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News / May 27, 2025 / by TNA Wrestling Staff
At WWE Battleground, Trick Williams dethroned Joe Hendry, becoming the first WWE Superstar to capture the TNA World Championship. Just days later on NXT, Williams was confronted by his first challenger.

After crossing paths with the No Quarter Catch Crew during his jaw-dropping arrival at WWE Battleground, TNA’s Mike Santana went one-on-one with Tavion Heights this week on NXT.
The Realist has officially arrived on #WWENXT! 🇵🇷@Santana_Proud #WWENXT https://t.co/Pd1B4AmU9R
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 28, 2025
Santana was able to withstand a powerful assault from Heights, connecting with Spin the Block to score the victory. Afterwards, Santana helped Heights to his feet in a tremendous show of respect.
And now you know why they call him "The Realist"! @Santana_Proud #WWENXT https://t.co/CSGA50xFjC
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 28, 2025
Later in the night, we heard from Trick Williams for the first time since becoming TNA World Champion. Williams promised that big changes were coming to TNA when he was interrupted by Mike Santana.
Not so fast, “Trick-NA”! @Santana_Proud has one goal: bring the TNA World Title HOME!@Santana_Proud #WWENXT https://t.co/1XcBgRBFcp
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 28, 2025
Santana stood up for the TNA locker room, and vowed to be the one who would save TNA from the reign of Trick Williams.
"I'm gonna be the one to take the TNA World Title from you!"@Santana_Proud did not hold back on @_trickwilliams! 😲#WWENXT pic.twitter.com/pZcO8SDl4l
— WWE (@WWE) May 28, 2025
Director of Authority Santino Marella made the match official — next week on NXT, Trick Williams will defend the TNA World Championship against Mike Santana!
.@_trickwilliams vs. @Santana_Proud NEXT WEEK for the TNA World Championship!? #WWENXT https://t.co/DTg3E0Bckq
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 28, 2025
The action continues on an all-new TNA iMPACT! this Thursday at 8/7c on AXS TV in the US, Sportsnet 360 in Canada, and TNA+ around the world.