Trick Williams & More NXT Names Make WWE SmackDown Debuts

Last night’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown had a lot of talking points, with new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions being crowned and all of the last minute build for the Royal Rumble 2024 premium live event. Also on last night’s show, three members of the NXT roster made their respective WWE SmackDown debuts.

The most notable saw the arrival of Trick Williams, who rushed to the aid of ally Carmelo Hayes. Hayes lost a match to Austin Theory via roll-up, and proceeded to be on the end of a two-on-one beatdown from Theory & Grayson Waller. NXT’s Williams ran out to make the save to a huge ovation and chants of “Whoop That Trick” from the Miami crowd. Hayes went for a fist bump, but Williams brushed him off, saying that he’s saving him for their match in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic on next week’s NXT.

The new NXT General Manager Ava also appeared in backstage bits with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, who congratulated her on becoming the youngest ever GM in WWE history. Her arrival on SmackDown was to drum up intrigue ahead of the Royal Rumble with the reveal that the NXT brand would be making their presence known in some capacity.

Finally, in what appears to be an official main roster call up, Elektra Lopez rejoined Legado Del Fantasma during a brawl with the LWO following a match between Carlito & Santos Escobar.