WWE Replaces Wrestler In Major Match On Friday's SmackDown
This WWE star won't be competing on SmackDown; company names his replacement.
Fellow New Day member Xavier Woods will replace Kofi Kingston for WWE's five-way match on Friday's episode of SmackDown - Woods is joined by Sheamus, Drew McIntyre (RIP "Banger Bros"), Karrion Kross and LA Knight in the bout to determine a new WrestleMania 39 challenger for chop-loving IC Champ GUNTHER.
Kingston has been removed due to injuries, but the company hasn't released any official details on exactly how long Kofi is expected to be out for. There's also no word on whether or not he'll be on TV during his downtime away from the ring.
It's all a bit of a mystery.
Being fair, Kingston was never one of the favourites to win this five-way scrap and march on to 'Mania against GUNTHER. Drew McIntyre is the clear frontrunner, although some fans believe WWE will pivot to a Triple Threat match also involving Sheamus come April.
The Viking Raiders vs. Braun Strowman and Ricochet is the only other match confirmed for tonight's episode of SmackDown. Braun and Rico have acted as a pleasant surprise in the tag-team division. Their big man/little man dynamic works well.