Major shift in CM Punk's career, popular big man to switch groups? 4 WWE stars who Kofi Kingston could recruit to replace Xavier Woods in The New Day
One of the more fascinating stories in WWE at the moment is the ongoing New Day saga. One of the most tenured and beloved stables of all time, known for always getting along even in the most tense of moments, is showing fractures.
The stable was formed around a decade ago. Xavier Woods recruited Kofi Kingston and Big E, two former champions who were seemingly lost in the shuffle in World Wrestling Entertainment. From there, they went on to become a record-breaking stable that dominated the tag team scene.
Sadly, Big E was injured in 2022 and hasn't wrestled since. In the time since then, tensions have risen between Kofi and Xavier, which even culminated with a brief shove on this week's episode of RAW. Kingston is clearly tired of Woods' bad attitude.
As such, there is a chance that Kofi looks to replace Woods. Xavier feared Kingston would do that with Odyssey Jones, but with Jones out, someone else would need to fill the role. Who could Kofi recruit to replace Xavier in The New Day?
Below are four WWE stars who Kofi Kingston could recruit to replace Xavier Woods in The New Day.
#4. Akira Tozawa is actually very underrated
Akira Tozawa has long been underrated in WWE. He was a notable name in Japan and in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla before joining World Wrestling Entertainment via the Cruiserweight Classic and 205 Live. He has since become a 24/7 Champion and a Cruiserweight Champion.
Tozawa is currently a member of The Alpha Academy on WWE Monday Night RAW. Former leader Chad Gable referred to Tozawa as a "junior cadet" of the faction, and he remains a member of the stable now that the Olympian has moved on to American Made.
While Tozawa may seem like an odd choice, he has proven he can go in tag teams, as proven by his dynamic with Otis. Not only that but as noted, Tozawa is a former Cruiserweight Champion. He and Kofi could be a speedy duo that opponents won't know how to catch, which could prove to be quite successful.
#3. Otis could be the new big man of The New Day
Otis is another underrated WWE star. Despite not being particularly tall, he is a big man with a lot of weight and muscle behind him that leaves foes absolutely devastated in his wake. Despite that, Otis is also incredibly charismatic, which means the audience loves him.
Just like Akira Tozawa, Otis is a member of The Alpha Academy on WWE RAW. Currently, the group includes Otis, Tozawa, and Maxxine Dupri. Unfortunately, without Chad Gable, they've lost a lot of momentum.
Kofi Kingston could help to fix that. He could bring Otis in as Big E's replacement, thus adding a powerhouse to The New Day. If he were to also recruit Akira Tozawa, they could be a three-person group yet again.
#2. R-Truth and Kofi Kingston are former WWE Tag Team Champions
R-Truth is one of the funniest and most entertaining pro wrestlers in the world. The veteran has been a prominent television character for WWE for a long time and fans hope that doesn't change in the near future.
Interestingly, Truth has found himself involved in the ongoing New Day saga. When being jumped by The Final Testament, Xavier Woods refused to help Truth despite their friendship and the wishes of Kofi Kingston. Woods claimed it was a dumb move and would just get them hurt.
Truth and Kingston once held the WWE Tag Team Titles together back in 2012. If Kofi needs someone to replace Xavier, R-Truth could be the perfect option, given their past success and friendship.
#1. CM Punk and Kofi Kingston are long-time friends and allies
CM Punk is one of the top stars in pro wrestling and has been for a long time. Even during his sabbatical from the industry, the former WWE Champion was constantly the talk of the wrestling world. Now, he's back in World Wrestling Entertainment, and fans are ecstatic to see him.
The Straight Edge Superstar has been away from television for around a month now. He had a brutal bout with Drew McIntyre inside Hell in a Cell at WWE Bad Blood. He revealed he was stepping away to heal up afterward.
There is no clear indication as to when Punk will return, but whenever he does, he and Kofi could reunite. Just like with R-Truth, Kingston and Punk once held tag team gold together. Sixteen years later, could they become champions together again? It would certainly be possible.