WWE Star Addresses Moving To Same Brand As Former Tag Team Partner

A WWE SmackDown star has addressed his relationship with his former tag-team partner, now they’re back on the same brand.

Trick Williams officially joined the SmackDown brand on the January 2 show, after being called up from the main roster.

Williams is now on the same roster as Carmelo Hayes, who he was aligned with on NXT from September 2021 to August 2023, ahead of feuding with one another.

Speaking on the No Contest Wrestling Podcast, Trick Williams noted that while they’re currently on separate paths, he believes Carmelo Hayes deserves his flowers.

Williams said:

“Last time I saw him on-screen, we did a tag match together. I think there’s a mutual respect.

“Shout-out to Carmelo Hayes, he is that once in a generation type talent. The things he does in the ring are amazing. I do think that we’re very different in how we approach the game.

“I feel like he deserves his flowers and I think he’s a great talent. I wish nothing but the best for Melo. We’re just different, you know what I mean? He does his thing, I do mine.”

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Carmelo Hayes currently holds the WWE US Championship, which he has been regularly defending in open challenges this year.

Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes last shared the ring at the September 2025 NXT Homecoming TV special. The duo scored a victory over Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa of DIY in tag-team action.

Following his WWE departure announcement, Tommaso Ciampa has filed to trademark two names. 

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