a non-title match on the May 22, 2026 SmackDown.
That has annoyed Hayes, as week after week he has confronted the champion without a title match. Would this latest attempt change things, or would an inevitable matchup be postponed yet again?
Trick Williams Slaps Carmelo Hayes after He Gets a Non-Title Match
Williams has had a good run so far as WWE United States Champion. He hasn’t been alone, though. Lil Yachty has appeared with him every week, supporting him and standing up to him every time someone decides to be disrespectful. His first feud was a rematch with Zayn. Leading up to Backlash, their problems revolved around Gingerbread Man, a satirical take on Zayn by him.
At Backlash, he retained the title in a great match. But things got trickier from there. Both Hayes and Ricky Saints wanted the title at Clash in Italy. After many weeks of infighting, Saints beat Hayes in a number one contender’s match to face him. He once again retained his title last Saturday in an entertaining match. On the July 3 SmackDown, his next potential challenger was someone very familiar to him.
He and Yachty came out to celebrate, but Hayes’ music hit before anything could be said. Hayes came out and immediately got straight to the point. He said Saints didn’t win last Saturday, so the next move is clear. He vs. Williams for the WWE United States Championship would for sure be the next title match. He didn’t get a response, but instead of yelling, he complimented him.
Nice words were said, such as the title looked good on him, he’s loved by the crowd, and that he was unstoppable. However, the kindness ended there, as he said he hasn’t stopped him, referring to the title match.
He said the title was a title with him and an accessory with Williams. Then he said he’ll give him a discount on the WWE Shop website for a replica title. After that, he complemented the title, saying it’s the workhorse and match of the night title.
Then he dared Williams to put it on the line against him. Yachty defended his friend, asking the crowd if they wanted Hayes to get his match. They cheered, so he said he’ll get a match next Friday, but not for the championship. Referencing his loss to Saints, Yachty said he lost his chance to challenge for the title and that opportunities are earned and not given.
Williams then spoke for the first time, saying that he really knows him like the back of his hand. He smacked him in the face, sending him to the ground. Williams and Yachty then left the ring, clearly satisfied at the development of the conversation. Hayes just sat there, taking in the smack to the face.
But then he ran to the ropes and dove onto Williams. He ran into the ring with Yachty following him, but Williams pulled him off the apron. Next Friday’s match between them will be filled with lots of athleticism and energy.
