11 Things We Learned From WWE 24: Kofi Kingston

10. His Amateur Background

Kofi Kingston Vince McMahon
WWE Network

Like most WWE superstars of the modern era, Kofi Kingston entered the business not for financial reasons, but because of a burning passion since childhood. His mum described him as 'obsessed' with WWE, and he was fortunate enough to witness the start of the 'Stone Cold' era when WrestleMania came to Boston in 1998.

Even seven years before watching Austin win his first WWE Championship at the TD Gardens, Kingston knew where his future lied, and desperate to get involved, signed up for his high school wrestling team. It soon dawned on the youngster that Winchester High's amateur mat meets didn't quite share the same world as the Hogans and Savages he'd seen on TV.

Nevertheless, the athletically-gifted Kofi took it seriously, becoming the team's captain and achieving 2nd place in the States and 4th in the All-States. His experience in the singlet would provide a solid foundation for his next step...

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.