In one of the most shocking cross-promotional moments of the year, Trick Williams walked out of NXT Battleground 2025 as the new TNA World Champion—defeating Joe Hendry in a high-profile clash that’s sent ripples through both brands. But while fans are buzzing over the surprise result, not everyone is thrilled—especially former TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth, who’s made it clear he’s furious over the title changing hands.
Speaking candidly in a new interview with WhatCulture, Nemeth didn’t mince words. “I’m absolutely furious and pissed off about it, and that’s not a joke or a game,” he said, clearly frustrated by what he sees as a major misstep for the TNA brand.
Nemeth, who lost the title to Hendry earlier this year, praised his former rival for raising TNA’s profile, but didn’t hold back when it came to the result at Battleground. “Joe Hendry has accomplished so much… he’s brought so many eyes to TNA… and then he loses our world title to a guy from a different company?” Nemeth fumed.
While he made sure to acknowledge Trick Williams as a legitimate talent—calling him “a badass” with “a great future”—the veteran wrestler emphasized that the optics of an NXT star now holding TNA’s most prestigious championship don’t sit well with him.
“This isn’t a world of participation medals… I don’t go, ‘hey, great job, buddy’ when you lose our world title,” Nemeth continued. “When you mess up, you own up to it. Joe lost our world title. I am not okay with that.”
In a move that may raise some eyebrows backstage, Nemeth even suggested old-school accountability might be needed. “We might need to bring back wrestler’s court or something,” he said, half-joking but clearly serious about the gravity of the situation in his eyes.
This marks a rare moment of genuine tension bleeding out into the open between brands, as TNA and WWE’s NXT continue to explore a working relationship that’s seen talent appear across both promotions. Trick’s win could open the door for more crossover storytelling—but it’s also created internal friction, at least for those like Nemeth who view the TNA World Title as sacred ground.
Whether TNA management or locker room leaders will echo Nemeth’s outrage remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Trick Williams has everyone talking—and that might be exactly what both companies wanted.
Wrestling News Blog 