Kofi Kingston Returning From Injury, Possible Involvement At ‘WWE Backlash’

A week after WrestleMania 33, The New Day’s Kofi Kingston suffered an ankle injury during his match against The Revival. WWE announced that the injury would require surgery, which would put him on the shelf for a number of weeks. According to Dr. Chris Amann, Kofi heard a crack during the onslaught from The Revival, and could not put any weight on his right ankle. Kofi new that the injury was severe, and that it would, unfortunately, sideline him.

Thankfully, the trio were heading to SmackDown Live, and used this opportunity to take some time off to refresh their characters as they debuted for the blue brand. Being the longest reigning tag team champions in WWE history, the company wanted to continue keeping them as a unit, since this is the height of each competitor’s career. During an episode of Ride Along on the WWE Network, Kofi stated that this was the best time in his WWE career.

Although the initial moments of teaming with Big E and Xavier Woods came with hesitation, the group has since become very close friends and work well together. Even though Kofi, 35, has been with the company since 2007 and has held the Intercontinental, United States, and Tag Team Championships, there is something about being with The New Day that motivates him to further enjoy competing in the ring. Now, it appears as if he will get that opportunity again.

According to PWInsider, Kofi is expected to return to the ring next week, and The New Day will officially be on SmackDown Live after weeks of vignettes. There is also talk that they may be involved in the SmackDown Live Tag Team Championship match between The Usos and Breezango at Payback. It is not clear whether they will be cutting a promo, or immediately placed in a match, but it is reported that a physical return will indeed occur of SmackDown Live.

Right now, the SmackDown Live tag team division consists of The Usos, Breezango, Primo & Epico, The Ascension, and American Alpha. While The Usos have made the best out of being the top heel tag team, the other teams have not been a great interest of the fans. Although American Alpha had a very successful tenure in NXT, their stint on the main roster has not been received by the audience as well as competing at Full Sail.

The Ascension has experienced more television time, but still often find themselves on the losing end. Primo and Epico ditched their Puerto Rican timeshare gimmick but still have not been popular enough to ascend up the ladder. The Hype Bros were over with the fans, but Zack Ryder suffered an injury during a battle royal, putting him on the shelf for a number of months. The Vaudevillians never managed to gain any steam outside of the first few weeks of debuting on SmackDown.

The New Day will certainly be a major asset to the SmackDown Live tag team division. Having a history with The Usos already, the chemistry in the ring and narrative leading to their matches could be very entertaining. With the hardcore style that Jimmy and Jey Uso have adopted, the fun-loving, jovial nature of The New Day would be an interesting dynamic. Moreover, both teams are solid in the ring, which will set up intriguing matches.

For SmackDown Live, the direction of the tag team division will be hinged upon the outcome of the tag team championship match occurring at Backlash. With The Usos as the clear favorites to win, a feud with The New Day could commence as early as immediately following the match on Sunday.

[Featured Image by WWE]