Facing a pivotal opportunity during Monday’s episode of “WWE Raw,” The New Day aimed to reclaim the World Tag Team Championship, having gone without gold since April 2021. The team had a strong performance against The Judgment Day, but due to heavy interference and a distracted official, Finn Balor and JD McDonagh successfully retained their titles in their first defense, extending their 71-day reign.
Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston controlled much of the match, showcasing their signature teamwork. However, things shifted when members of The Judgment Day (Carlito, Dominik Mysterio, and Liv Morgan) approached the ring.
The Latino World Order (LWO) quickly intervened, escalating the chaos. Kingston executed a daring cross-body dive onto the brawling groups outside, leaving Woods in the ring to continue the match. Woods landed a clean springboard elbow on McDonagh, but the referee was distracted by the turmoil outside and missed the pinfall count.
In frustration, Woods pulled the referee back into the ring and tried to capitalize on the moment. However, McDonagh, ever the opportunist, tagged in Balor without Woods noticing. McDonagh then restrained Woods as Balor delivered a Coup de Grace for the victory.
Following the match, tensions flared between Woods and Kingston, with Woods shoving his partner and storming off. During a backstage segment, Kingston revealed he had asked the LWO for backup, which contradicted Woods’ earlier decision to keep Damian Priest and Jey Uso out of the match. Woods lashed out at Kingston, accusing him of doubting The New Day’s strength without Big E, and more personally, doubting Woods’ abilities.
This moment deepens the ongoing storyline of Woods’ growing frustration with Kingston, a narrative that began during Woods’ feud with Karrion Kross and briefly involved Odyssey Jones before his departure from WWE.