WWE US Champion Trick Williams Addresses Potential Title Defense Against Carmelo Hayes After Backlash 2026: ‘Let’s See What Happens’

WWE

WWE US Champion Trick Williams has addressed the possibility of defending his title against Carmelo Hayes following Backlash.

The May 9 Premium Live Event saw Trick Williams defeat Sami Zayn in their title rematch, following Williams previously winning the gold from Zayn at WrestleMania 42.

With the former champion now in Williams’ rear-view winner, the current titleholder commented on his potential next challengers during the Backlash Post-Show.

During this appearance, Williams stated that only the “fittest of the fittest” will be stepping into the ring with him moving forward.

The crowd of fans in attendance broke into a “Melo” chant, before Corey Graves stated that he knows of someone who Williams knows pretty well who used to also hold the US Title.

Acknowledging the crowd, Trick Williams responded:

“Y’all want to see Trick vs Melo? The people have spoken, let’s see what happens.

“Me and Lil Yachty will talk about it, see what we come up with.” 

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Williams and Hayes have shared the ring as both allies and enemies, with the duo notably a team from September 2021 to February 2024.

The duo faced off twice in NXT in April 2024, ahead of Hayes’ move to the main roster later that month.

These frenemies have both teamed together and faced off since then, with Hayes and Williams defeating Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa at NXT Homecoming in September 2025, and Williams winning a three-way match against Hayes and Damian Priest in February to qualify for the Elimination Chamber match.

With Hayes dropping the US Championship to Sami Zayn ahead of WrestleMania 42 following months of weekly open challenge matches, many fans believe he deserves to have a major US Title feud with bouts at upcoming premium live events.

With Trick Williams featured in advertising for the May 31 Clash in Italy event, a US Championship defense against Hayes would be a fun addition for this show.

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• wwe
• champion
• Carmelo Hayes
• Trick Williams

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