Former world champion to finally return, SmackDown star to RAW? - 4 WWE stars who Xavier Woods could recruit to replace Kofi Kingston in The New Day

The New Day has long been one of the top acts in WWE. The stable formed around 10 years ago and initially featured the trio of Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods. The group was not well received in its early days.

The trio worked hard and eventually became one of the most successful stables in the company's history. Sadly, things took a sad turn when Big E was injured in 2022. He has yet to return to the ring.

Now, as a duo, Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston have found some success. The pair won the NXT Tag Team Title and remain a key act on RAW. Unfortunately, they also have serious issues, and a split is seemingly imminent.

The two men can't stop arguing with each other. There is a belief that Woods will soon turn heel. If he does, he might kick Kofi out of the stable and replace him with someone else. This article will look at four potential replacements for Kingston if the split happens.

---

#4 Shinsuke Nakamura could move back to WWE RAW

Shinsuke Nakamura is a veteran of the pro wrestling industry. In WWE, he is a former NXT Champion, Intercontinental Champion, United States Champion, and Royal Rumble winner. Unfortunately, he has only been used sparingly in recent months.

The King of Strong Style was drafted to WWE Friday Night SmackDown earlier this year. Unfortunately, he has yet to officially appear on the brand. Instead, he has only been performing at live events. Nakamura has also been announced for a match in Pro Wrestling NOAH.

Since he's not doing anything on SmackDown anyway, Nakamura could return to Monday Night RAW as a member of Xavier Woods' New Day. The focus of this faction could be similar to the first: helping its members secure a better spot on the card. For Nakamura, this means regular television time.

---

#3 Braun Strowman could be Xavier Woods' enforcer

Braun Strowman is one of the scariest and downright intimidating wrestlers in modern WWE history. He is called The Monster of All Monsters because of his size and intimidating presence. Despite that, fans love the big man.

Sadly, Strowman has been sidelined with an injury. He took on Big Bronson Reed in a Last Monster Standing Match and suffered a groin injury. Thankfully, reports indicate he is healthy and a WWE return should come sooner rather than later.

In what could be a fun twist, Braun could turn heel upon returning and link up with Xavier Woods. He could serve as Woods' muscle, especially if Strowman needs more time to recover from lingering injuries.

---

#2 Big E could finally return as a heel

Big E was the third member of The New Day. Technically, he still is a member of the WWE stable, but he is not an active competitor. In fact, he hasn't competed in a wrestling ring for close to three years now.

In 2022, the former WWE Champion suffered a potentially career-ending neck injury when a Belly-To-Belly Overhead Suplex delivered by Ridge Holland went wrong. He has since been waiting to be cleared. In fact, many hope he will be cleared soon.

If Big E does get cleared for a return, he could seemingly try to make peace within The New Day. From there, he could shock the wrestling world by attacking Kofi. Woods and E can then represent The New Day with Kingston officially and violently booted from the group.

---

#1 Apollo Crews could refresh his career with Baron Corbin gone

Apollo Crews is one of WWE's more underutilized talents. He started to gain momentum on the indie scene and in Japan before joining NXT. Since then, he has managed to win mid-card gold on the main roster but has mostly been a background character.

The talented Crews was seemingly building some momentum on WWE Friday Night SmackDown. He and Baron Corbin formed a tag team that had more chemistry than anyone could have expected. He also picked up notable wins against Giovanni Vinci. Unfortunately, he has since vanished from TV, likely due to Baron's release.

With nothing going on for Crews, a move back to RAW could be a step in getting him going again. Apollo could join Xavier Woods, and just like Nakamura, show frustration with his role in the company.