The relationship between Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams, both currently performing for WWE’s “SmackDown” brand, appears to have reached a point of professional equilibrium, according to recent comments from Williams. While their on-screen dynamic has shifted from friendship to rivalry and back again, Williams described their current status as “cool,” stating, “It ain’t beef, it ain’t love.”
Williams shared his assessment in an interview with “No-Contest Wrestling,” adding, “Last time I seen him on screen, we did a tag match together. I think there’s a mutual respect. Shout out to Carmelo Hayes, man. He is that once in a generation type talent. The things he does in the ring is amazing. You understand what I mean? I do think that we’re very different in how we approach the game. I feel like he deserves his flowers. I think he’s a great talent. I wish nothing but the best for Melo. But yeah, we just different. He does his thing. I do mine.” (h/t Wrestling Inc. For the transcription).
The two wrestlers previously teamed up in September 2023 at a special homecoming edition of “WWE NXT,” where they defeated Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa, known collectively as DIY. This victory came after a period of intense competition between Hayes and Williams.
Hayes currently holds the WWE United States Championship and has successfully defended the title on multiple occasions. Williams, a more recent addition to the “SmackDown” roster, has publicly stated his ambition to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship. As of February 15, 2026, Hayes and Williams have not been scheduled to compete against each other on the main roster.
Matt Winkelmeyer, a staff entertainment photographer for Getty Images, has documented numerous events within the world of professional wrestling, including coverage published in Vogue, Vanity Fair and Rolling Stone, among other outlets. Winkelmeyer is based in California and Hawaii and utilizes Canon R1 cameras for his operate. He also specializes in wedding and engagement photography.
