Rikishi has praised Trick Williams following his recent move to the WWE main roster, saying the former NXT standout looked like a star from the moment he appeared on Friday Night SmackDown.
Speaking on the Off The Top podcast, Rikishi discussed several rising names in WWE, including Williams and Stephanie Vaquer, highlighting how both talents connected quickly with fans.
Williams made his in-ring SmackDown debut earlier this month and followed it up with a high-profile singles match in Germany. Williams is scheduled to compete on the January 16 edition of WWE SmackDown in London, where he faces Matt Cardona in a #1 Contender’s Qualifying Match.
Rikishi On Trick Williams Main Roster Presence
Rikishi said Williams immediately stood out when he arrived on SmackDown, pointing to his confidence, presentation, and crowd reaction.
“Trick finally got called up to the main roster,” Rikishi said, adding that he obviously looked comfortable on the mic.
“So I look forward for some good things to happen to Trick. He kind of knows who he is, and you can tell, I kind of caught a little bit on Friday when he came up.
“He just looked like a superstar. And it was a fresh body talent to be able to look at on Smackdown. They were just yelling his catchphrase, ‘Whoop that Trick,’ right? So you know, once people start yelling your catchphrase, and that’s your first time on TV? You can rest assured that you know the creative control back there, they already own it.”
Trick Williams Set To Appear Again On WWE SmackDown January 16
Williams’ momentum comes at a key point in WWE’s schedule, as WWE SmackDown on January 16, 2026, features multiple #1 Contender’s Qualifying Matches ahead of Royal Rumble 2026.
Trick Williams is set to face Matt Cardona in one of those matches, with the winner advancing closer to a future Undisputed WWE Championship opportunity. Rikishi’s comments add further spotlight to Williams ahead of the London episode.
Fans can find the full WWE SmackDown January 16 lineup, start time, venue details, and viewing information in our complete match card guide.
