Trick Williams leads the new wave of free agents on SmackDown

The contractual situation of Trick Williams has taken a turn that is generating tension in both WWE programs. The former double NXT champion has become a free agent within the main roster and is willing to listen to all proposals. His first television appearance in this new stage came on this Friday's SmackDown broadcast, where he was seen in Nick Aldis' office to explore a possible signing.

During that conversation, Williams assured the General Manager that Raw had put an "enormous" offer on the table and that if SmackDown wanted to compete, it was time to act. The scene was interrupted by a frustrated Cody Rhodes due to his rivalry with Drew McIntyre, who rudely sent Trick out of the office. However, the former champion returned seconds later to make his position clear: he not only wants to negotiate, but also wants to position himself in Rhodes' world championship orbit.

Williams' rise has accelerated after two years of dominance in NXT, where he not only won the top title twice but also lifted the TNA World Championship during his alliance with the brand. Since his defeat against Myles Borne on November 18 in an Iron Survivor Challenge qualifier, he had not appeared in the developmental brand.

His leap coincides with the movement of other emerging figures. It was mentioned this week on Raw that Je'Von Evans will also soon be a free agent, while SmackDown featured Joe Hendry defeating The Miz in a Miracle on 34th Street Fight. With the internal market more active than ever, Williams becomes a key piece whose decision could alter the structure of both rosters.