South Carolina Football: Former Gamecock wins championship in WWE
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina football legend Del Wilkes went from being an All-American offensive lineman in Columbia to an “All-America” superstar in the world of professional wrestling. Wilkes, one of the best linemen to ever play in garnet and black, was known by several names during his wrestling career, but most notably, he was called “The Patriot” in the WWF (now WWE).
Despite being a fan favorite, Wilkes had a relatively short career wrestling at the highest level. Two brief stints with the WWF and one in WCW were all cut short due to injuries, but his torn tricep in 1997 ended his career in the ring.
Over 20 years later, the Gamecock football program can claim another fan favorite in professional wrestling.
Former USC wide receiver Matrick Belton, known now by his wrestling persona “Trick Williams,” has become a popular figure in WWE’s NXT division. What began as a developmental league is now more akin to the “big shows” like Raw and Smackdown, and Williams is one of the most well-liked characters in the NXT lineup.
Williams has been the #2 in NXT’s most powerful duo, supporting friend and former NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes. Over the weekend at NXT No Mercy, Williams won the NXT North American Championship belt from fellow up-and-comer Dominic Mysterio, while Hayes became a “former champ” when he lost his NXT Championship crown to challenger Ilja Dragunov.
Williams’ brand new championship belt and his status as a fan favorite could lead him to a well-deserved promotion in the not-too-distant future.
During his South Carolina football career, Matrick Belton earned a scholarship after walking onto the team when he transferred to the University of South Carolina from Hampton. Belton redshirted but played in 2015 and 2016. His most prominent role came in 2015 when he was a part-time starter at wide receiver during Steve Spurrier’s final season in Columbia.