15 Greatest Angles In Modern Wrestling History

13. The New Day Betray Big E

WWE Raw The New Day Big E Kofi Kingston Xavier Woods
WWE

Yes, it all ended up with the New Day whinging to Adam Pearce and wearing (admittedly funny) oversized hats. In the defining thread of WWE's 2025, the follow-up to a hot angle was inexcusably bad. 

But the angle itself was too incredible to omit here. 

The drama was informed by the rarest of things under latter-day Vince McMahon: disciplined long-term storytelling. The New Day were a force for so long that it felt like they'd never split. Even when they weren't a proper stable, they remained an aligned collective. WWE never opted to break them up for the sole purpose of eating away at a few bothersome PLE cycles. The merchandise sales over the years likely helped a great deal, but there was no pressing need. People didn't want to see it. This was especially true after Big E suffered what sadly appears to be a career-ending neck injury in March 2022. 

This is what made the December 2, 2024 heel turn so impactful: it was an unnecessary, unconscionable act. In storylines, it was not Big E's fault that Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods were so aimless - but they projected and blamed him for their loss of form and relevance in an excruciating, masterfully paced segment. Against an ironic and bleak backdrop of celebration, Big E's heart gradually disintegrated. His facial expressions were powerful throughout; able to plead with his eyes, using his good nature to reason with his old friends, it was hopeless: the New Day was over, and the betrayal of Big E was handled so callously that no physicality was needed. Big E's acted heartbreak was more painful. 

Triple H received loads of flak for botching this, and it still wasn't enough.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!