In a shocking and ruthless turn of events, Darkstate made their presence felt on the April 1, 2025, episode of WWE NXT, delivering a savage beatdown to Trick Williams that left the entire Performance Center in stunned silence. The dominant faction—comprised of Karrion Kross, Dijak, and the menacing debut of Vincent—sent a clear message to the NXT roster: no one is safe.
The night started with Trick Williams, fresh off his hard-fought victory at NXT Stand & Deliver, addressing the crowd. He stood tall, still riding the momentum of his impressive win over Carmelo Hayes, a match that many believed had finally cemented him as a top singles star. However, his celebration was short-lived.
As Trick spoke about his journey and the battles he had fought, the lights inside the Performance Center flickered, plunging the arena into darkness. A chilling vignette played on the Titantron—grainy, distorted images of wolves circling prey, followed by an ominous voice whispering, “Darkness is inevitable.” The eerie message had barely faded before the lights returned, revealing Darkstate surrounding the ring like hunters closing in on their target.
Trick, sensing the imminent danger, threw the microphone down and took the fight to Kross first, landing a right hand before following up with a dropkick that staggered Dijak. For a brief moment, it looked as if he might hold his own, but the numbers game quickly overwhelmed him.
Vincent struck first, ramming Trick into the turnbuckle before Kross unloaded with heavy forearm shots to the head. Dijak then delivered a devastating high boot, nearly knocking Trick unconscious. The beating intensified as Darkstate dragged Trick outside the ring, slamming him onto the announce table. The sickening thud echoed through the arena as commentators Vic Joseph and Booker T stood speechless.
Fans gasped in horror as Kross ordered Dijak to lift Trick onto his shoulders. With ruthless precision, Dijak delivered Feast Your Eyes, dropping Trick face-first onto the steel steps. But Darkstate wasn’t finished. Vincent, with a sadistic grin, climbed to the top turnbuckle and delivered a crushing Swanton Bomb onto Trick’s already battered body.
Trainers and referees rushed to ringside, but Darkstate continued their relentless assault. Kross locked in the Kross Jacket, choking Trick unconscious as officials desperately tried to pry him away. Only after Trick’s body went limp did Kross finally release his grip, standing over his fallen victim with a look of cold satisfaction.
As Trick lay motionless, Vincent leaned into the camera and whispered, “The reckoning has begun.” The group then exited through the crowd, leaving behind a scene of absolute carnage.
Trick Williams was stretchered out of the arena, raising serious concerns about his condition. WWE later reported that he suffered multiple contusions and possible rib damage, putting his future in question.
With this shocking ambush, Darkstate has solidified themselves as NXT’s most dangerous force. The question now is—who will stand up to them? And more importantly, will Trick Williams even be able to return?
One thing is certain: NXT will never be the same.
