11 Things We Learned From WWE 24: Kofi Kingston

4. The New Day's Origins

Kofi Kingston Vince McMahon
WWE Network

It was around this time that Big E. and Xavier Woods, then trading under the name 'Langston' and doing absolutely nothing of note respectively, began tagging together. With the team failing to pull up any particular trees, Woods, one of the smartest minds in the wrestling biz today (the chap's currently studying for a PhD, don't you know), came up with the idea for a stable of disgruntled wrestlers.

He extended an offer to Kofi Kingston, and almost immediately - and surprisingly - the Ghanaian accepted. The trio's original incarnation was a far cry from their current form - three men of a similar background frustrated at the machine holding them down - with many reductively likening them to the Nation of Domination.

As good a start as they made, Woods knew that to truly shine, the team would need to share a bond beyond wrestling. That's when they started training together, writing together, and hanging out together. Though they were super-serious on Main Event, they just acted as themselves during live events - and that's where they landed upon the golden formula.

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.