Xavier Woods Replaces Kofi Kingston In WWE Smackdown Match
Kofi Kingston is dealing with an injury, so WWE has decided to replace him in a big Smackdown match with Xavier Woods.
For the past eight years, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods have been closely aligned in one of the most successful and long-lasting stables ever – The New Day. The duo has been joined by Big E during their run as The New Day, but the former WWE Champion Big E has been out of action for the past year due to a broken neck.
On the March 3rd edition of Smackdown last week, there was a promo segment that began with Drew McIntyre saying he wanted to challenge GUNTHER for the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania 39. The promo was interrupted by Drew’s best friend Sheamus, who said he wanted that match for the IC Title.
After the interruption from Sheamus, there were also interruptions by LA Knight, Kofi Kingston (with Xavier Woods) and Karrion Kross.
There was a fight that ensued between the five men and Woods, which saw McIntyre hit a somersault dive over the top onto a bunch of guys. Sadly, that spot ended up injuring Kingston because when McIntyre landed on Kofi, Kingston ended up hurting his right foot. The severity of the injury isn’t known, but it could be some sort of ankle/foot sprain or perhaps something worse.
Since Kofi is unable to compete in the match, WWE has decided to replace him with Woods as the company announced on its website.
“Following a major brawl about who deserved an opportunity to challenge Intercontinental Champion Gunther at WrestleMania, Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Xavier Woods, Karrion Kross and LA Knight will battle to punch their ticket to The Showcase of the Immortals and earn the right to take on The Ring General. Don’t miss all the action of SmackDown, this Friday at 8/7 C on FOX.”
Xavier Woods also tweeted about it.
In all my time on the main roster I have never once had a match where a singles title was on the line. Ive beaten men while they held World and Universal championships. I even won King of the Ring. Still no shot. Tomorrow I do everything I can to get one. https://t.co/sbT1Qgw4Gi
— Austin Creed (@AustinCreedWins) March 9, 2023
While Xavier Woods is a former King of the Ring that also has had a lot of success with The New Day as a tag team, he likely isn’t the favorite in the match. Most people expect McIntyre to win although perhaps will have a say in that because it could be a triple threat match at WrestleMania 39 rather than simply GUNTHER-McIntyre as a singles match.