Ilja Dragunov retained the NXT Championship by defeating Trick Williams at NXT Vengeance Day on Sunday. Adding to the sting of defeat, Carmelo Hayes turned on Williams, ending their long-standing friendship.
Following a grueling match against Dragunov, Williams suffered a vicious attack from his former friend amidst a chorus of boos from the audience.
The rivalry between Dragunov and Williams dates back to last year when Dragunov was in a feud with then-NXT champion Carmelo Hayes.
NOOOOOOOOOO!
WHAT DID YOU JUST DO @Carmelo_WWE?!?!#VengeanceDay pic.twitter.com/IzdRiCMvKj
— WWE (@WWE) February 5, 2024
Their first encounter was in February 2023, followed by another match in August 2023, both of which Dragunov won. Dragunov then went on to dethrone Hayes for the NXT title at No Mercy in September.
Since then, Hayes had been vying to reclaim the title, but it was Williams who earned a championship opportunity at Vengeance Day after winning the Iron Survivor Challenge at NXT Deadline in December.
THIS IS MADNESS!!!#VengeanceDay pic.twitter.com/NIY35fOif9
— WWE (@WWE) February 5, 2024
Originally scheduled for New Year’s Evil, the title match was postponed due to Dragunov’s injury sustained during a match against Ridge Holland.
Upon recovery, Dragunov offered Williams a title shot at Vengeance Day, creating a conflict as Williams and Hayes were also involved in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, with the finals set for the same event.
Despite Hayes’ disapproval of Williams’ pursuit of the NXT title while they were focused on the Dusty Classic, they managed to reach the finals and faced Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin.
After their match in the Dusty Classic, Williams aimed to end the night on a high note by winning the NXT Championship, but his hopes were dashed by Dragunov, and he was betrayed by his once-close ally, Hayes.
