11 Things We Learned From WWE 24: Kofi Kingston

3. What AJ's Words Meant To Him

Kofi Kingston Vince McMahon
WWE Network

After fighting off three of SmackDown's finest in an epic gauntlet match prior to his Elimination Chamber substitute duties, an absolutely cream-crackered Kofi Kingston faced one last challenge in the formidable form of AJ Styles.

Playing to the script, The Phenomenal One took his exhausted foe aside, telling him, "you don't have to do this, you've tried your best." Though it was all part of the entertainment, Styles' lines truly resonated with Kofi; they could have just as easily been directed at his entire career than just the one night.

The New Day man's emotional response was completely spontaneous, as he told AJ that he wouldn't stay down, and that he'd earned this opportunity. "To me, that was really symbolic of the eleven years I have had," Kofi revealed. "It was entertainment, but that emotion was very very real to me."

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.