Xavier Woods Bio
Early Life and Background
Austin Watson, known in the wrestling world as Xavier Woods, was born on September 4, 1986, in Columbus, Georgia. He graduated from Pebblebrook High School and later attended Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a master’s degree in psychology. Watson’s early exposure to wrestling began while he was in college, where he trained part-time, igniting his passion for the sport.
Path to WWE
While studying at Furman University, Watson began his wrestling career in 2005 with Rob Adonis’ Ultimate Christian Wrestling promotion. He developed his persona, Austin Creed, which drew inspiration from the character Apollo Creed in the Rocky series. After gaining experience in various independent promotions, he made a significant move to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in 2007, where he wrestled as Consequences Creed. Watson signed with WWE in 2010, initially working in its developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), before transitioning to NXT and eventually debuting on the main roster in 2013.
Xavier Woods Career
Early Career (2005–2013)
Watson’s wrestling journey began in the independent circuit, where he quickly made a name for himself. He won the NWA Anarchy Tag Team Championship and was recognized as NWA’s Most Popular Wrestler in 2006. After his stint in TNA, where he became a one-time TNA World Tag Team Champion, he joined WWE’s FCW, adopting the ring name Xavier Woods. His early career was marked by significant achievements, including winning the Florida Tag Team Championship.
WWE Breakthrough (2014–Present)
In 2014, Woods formed the tag team The New Day with Big E and Kofi Kingston. The trio quickly gained popularity and became known for their entertaining personas and in-ring chemistry. They have achieved remarkable success, becoming seven-time SmackDown Tag Team Champions, five-time World Tag Team Champions, and one-time NXT Tag Team Champions. Notably, their second reign with the Raw Tag Team Championship was the longest in WWE history until it was surpassed in February 2021. In 2021, Woods won the King of the Ring tournament, adopting the name King Woods, further solidifying his status in WWE.
Current Team Era (2023–Present)
As of 2023, Woods continues to perform with The New Day on the Raw brand. The team has faced various challenges, including feuds with other tag teams and internal conflicts. Despite these hurdles, Woods and Kingston remain a formidable duo, showcasing their resilience and adaptability in the ring. Their recent performances have kept them in the title picture, and they continue to entertain fans with their dynamic style and engaging storylines.
Professional Wrestler Style and Strengths
Xavier Woods is known for his agility, charisma, and ability to connect with the audience. His wrestling style incorporates high-flying maneuvers and a strong psychological approach, making him a versatile performer. Woods’ partnership with fellow wrestlers enhances his in-ring strategy, allowing him to thrive in tag team matches.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Woods has achieved significant milestones throughout his career, including being a 13-time tag team champion in WWE. His victory in the King of the Ring tournament in 2021 marked a personal high point, showcasing his growth as a performer. Additionally, his contributions to The New Day have left a lasting impact on the tag team division.
Xavier Woods Career Wins
Xavier Woods has accumulated numerous wins throughout his wrestling career, particularly in tag team competitions. His success with The New Day has established him as one of the premier tag team wrestlers in WWE history.
Current WWE Series Highlights
As of 2025, Woods has secured a total of 13 tag team championships in WWE, including his most recent victories with Kingston. Their teamwork has led to multiple title reigns, with their latest championship win occurring during WrestleMania 41, where they defeated The War Raiders for the World Tag Team Championship.
Previous WWE Series Achievements
Before their current success, Woods and The New Day had notable runs in the SmackDown and Raw tag team divisions, where they consistently competed at a high level. Their ability to adapt and entertain has made them fan favorites and a staple in WWE’s tag team landscape.
Xavier Woods Family
Family Background and WWE Lineage
Austin Watson is married to Jess, and they welcomed their son in 2017. While not much is publicly known about his family background, Watson’s commitment to his family is evident in his personal life.
Personal Life
In addition to his wrestling career, Watson is an avid gamer and has a popular YouTube channel, UpUpDownDown, where he engages with fans and fellow wrestlers through gaming content. He is also pursuing a PhD in educational psychology, showcasing his dedication to education alongside his wrestling career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a pivotal year for Xavier Woods and The New Day. Following their championship win at WrestleMania 41, they have been embroiled in a heated rivalry with The Judgment Day. The storyline has seen Woods and Kingston face challenges both in and out of the ring, leading to significant character development and tension within the team. As they navigate these conflicts, their resilience and teamwork will be crucial in maintaining their status in the tag team division as they aim for further championship glory.
