Trick Williams said he only needs to be himself to defeat Sami Zayn at the upcoming WWE Backlash United States Championship match [1].

The bout is a pivotal moment in their ongoing rivalry, testing whether Williams can maintain his momentum against a seasoned veteran. The match serves as a high-stakes clash for the United States Championship title [3].

Williams expressed confidence in his current form and mindset. He believes that authenticity and self-assurance are the keys to overcoming Zayn's experience. "It's not about what you did five years ago, it's about what you can do today," Williams said [2].

This confrontation follows a previous encounter at WrestleMania 42 [1], where Williams emerged victorious over Zayn. That specific match was marked by external interference from Lil Yachty [3], adding a layer of unresolved tension to their current feud.

The event is scheduled for Saturday in May 2026 [5]. Fans in the U.S. can stream the action live via the ESPN App, while international viewers will have access through Netflix [1]. The broadcast is set to begin at six ET/three PT [4].

Williams has focused his preparation on mental fortitude. He said that his ability to remain true to his identity in the ring will be the deciding factor in the match. By dismissing the weight of past achievements, he aims to pressure Zayn into a mistake during the championship contest.

“"It's not about what you did five years ago, it's about what you can do today."”

The rematch at Backlash 2026 is designed to determine if Trick Williams' previous victory at WrestleMania 42 was a fluke caused by interference or a sign of a legitimate shift in power. By emphasizing 'being himself,' Williams is attempting to establish a psychological edge and validate his status as a top-tier competitor without the need for outside help.