The New Day's Evolution: From 'Sucked' to Domination
The New Day, a trio of WWE superstars, has left an indelible mark on the wrestling world, with Big E, Xavier Woods, and Kofi Kingston collectively holding 12 tag team title reigns. Despite their remarkable success, the group's origins were humble, to say the least. Big E, in a recent interview, revealed that the initial fan response to The New Day was less than enthusiastic.
"It sucks! It sucks, man!" Big E exclaimed, recalling the early days of the group's formation. The story begins in Florida Championship Wrestling, WWE's developmental territory before NXT's inception. Big E and Woods were part of a group called The Clan, later The Plan, inspired by the Nation of Domination. This initial iteration didn't resonate with fans, and the group eventually disbanded.
Fast forward a few years, and Big E and Woods found themselves directionless on the main roster. It was during a particularly low point, after both had suffered setbacks (Big E lost the Intercontinental Championship, and Woods lost a squash match), that the idea of The New Day was born. Woods pitched the writers an idea for a new Nation of Domination, but it was met with laughter.
"Woods goes in and pitches the writers that day, pitches them this idea of doing a new Nation of Domination; they essentially laugh him out the room," Big E recounted. Despite the initial rejection, Big E and Woods persevered, and they eventually convinced WWE creative to give them a shot.
Kofi Kingston, who was considering retirement, joined the fold, and the trio began to gel. Big E insisted that The New Day should be heels, and despite concerns, Kingston's involvement revitalized the group. The process of refining their act and chemistry took months, but it paid off.
"Eventually we got to be the New Day that people knew and loved, but it was months and months and months of pitching... We didn't have a name, but we got to work on our chemistry," Big E explained. The New Day's journey from a group that 'sucked' to one of the most dominant forces in WWE history is a testament to their resilience and the power of perseverance.
