Big E Discusses WWE Creative’s Handling Of New Day Heel Turn

On the December 4, 2024, episode of WWE Raw, a shocking angle played out for WWE fans. Big E was officially kicked out of The New Day by his long-time partners Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. The beloved trio had been a staple of the promotion for a decade before the dramatic split.

Big E had not wrestled since March 2022 due to a severe neck injury. There was no clear indication at the time that he would be returning to the squared circle. Instead, he had taken on a regular role as a broadcast analyst on WWE pre-shows and post-shows for major events.

In the television angle, Woods and Kingston decided to stick together after weeks of internal problems. The heel duo chastised their former friend for not being there for them during their struggles. Big E has not been back on television since that specific segment aired.

Speaking to Jon Alba of Sports Illustrated, the former champion was directly asked about the obvious lack of follow-up on the emotional angle. He acknowledged the frustration shared by many viewers. “I think that is a very real criticism,” he said.

He explained the nature of the behind-the-scenes process. “Creative is a give and take. I’m only one component of it. There are a lot of other people involved. The creative team kind of just talked to me about the general idea and I initially thought at least being able to kind of, not pass the baton, but if Kofi and Woods were going to work with another team, and I was able to kind of give them my blessing, or I had an idea I wanted to do around Rumble to kind of foil Kofi and Woods.”

The veteran performer agreed that building a storyline around an inactive talent is problematic. “Because I’m with you in that, us continuing to build this angle or to build heat with someone who’s not coming back, I think doesn’t make sense. It leads fans astray. But I thought if anything, Okay, if we’re going to do this, there’s a way for me to kind of pass the torch to someone else or give them my blessing, or say, I’m aligned with you, or say, whatever it is.”

He pointed out the complexities of working within a large entertainment company. “There are a lot of cooks in the creative kitchen, and we felt like this was us making the best of what we were given, and yeah, that’s kind of how that went down. But no, I agree with you and a lot of people who felt the same, and I saw a lot of that feedback after it was clear that I wasn’t coming back in a timely fashion, that it was, ‘Okay, why are we putting so much stock into an angle where one person is never coming back? There’s no retribution?’ So I think that’s a very real criticism. I heard it, and I think people have a right to feel that way.”

Following the split, The New Day went on to win the WWE World Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania 41. They eventually added Grayson Waller to the heel group later in the year to solidify their new direction. Unfortunately, any hope for an in-ring payoff to the storyline was officially extinguished earlier this month. On February 6, 2026, Big E formally announced his retirement from in-ring competition, citing the severity of his neck fracture. Meanwhile, the active WWE roster is preparing for the upcoming Elimination Chamber premium live event, which takes place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the United Center in Chicago.

Make sure to follow us on social media by liking us on Facebook at WrestleStarz and subscribing to us on YouTube at WrestleStar YouTube.