Which former WWE star was originally planned to replace Big E in The New Day? Exploring the reports
This Monday's episode of RAW didn't go as Big E had planned. The former WWE Champion surprised fans by attending The New Day's 10th anniversary celebration. Considering many were expecting to see just Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston, his presence was a welcome surprise. However, the segment ended tragically, as he was unceremoniously kicked out of the group.
Big E's ostracization was quite shocking. After all, he was a key part of the team on their journey to the very top, becoming one the greatest groups of all time. But, having him leave the group was always part of the plan. In fact, the original plan was to have him replaced by another superstar. A superstar that The New Day actually worked with very recently, Odyssey Jones.
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Odyssey Jones was originally meant to replace Big E in The New Day. The original plan was for there to be "issues" between the trio of Jones, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods. But, when the time came to choose between E and Jones, Kofi and Woods would turn heel and choose the latter.
"When Odyssey Jones came in, they were going to tease issues with them not getting along but it would end up with Kingston & Woods going heel by choosing Jones and having him publicly replace E. But then Jones got fired and the whole thing was put on hold," wrote Dave Meltzer.
Unfortunately, WWE was unable to pull the trigger on this idea, after Jones was fired following allegations of domestic violence. Nevertheless, it is interesting to wonder what could have been.
Big E continues to be on the receiving end of mockery following RAW
One of the reasons why The New Day 10th anniversary segment was so heartbreaking has to do with what was said to Big E.
The 38-year-old was on the receiving end of some brutal verbal jabs from the two men he considered "family", Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. In particular, the duo mocked his inability to make a comeback from his neck injury.
If it ended there, perhaps it wouldn't have been as bad, but the mockery continued even after RAW. The worst part is, that other superstars started getting in on the action.
Tommaso Ciampa who has been on a bit of a mean streak of his own, sent out a tweet reminding everyone that he came back from a neck injury. Kofi Kingston jumped on that, and mocked E further, simply replying with an "Exactly".
Unfortunately, this is likely just the beginning of what is to come. Both Kingston and Woods will probably continue to mock the injured E in the weeks to come. Furthering the newfound animosity the WWE Universe has for them.