Trick Williams Talks About Connecting with Fans & the Future of the US Championship Open Challenge

It wasn’t one of the bigger surprises on WrestleMania Sunday when Trick Williams overcame Sami Zayn to win the WWE United States Championship. It’s been apparent that Trick’s time has been coming since his arrival to WWE’s main roster, and the fans have been on board with him all the way.

In addition to appearing on WWE’s WrestleMania post-show, Trick Williams also made an appearance on ESPN Sportscenter after the event. Trick chatted with The Miz & his ESPN co-hosts about his victory, his ease in connecting with the audience, and what might be next for the Anointed One.

On His Fast Connection With The WWE Audience:

“I just feel like you never know how the people are really going to read you. You can’t plan this. You can’t say I did this, I did that, man. I’m grateful for how the crowd has responded to me. I just came in with the mindset, I’m going to prove myself. I’m going to work hard. I’mma keep my mouth shut and do my talking out there inside the ring. And that’s why I thank God every single day. I call myself the Anointed One for a reason because he wanted me to be here. So I’m gonna be right here.”

In Response to Miz Saying He Told Carmelo Hayes Not To Do US Championship Open Challenges Every Week:

“I’m a superstar and I wear that very seriously. So, I don’t know about these free matches every single Friday night. When the people see Trick Williams, he’s going to be in a main event. It’s going to be a show when I defend this title.”

Zayn brought back the US Championship Open Challenge gimmick that John Cena made famous in in 2015 in late 2025, with Hayes & Ilja Dragunov continuing the practice during their title reigns. Trick Williams appears to have different ideas for his reign as US Champion.

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit ESPN with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.