The New Day Turn Heel On Big E In Bittersweet 10-Year Anniversary Segment On WWE Raw

The New Day, one of WWE’s most celebrated factions, reached a bittersweet milestone during their tenth-anniversary celebration on this week’s episode of WWE Raw. What could have been a triumphant moment for the trio of Xavier Woods, Kofi Kingston, and the returning Big E instead turned into a shocking display of turmoil, signaling a dramatic shift for the iconic group.

Big E Returns, But Unity Shatters

The segment began with General Manager Adam Pearce inviting Woods and Kingston to the ring, where the duo addressed their recent struggles. Tensions between them had been brewing for weeks, culminating in a heated argument just days earlier. Both men expressed gratitude to the fans for supporting their decade-long journey but hinted that trouble was brewing, assuring the audience, “It’s not your fault.”

Before they could elaborate, Big E’s entrance music hit, drawing an eruption of cheers from the crowd. Big E, who had been sidelined with a career-threatening neck injury since 2022, made an emotional return. However, the excitement quickly gave way to tension as Big E voiced his concerns about the ongoing discord between his longtime teammates.

Big E shared heartfelt words about how Woods and Kingston stood by him through his darkest days, vowing to return the favor by becoming their manager until he was medically cleared to compete. It was a selfless offer—but one that wasn’t met with the gratitude he might have expected.

Woods and Kingston Lash Out

To the audience’s shock, both Woods and Kingston rejected Big E’s proposal. Woods, visibly upset, accused Big E of only stepping in after weeks of infighting, suggesting that his return felt too little, too late. Kingston’s response cut even deeper. In a bitter tirade, Kingston dismissed Big E’s injury struggles, pointing out how legends like Kurt Angle managed to return to the ring after similar setbacks.

The two berated their former ally, questioning his commitment to the group and casting doubt on his future in the ring. Woods delivered the harshest blow, claiming Big E would never be medically cleared and telling him to walk away for good.

A Fractured Family

Despite Big E’s attempt to mend fences with a final offer of a group hug, Woods and Kingston stood firm. The once inseparable trio seemed irreparably broken as Woods and Kingston clasped hands in the ring, declaring themselves a two-man unit. Big E, left standing alone, watched on in a poignant moment that marked the end of an era.

What’s Next for The New Day?

The New Day’s decade-long legacy is one of camaraderie, innovation, and record-breaking success. But with this unexpected turn of events, fans are left wondering if this marks the permanent dissolution of the group or the beginning of a heated rivalry among its former brothers.

With Big E’s return to Raw and his promise to be present every week, the story is far from over. Whether reconciliation or further betrayal is on the horizon, The New Day’s 10th-anniversary celebration will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal chapter in their storied WWE history.

Stay tuned to see how this emotional saga unfolds—and whether Big E can find his way back into the hearts of his former brothers in the weeks to come.

Kofi Kingston To Undergo Ankle Surgery Today

Kofi Kingston will need surgery following a recent injury.

The New Day member took to Twitter on Thursday evening to announce that he’ll be undergoing surgery on his ankle later today (Friday) in Birmingham, Alabama. The injury took place on an episode of WWE SmackDown earlier this month.

Kingston wrote:

“***Long post ahead. Y’all that don’t like to read, this ain’t for you lol***

Alabama folks are so kind. Earlier today instead of waiting 15 min for an Uber to take me to the YMCA Shades Valley to workout, I opted to take one of those electric street scooters. Big mistake. Half the trip was uphill and on semi highway roads! And I was wearing my air cast walking boot!

I got within a mile of the @BirminghamYMCA, and the scooter wouldn’t go further for some reason. Also, the Y was out of the drop off range, so I then had to call an Uber anyway, lol.

30 min later after 2 others canceled, one finally came to pick me up. I had him stop at target…I needed lotion (yes I was still ashy from this morning).

Finally got to the Y and the woman at the desk told me that in order to buy a guest pass, a member had to bring you as a guest… “but you can be my guest,” she said. And she vouched for me to workout. So kind of her to do for a stranger. I really wanted to move around a bit before I’m unable to do so after surgery tomorrow.

After the gym, I stopped at a stir fry spot called “Yummefy”. Tons of vegan options. The maps app said they were closed, but I was in luck! Nice lady gave me the best recommendations… I ordered all of them!

When I got my food, I went to inform the lady that the maps app said they were closed and they should probably fix their hours. She said, “oh we are closed. We just made that food for you anyway.”

My jaw dropped in disbelief. It was 15 minutes past the closing time! I thanked her profusely. So kind of her to go out of her way so that I could eat.

Anyway, a long message that can be summed up by saying that I am very grateful for the people I’ve come across here in Birmingham today.

Tomorrow, we march forward and into the hands of the best in the world at what he does! Let’s get this ankle right!”

Source: eWrestlingNews

Kofi Kingston Injury Update

Kofi Kingston has provided an update on the jaw injury that caused him to miss this week’s edition of Raw.

The former WWE Champion was unable to accompany his tag partner Xavier Woods to the ring on Monday and he explained why in a recent Instagram Live video.

I gotta apologize, I feel like I’m talking out of the side of my mouth and I’m dealing with like a jaw injury right now and my mouth is only closing on one side,” Kofi revealed. “If I sound kind of funny, that’s why. Ordinarily, I do a lot of imitations and impersonations and impressions, but I’m not doing that right now,” he added. “I’m talking funny just trying to figure this situation out.”

The announce team on Raw referenced Kofi’s injury, but its level of severity has yet to addressed on air.

Kofi lost a couple of teeth during The New Day’s match with The Hurt Business at TLC last month.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Kofi Kingston To Defend WWE Championship Against Brock Lesnar On The Fox Debut Of SmackDown

“The Beast” Brock Lesnar will face-off against Kofi Kingston for the WWE Championship next month during the first episode of Friday Night SmackDown on FOX.

Lesnar and his advocate Paul Heyman made their presence felt during tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live after a six-man tag match in which Kofi and New Day were victorious.

Brock and Heyman then walked to the ring and challenged Kofi to a title match on October 4.

Kofi said he made a promise to be a fighting champion after winning the title, therefore he was accepting Lesnar’s challenge. His acceptance was met with a swift F5 before Brock left the ring.

Lesnar vs. Kingston for the WWE Title is the only match announced for the big SmackDown Fox premiere as of this writing. This will be Lesnar’s first SmackDown match in over 15 years, since 2004. Lesnar has not worked a match on weekly WWE television since returning to the company in 2012.

Kofi Kingston Presents WWE Title To President Of Ghana During Homecoming Tour (Photos, Videos)

WWE Champion Kofi Kingston is currently on a four-day tour of Ghana. He presented a WWE Title belt to President Nana Akufo-Addo on Thursday.

This is Kofi’s first trip to Ghana since 1993. He arrived in the capital of Accra on Thursday to a crowd of fans and members of the government’s 2019 Year of Return Steering Committee. Kofi then visited the President at Jubilee House to present the WWE Title.

Kofi was also scheduled to visit the Manhyia Palace to pay homage to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, host a children’s rally, visit the Mother and Baby Unit at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and make other appearances. Kofi was also scheduled to visit Ejisu and Atwima Techiman, which are his paternal and maternal hometowns.

Below are a few shots from Kofi’s trip, along with part 1 of WWE’s Homecoming series for the WWE Champion:

https://twitter.com/TrueKofi/status/1134381283671302144

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Dolph Ziggler Returns, Viciously Attacked Kofi Kingston

Last night on SmackDown Live, Paul Heyman came out with Brock Lesnars’s Money in the Bank briefcase taunting WWE Champion Kofi Kingston. That’s when Dolph Ziggler made his surprise return to WWE viciously attacking Kofi.

Later Ziggler came out and explained why he did it. Ziggler says it should’ve been him instead of Kofi having all the success Kofi has had lately. Ziggler said he will ,make things right be defeating Kofi for the WWE Championship at WWE Super ShowDown on June 7 in Saudi Arabia.

Kofi Kingston Announces Return To Ghana For First Time In 26 Years, WWE To Film Documentary

WWE Champion Kofi Kingston will be returning to Ghana, West Africa for the first time in 26 years for a four-day visit that runs from Thursday, May 30 through Sunday, June 2.

Kofi announced the tour with a press release on social media today. WWE confirmed the news on their website. The trip home, his first since 1993, will coincide with a celebratory “Year of Return” in the country this year. A WWE film crew will be filming the trip for a future documentary special. Kofi will visit his maternal and paternal hometowns, host a children’s rally, and a visit to the Ghanaian President, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and a visit to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asante Monarch.

Kofi is scheduled to defend his title against Kevin Owens at WWE Money In the Bank on May 19. He commented in the post that included the press release, “Well it’s officially official. For the first time since 1993, I’m going back to my home country! Though it was 26 years ago, I still have so many vivid memories of my last visit to Ghana. I’m beyond excited to make many more in a few short weeks!”

Below is the full press release that was released:

Thursday, May 9, 2019
PRESS RELEASE
TO ALL MEDIA HOUSESKOFI KINGSTON’S HISTORIC VISIT TO GHANA

The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Champion, Kofi “Kingston” Sarkodie-Mensah, is visiting his homeland.

The World Champion considers this “Year of Return” as a unique opportunity for him to make a historic visit to Ghana at the height of his wrestling career.

The four-day visit which starts from Thursday, 30th May, 2019 to Sunday, 2nd June, 2019, includes a courtesy call on the President of Ghana, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Presidency. He will then be at the Manhyia Palace to pay homage to the Asante Monarch, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

Other activities include a Children’s Rally, visits to Tourist Sites and places like the Lake Bosomtwe, the Christianborg (Osu) Castle, Bonwire and Ntonso, a visit to the Mother and Baby Unit at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and visits to Ejisu and Atwima Techiman which are his paternal and maternal hometowns respectively. There will also be Media Engagements and In-Studio Interviews.

Accompanying Kofi are the WWE crew who are currently shooting a documentary on the World Champion.

They look forward to a warm reception, as well as the experience of the proverbial Ghanaian hospitality.

Media houses and other organisations can get in touch for further and more specific details.

Thank you!

The Planning Committee

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Backstage News On Original Plans For Daniel Bryan And Kofi Kingston, WWE Turning Kevin Owens Heel

WWE officials originally had plans for Daniel Bryan to wrestle WWE Champion Kofi Kingston at the May 19 Money In the Bank pay-per-view, according to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio. This would have been the rematch for their WrestleMania 35 title change, but as we’ve noted, Bryan suffered some sort of injury at WrestleMania and the nature of the injury is being closely guarded by the company.

There’s no word on when Bryan might be back in the ring or if they will pick back up on the Bryan vs. Kofi storyline, but Bryan’s injury is the why they turned Kevin Owens heel on SmackDown this week. As noted, Owens turned on Kofi and Xavier Woods after spending a week as an honorary member of The New Day due to Big E’s injury. The quick turn by Owens surprised a lot of fans, but Meltzer noted that WWE decided on the Owens heel turn a few days after WrestleMania 35 when Bryan was put on the shelf.

WWE went with Owens vs. Kofi after considering Randy Orton and Rowan, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. They also talked about bringing Drew McIntyre or Baron Corbin from RAW to feud with Kofi, or have WWE United States Champion Samoa Joe stay on the blue brand for the feud. They ultimately went with Owens.

WWE aired babyfaces vignettes for Owens that featured his son back in February and the plan was for Owens to return to work as a babyface, not for him to return and then turn heel. The original plan was for Owens to return as a “guy next door” who ate junk food, had the same problems as everyone else, and had kids, but could beat people up, according to the Observer. Owens was even given the Stone Cold Stunner as a finisher to help with the babyface gimmick. It was noted that WWE tested the Stunner out with RAW & SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch at live events, before giving it to Owens.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Kevin Owens Turns On The New Day

Kevin Owens’ gig as an honorary member of The New Day lasted just one week as he turned on WWE Champion Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods after tonight’s SmackDown main event, which saw Kofi defeat Shinsuke Nakamura by disqualification due to interference from Rusev.

Owens helped The New Day fight off Nakamura and Rusev, but then turned on Kofi and ended up destroying both members of the group. There’s now speculation on Kofi defending his title against Owens at the WWE Money In the Bank pay-per-view. You can see a few shots from tonight’s angle below:

WWE Champions Becky Lynch and Kofi Kingston Talking Winning Titles At WrestleMania 35 on ESPN Show ‘Get Up!’

Becky Lynch and Kofi Kingston appeared on the ESPN show Get Up! to discuss their wins at WrestleMania 35 with Kingston winning his 1st WWE championship and Lynch claiming the RAW and SmackDown Women’s Championships.