Trick Williams' Potential New Faction: Examining Seven WWE Stars Who Could Join

Carmelo Hayes: A Familiar Alliance

When Trick Williams first arrived in WWE, he aligned himself with Carmelo Hayes on the NXT brand. The 'Trick Melo Gang' quickly became one of the most prominent acts on WWE NXT, forging a friendship that is still fondly remembered. Despite their subsequent split and breakup in 2024, it is evident that both Williams and Hayes hold that period together very close to their hearts, even as they are now more focused on their individual success.

Carmelo Hayes has never defeated Trick Williams in singles competition. Trick Williams has all three of his meetings against Carmelo Hayes across NXT and SmackDown. If Williams is to create his own faction, he would be hard-pressed to find someone who knows him better than Melo to start on the right foot.

Ilja Dragunov: Rivalry Forged Respect

During his time on WWE NXT, Trick Williams developed a rivalry and an eventual bond with Ilja Dragunov. In a rivalry built on competition and mutual respect, Williams was able to prove himself against "The Mad Dragon." Trick Williams eventually went on to defeat Ilja Dragunov to win his first WWE NXT Championship in April 2024, after failing to beat him several times prior. Williams aligning with Dragunov would be an interesting development, continuing their story that was first introduced in NXT on the WWE main roster under the same faction.

Je’Von Evans: Brotherly Bond to Main Roster Colleague

Another friend and rival of Trick Williams dating back to his time on WWE NXT was Je’Von Evans. When "The Young OG" first debuted in WWE, he formed a friendship with Williams and viewed him as a big brother of sorts. At the start of 2026, Je’Von Evans was called up to the WWE main roster and became a member of the Monday Night Raw brand, while Williams has made his home on Friday Night SmackDown. However, Trick creating his own stable could see Evans joining forces with him once again as they try to find success as a unit.

Tony D’Angelo: NXT 2.0 Peers

Trick Williams got his start in WWE on the NXT brand as part of the rebrand to NXT 2.0 alongside several other names on the roster. One of the other stars who made his debut around the same time as Williams was Tony D’Angelo. As part of this new wave of talent on NXT, Trick Williams and Tony D’Angelo went on to become two of the most decorated stars of the past few years on the brand. Tony D’Angelo is currently the NXT Champion. D’Angelo could join Trick on the main roster if Williams opens the door for his arrival through a new faction.

Royce Keys: SmackDown’s Emerging Enforcer

After making his debut at WWE Royal Rumble 2026, Royce Keys has now made his new home on Friday Night SmackDown. Becoming one of the most featured names on the blue brand, Keys has found himself being convinced by Solo Sikoa to join the MFTs stable. However, Keys could have another option for a faction to join forces with if Trick Williams creates a new group himself. Becoming the enforcer for this possible stable, Keys would work well alongside Trick, where they could potentially help each other rise up the ladder on SmackDown moving forward.

Lash Legend: Personal and Professional Ties

It is no secret that Trick Williams is closely tied to another star on the SmackDown roster in Lash Legend. Lash Legend and Trick Williams got engaged in November 2025. This personal relationship underscores a strong connection that could naturally extend into a professional alliance within a new faction led by Williams on SmackDown. Lash Legend is a star on the SmackDown roster.