
WWE NXT Battleground 2025: Trick Williams creates history, beats Joe Hendry to win the TNA World Championship
No one could have imagined this day. A TNA World Championship match not only happening at a WWE event but also closing the show. But that's exactly what went down at NXT Battleground 2025 in Tampa, Florida, where Trick Williams defeated Joe Hendry in the main event to become the new TNA World Champion.
It was the first time the TNA World Title was defended on a WWE Premium Live Event. And by the end of the night, it was also the first time an active WWE Superstar won that title. Trick Williams has etched his name in wrestling history.
Controversial finish in a wild NXT Battleground main event
The match itself had everything. Big entrances, loud chants, hard hits, and even a spot where Trick put Hendry through the announce table. Hendry, the face of TNA, had the crowd behind him, but Trick wasn't fazed. He brought the energy and aggression that made him a two-time NXT Champion.
EVERYTHING has changed... 😱Trick Williams just made HISTORY in Tampa! #WWEBattleground pic.twitter.com/fvOQL1QJM7
As expected in a Joe Hendry match, the build-up was full of humour and spectacle. But when the bell rang, it got serious quickly. Hendry looked to finish things with the Standing Ovation, but Trick saw it coming. Moments earlier, the TNA belt had been brought into the ring. Trick didn't use it directly as a weapon, and the referee didn't see anything illegal. But Hendry was driven face-first into the title.
That was enough. Trick hit one final Trick Shot and pinned Hendry to win the TNA World Championship. The crowd exploded. Even with the questionable ending, it was a moment that will be remembered for years.
#AndNew TNA World Champion @_trickwilliams #WWEBattleground @WWENXT pic.twitter.com/P9sJLkFgRy
Joe Hendry may still be the heart of TNA, but on this night, Trick Williams stood tall as a champion from another company, holding a title no WWE Superstar ever had before. And he did it on WWE turf. History was made, and Trick Williams became the name everyone will remember from Battleground 2025.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
John Cena promises ‘something special' ahead of WWE Night of Champions showdown with CM Punk
Image via WWE WWE fans are in for a major treat at Night of Champions, as John Cena has teased 'something special' in his much-anticipated clash with CM Punk. The 17-time world champion, who recently shocked fans by turning heel, made the promise during WWE's SummerSlam Kickoff event in New York. Cena, currently holding the Undisputed WWE Championship, remained tight-lipped about specifics but dropped enough hints to send fans into a frenzy. 'If you're enjoying what we're doing on TV right now, then you have to watch Night of Champions - it's going to be effing great,' Cena said. 'We're cooking up something special. Don't miss it.' John Cena has fun teasing the WWE Universe: SummerSlam 2025 Kickoff highlights SmackDown Pipebomb sends shockwaves This comment follows Cena's already viral 'pipebomb' promo on SmackDown, where he delivered a scathing response to CM Punk, recreating Punk's iconic 2011 moment. In a stunning reversal, Cena laid Punk out with a low blow, followed by an Attitude Adjustment through a table. He then climbed the turnbuckle to deliver a promo that broke the fourth wall and took direct aim at Punk's legacy. FULL SEGMENT: John Cena recreates CM Punk's famous 'pipebomb': SmackDown, June 20, 2025 During the segment, Cena called Punk 'the best bullsh*tter in the world' and referenced several former WWE stars including Matt Cardona, Claudio Castagnoli, and Nic Nemeth - all of whom have since responded on social media. Cena ended the promo by declaring that Punk's prime was 14 years ago, while 'John Cena is, and always has been, the greatest of all time.' At Fanatics Fest in New York, Cena showed his lighter side as he joked with fans while failing to hit an arcade punching bag. 'I haven't hit anyone for real in 25 years,' he quipped. These humorous moments provided a sharp contrast to his current on-screen persona - a darker, edgier version of the superstar WWE fans once saw as a perennial babyface. As Cena prepares to defend his title against Punk at Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on June 28, speculation is swirling. Is there a surprise return planned? A major storyline twist? Or could this be the setup for Cena's final match as a full-time performer? What's clear is that Cena's heel run, his first since 2003 - has added new intrigue to his storied career. With the WWE Universe on edge, all eyes are now on Riyadh. One thing's certain: John Cena isn't done making headlines just yet. Also Read: Top 5 best John Cena promos that shook the WWE universe Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here


Time of India
18 hours ago
- Time of India
WWE's Jade Cargill shares a powerful message on X hinting about her intentions
(Image via X/@Jade_Cargill) WWE Superstar Jade Cargill once again caught the attention of fans and the wrestling community with a bold and empowering message on social media. The Women's Champion is known for her dominant presence and unmatched charisma both in and out of the ring. Jade Cargill's message wasn't just about aesthetics but it was more about her intent to cement her legacy at WWE . The message was related to personal affirmations, empowerment, and ambition. Let's take a look at what the WWE women's champion wanted to convey through her post. Jade Cargill shares powerful message about her intent on X WWE legendary Jade Cargill has recently shared a post on X/Twitter with a strong message about her intent. The post conveyed a strong message about her confidence and powerful intentions to reign in the ring. On June 21, Cargill shared a stunning photo of herself on X along with the powerful phrase: 'shatter glass ceilings.' Along with the message, the women's division wrestling legend also shared two pictures of her donning a black outfit. The post took off, racking up over 88,000 views and countless reactions within just a few hours. In addition to this, she again retweeted posting, "I look so good in black. Idk why I even bother with colour." No sooner did she post about it, fans started praising her and complimented her saying, " you look good in well... everything." Meanwhile, another fan reacted to her post saying, '...Because you look good in all them other colors too! Black can't have all the second though, yes black can.' Cargill's reference to "glass ceilings" resonated deeply with fans and followers. The phrase was long associated with racial and gender-based stereotypes. It is to be noted that Jade Cargill joined WWE in the year 2023 under the SmackDown brand. She came into the limelight after the Elimination Chamber PLE surprise entry. Cargill is a former two-time WWE Women's Tag Team Champion. Also Read : Fans are having a blast as WWE stars set the stage on fire at Fanatics Fest Besides, she is also known for her career in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) from 2020 to 2023, where she was the inaugural AEW TBS Champion. Reports suggests her single reign of 508 days is the longest for any AEW championship. Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here


Time of India
18 hours ago
- Time of India
'Give me all the titles' - Zelina Vega hints at TNA comeback
Zelina Vega is one of the most confident and stylish stars in today. But long before she became the WWE Women's U.S. Champion, she was a rising name in TNA Wrestling. Known back then as Rosita, she once held the Knockouts Tag Team Championship. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Now, with WWE and TNA officially working together, Vega is thinking about how her journey started and where it might go next. In a recent interview, she shared her thoughts about possibly returning to TNA and what it means to her personally. With this new partnership opening fresh doors, fans could see her holding titles in both promotions very soon. Is Zelina Vega returning to TNA as WWE-TNA crossover heats up? Earlier this year, WWE and TNA signed a deal that allows talent to appear across both brands. So far, most of the crossover has happened on NXT, where Trick Williams is the current TNA World Champion. However, as the partnership grows, more stars like may be involved. Speaking on the Lightweights podcast, Vega shared her excitement about a possible TNA return. 'That'd be super dope for sure, especially because I was one of the people that — again, people forget, but I started in TNA.' Looking back at her early days as Rosita, she said it feels strange but special. WWE INTERVIEW ZELINA VEGA U.S. WOMEN'S CHAMPION! Zelina on Aleister Black, Rhea Ripley, Queen Zelina 'TNA will always be a part of my story. I do look at Rosita though and go, 'Who is that person?' I feel like I don't know her. She's so far removed from who I am now, she was a baby.' Vega also reacted to the idea of winning titles in both companies. 'I didn't think about that. I think that'd be super dope for sure… Give me all the titles. I'll take everything, let's do this.' She explained how the TNA partnership creates new chances that never existed before. 'It's nice to know that there's opportunities, for that to even be a possibility. Same with [the Women's US title]. It was never an option. So it was like, well, yeah. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Let's do all of it.' Zelina Vega prepares for high-stakes SmackDown showdown Before she thinks about a TNA comeback, Vega has a tough challenge ahead. On June 27, during WWE SmackDown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, she will defend her U.S. Title against , a former NXT Women's Champion. The match comes just one night before Night of Champions. Zelina Vega becomes the NEW Women's United States Champion: SmackDown highlights, April 25, 2025 Zelina Vega's journey from Rosita to champion has come full circle. With her past fueling her present, and new chances opening up, she's ready to take on whatever comes next. Whether it's WWE, TNA, or both, Vega is aiming high, and fans are here for it. Also Read: