Big E recently shared his perspective on the challenges he faced alongside Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods as members of The New Day, one of the most iconic factions in professional wrestling history. Recounting their journey during a K&C Masterpiece interview, Big E revealed how the group encountered significant skepticism and discouragement, including a surprising warning from WWE legend Big Show directed at Kofi Kingston.
Inside Big Show’s Candid Warning and Apology
Big E recalled that while building The New Day’s identity, many backstage voices cast doubt on their potential, with some openly dismissing their efforts. Notably, Big Show approached Kingston during an early stage and bluntly told him that aligning with Big E and Woods was a waste of time. Despite this, Big E highlighted Big Show’s later admission of error as a gesture of respect. Reflecting on that period, Big E described the group’s determination to follow their own path regardless of outside opinions.
Big E’s Account of Overcoming Difficulties and Triumphs
According to Big E, establishing The New Day took considerable effort amidst repeated rejections and skepticism from WWE personnel. However, the trio remained committed to doing things on their terms, accepting the possibility of failure rather than conforming to conventional expectations. This approach eventually paid off, producing memorable moments like “KofiMania” and a dramatic Hell in a Cell match where Big E himself endured a Rock Bottom move. Their merchandise sales also peaked during a 2016 event in Dallas, underscoring their commercial success.
Personal Reflections and Career Highlights from Big E
Big E expressed deep gratitude for his time in the ring, which has since transitioned to commentary work following a career-ending injury sustained in March 2022. He emphasized the genuine joy shared with Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, noting the balance of laughter and tears that framed their years together. Big E warned about the risk of becoming jaded in wrestling, urging others to remain present and appreciate their journey as he did.
“It was such a roller coaster ride. You know, getting the idea off the ground took us so long, and it was so difficult, and there were so many no’s, so many people backstage who laughed at us, and we tell this story often, Big Show pulling Kofi aside in front of us, in front of me and Woods, and said, ‘What are you doing with these guys? You’re wasting your time.’ He wasn’t joking, and I mentioned Big Show. There are other people I won’t name. I mentioned Big Show because Big Show later came to us and apologized and said, ‘I was completely wrong.’” – Big E, Former WWE Champion
“But we had some real difficulties getting the thing off the ground. But it was so rewarding for us because we just came together through it all, and we said, ‘Look, we’re going to do things our way, and if we fail doing things in our own way, I’m OK with that.’ But doing things someone else’s way and failing, we just weren’t OK with that. So we wanted to sink or swim based on our own merits, and then when this thing finally took off, man, it’s so cool to be able to look back at KofiMania, to look back at the Hell in a Cell match. I took a Rock Bottom. We were the number one merch movers at Dallas during that year in 2016.” – Big E, Former WWE Champion
“But man, we had such a blast. And looking back now, my time in the ring is over doing stuff on the commentary side. But I can look back now, and I have no regrets because there are so many times with Kofi and Woods, we spent crying, laughing. We really enjoyed it, and I think too often in our business, so many guys get jaded. They worry about their push. They don’t really enjoy the experience, and I can look back and think, ‘Man, I knew I was in the good old days when I was in the good old days.’ I don’t go back and regret it. But I knew then, ‘Hey, soak it all up. Be present because these are memories.’ Man, I have had such an incredible career. I talk about wrestling Randy Orton in South Africa. I’ve wrestled in Japan more times than I can count. I’ve been all over the world. I’ve had so many incredible experiences, and being able to entertain people truly across the globe has been one of life’s greatest joys.” – Big E, Former WWE Champion
The Impact of Big E’s Departure on The New Day
Big E’s wrestling career came to an end following a severe injury in March 2022. More recently, during The New Day’s 10th anniversary celebration on WWE RAW in December 2024, Kingston and Woods made the surprising decision to remove Big E from the group. This development marks a significant turning point for the faction and highlights the evolving dynamics among the members.
What This Means for the Future of The New Day and Kofi Kingston
The warning Big Show gave to Kofi Kingston years ago serves as a stark reminder of the initial doubts The New Day faced, a contrast to their eventual widespread acclaim. Big E’s reflections show the importance of perseverance and authenticity in professional wrestling, values that Kingston and Woods continue to uphold. As The New Day moves forward without Big E, fans will be watching closely to see how Kingston and Woods adjust and maintain the group’s legacy in WWE.
