Following the New Day's significant shift to an antagonist role, Xavier Woods shared his perspective on how Big E would have embraced a villainous persona. He suggests that Big E harbored hidden frustrations that could have been unleashed through such a transformation. Woods employed Plato's allegory of the cave to describe the trio's situation, likening himself and Kofi Kingston to those who escaped the cave to perceive reality, while Big E, he believes, preferred the comfort of his established identity. This insightful commentary sheds light on the group's evolution after Big E's career-altering injury and the subsequent change in their on-screen dynamic.
The Allegory of the Cave and Big E's Choice
Xavier Woods revealed his conviction that Big E possessed an untapped potential for a villainous run, asserting that Big E's unseen 'demons' would have fueled a compelling heel character. Woods articulated this through a vivid analogy, likening the New Day to prisoners in Plato's allegory of the cave. He positioned himself and Kofi Kingston as the enlightened individuals who broke free to perceive the world's true form, attempting to guide Big E towards this newfound reality. However, Big E, according to Woods, opted for the familiar and comfortable existence within the cave, thus declining the opportunity to explore a darker, more expressive side of his wrestling persona. This narrative suggests a profound philosophical divergence within the group, where two members sought to challenge the status quo while the third preferred to maintain a cherished identity, even if it meant foregoing a potentially liberating, albeit villainous, transformation.
In a compelling narrative, Woods elaborated on his belief that Big E would have genuinely relished a departure from his established heroic image, embracing the freedom to express pent-up frustrations. He painted a picture of a wrestling world where Big E, unfettered by conventional expectations, could have explored a darker, more complex character. Woods' interpretation of Big E's decision invokes Plato's famous allegory, illustrating a perceived gap in their understanding of professional wrestling's theatrical nature. He implied that while he and Kingston were prepared to embrace new, perhaps controversial, roles for the sake of creative exploration and character depth, Big E remained content with his existing, fan-favorite persona. This choice, as presented by Woods, was less about a lack of capability and more about a preference for comfort and consistency, ultimately leading to Big E missing out on what Woods considered a liberating and transformative experience as a villain.
The New Day's Evolution Post-Injury and Future Speculation
The heel turn of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods marked a significant pivot for the New Day, a move that gained particular resonance in the wake of Big E's career-ending neck injury in March 2022. This shift was widely interpreted by fans as a direct consequence or reflection of Big E's forced absence from active competition. Woods' recent comments provide an in-character justification for this heel turn, framing it as an attempt to introduce Big E to a 'real-life' perspective, away from what they perceived as a comfortable but potentially limiting existence. This narrative retrospectively adds depth to the New Day's character arc, suggesting that their transformation was not merely a random creative decision but a response to profound changes within their stable, particularly the devastating blow of Big E's injury.
Following the New Day's significant change in character, Kingston dismissed the notion of requiring a manager for the group, a common practice in professional wrestling when a faction undergoes a narrative shift or introduces new members. This statement underscores the group's self-sufficiency and their commitment to navigating their new persona independently. Kingston also expressed his reluctance to engage in speculation regarding potential future storylines or a possible reunion, indicating a desire to focus on the present direction of the New Day. This stance reinforces the idea that the current heel run is a defined chapter for the group, and while the long-term future remains unwritten, immediate plans do not include returning to their former heroic roles or integrating new elements that would distract from their current path. The emphasis on self-reliance and a focus on current narratives reflects a mature approach to their evolving characters in the WWE landscape.