Kofi Kingston made his much-anticipated return to WWE Raw on January 20, 2025, facing off against the legendary Rey Mysterio at the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas. This clash marked not only Kingston's re-entry to the ring after a brief hiatus but also showcased the increasing tensions between him, Mysterio, and their team dynamics within WWE.
The evening turned electric with WWE Hall of Famer JBL providing commentary. Kingston and his New Day partner, Xavier Woods, had confronted JBL backstage earlier, attempting to sway his opinions about their actions concerning the injured Big E. JBL, known for his sharp tongue, was quick to dismiss Kingston and Woods, instead praising Big E as the true standout of The New Day.
"NOT how they thought it would go..." JBL quipped during the match commentary, perfectly encapsulating the unexpected turn of events as the match unfolded. Kingston and Mysterio's bout maintained a lively pace, with Kingston attempting to make his mark after recently stepping away from the ring. But it didn't take long for the previously harmonious relationship of The New Day to take center stage—quite literally—when Kingston decided to cut off his entrance music, signaling a significant shift in his character. The duo's announcement to abandon their iconic theme song reinforced their departure from their former selves.
Mysterio, who is revered as one of the best high-flyers and technical wrestlers of his generation, showed resilience during the match. Throughout the bout, Kingston delivered impressive moves, including a picture-perfect powerbomb on Mysterio. Despite Kingston's efforts and Woods's interference, Mysterio outsmarted his opponent, trapping Kingston with a sit-down pin for the three count, returning Kingston to his place as the underdog.
The competition between Kingston and Mysterio bore witness to more than just wrestling; it embodied the emotional narrative fueled by their recent actions. "Rey Mysterio vs Kofi Kingston was fantastic good to see Rey win," noted wrestling fan CrispyWrestling, illustrating the viewers' appreciation for the match's depth and drama.
Post-match, the drama escalated when Woods attempted to double team Mysterio alongside Kingston, but the action attracted the attention of Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro. They rushed to the ring, making the save for Mysterio and adding another layer to the evening's storytelling.
This exchange of blows and tensions felt personal, especially considering the history entwined with Kingston's actions against Big E on the 10th anniversary of The New Day. Kingston and Woods had turned their backs on Big E during his moment of need, leading Mysterio to publicly criticize their behavior. It was evident on commentary and throughout the crowd’s reaction—Mysterio felt the weight of these actions, denouncing how Kingston and Woods treated one of their own. Their betrayal did not just affect Big E; it sent ripples across the locker room, creating rifts and comments about loyalty and honor.
The storyline has evolved from just wrestling matches to emotional narratives and perhaps will set the stage for future encounters. Mysterio, acting as the voice of the locker room, positioned himself as protector of WWE's ethos, chastising Kingston and Woods for losing sight of their core values. Kingston's struggles seemed to reflect the broader theme of remorse and redemption—a theme prevalent in wrestling’s grand narratives.
The echoes of JBL’s commentary still lingered long after the match, with fans eagerly anticipating where Kingston’s new storyline would head next. There’s no doubt this character evolution could set the groundwork for more gripping shows as audiences adapt to Kingston’s newfound persona and the fallout of his actions.
Fans left the American Airlines Arena buzzing, fueled by not just the evening's athletic displays but by the drama interwoven through the antics of Kingston, Mysterio, and the ever-opinionated JBL. Such is the beauty of WWE: where matches become stories and athletes become characters, leaving viewers constantly intrigued about what's next.