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How Trick’s Babyface Turn at Elimination Chamber Supercharges WrestleMania

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Steven Harrison | Last updated Feb 26, 2026 4:08 PM ET

WrestleMania 42 is around the corner, and let’s be honest—it’s missing a little seasoning.

Even soon-to-be WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles admitted on WWE’s own WWE Now podcast that WrestleMania has “lost its luster.” There are plenty of reasons why.

The two-night format spreads out what used to be a single, four-hour spectacle.
Ticket prices, driven by TKO, have turned some fans sour.
And nostalgia for the “good old days” clouds the appreciation of the current product.

As a result, fan excitement for this year’s WrestleMania build has felt flat. The most buzz-worthy moment so far was the Roman Reigns–CM Punk confrontation on Raw—but that was weeks ago.

Enter the Elimination Chamber this Saturday in Chicago. WWE has a golden opportunity to add some flavor to WrestleMania… lemon pepper to be exact.

Trick Williams Rumored for Babyface Turn

Reports are swirling that WWE is considering turning Trick Williams babyface, thanks to his huge crowd reactions. Fans on X are pushing back, arguing that his heat as a heel is what makes him so compelling.

Trick Williams stands in the ring as crowd chants "Whoop That Trick" Getty Images

I disagree. As a longtime WWE fan since the Attitude Era, I see this as the perfect moment for a new kind of star to emerge. I even compared Trick to The Rock circa 1999 in a recent piece—and Trick himself said in an Instagram DM that he appreciated it.

Like Rock, Trick embodies the anti-hero, rebellious energy that fans gravitate toward. The Rock was a heel foil for Steve Austin, but he also played the babyface role with charisma, swagger, and undeniable connection with the crowd.

WrestleMania needs that spark again. Some fans are calling for Randy Orton to win Saturday’s Chamber. I love Randy, but now isn’t the time for another predictable Orton–Drew McIntyre world title match. We’ve seen it too many times, and it lacks the special “umph” WrestleMania thrives on.

Trick vs. Drew Will Sell Tickets

Imagine this: Trick wins the Chamber. The Chicago crowd is chanting “Whoop That Trick.” He locks eyes with Drew McIntyre. A brief, tense staredown turns physical—but Trick ultimately lays Drew out in the ring. In that instant, WWE has a breakout babyface star for WrestleMania season.

And tickets will sell.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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