WWE’s Kofi Kingston admits The New Day ‘fantasise’ about being bad guys ‘all the time’ but bosses won’t allow it

The trio would love to antagonise the fans again (Photo: WWE)

WWE superstar Kofi Kingston has admitted The New Day are always ‘fantasising’ about turning to the dark side – but he doesn’t think it’ll ever happen.

The iconic trio, who were recently named the company’s greatest tag team in history, have forged an incredible legacy and undergone some big character shifts since debuting in 2014.

With their popularity still at an all-time high with fans, it’s hard to believe there was a time New Day were actually villains, but it’s something Kofi, Xavier Woods and Big E think about a lot.

Kofi exclusively told Metro.co.uk: ‘To be honest, we fantasise about it all the time. I tell people that I had the most fun in my career when I was yelling at children, and threatening to ground children, and threatening children.’

No matter whether they’re good or bad guys, The New Day’s act is hinged on interacting with the crowd, and getting that atmosphere back after more than a year will be a huge boost.

‘The New Day, what we do in particular, is we mess around with people in the crowd,’ he said. ‘Giving almost as much if not more to the people in the crowd than we are in the ring! It’s big part of what we do.’

With live crowds returning to SmackDown tonight (July 16), to Money In The Bank on Sunday (18) and then to Raw on Monday (19), the atmosphere will be electric whenever any member of New Day step out, even with Kofi and Xavier on the red brand while Big E holds fort on the blue side.

Fans still love New Day’s happy-to-lucky act (Photo: WWE)

As much as they love the cheers, there’s definitely a side of them longing for the days of being the antagonist for the kids watching from the stands.

‘I used to love just doing out there and antagonising children,’ he Kofi laughed. ‘They will always remember that moment of when, “I cheered for this guy against The New Day, he threatened to ground me but my guy beat him”.

‘I love that dynamic, it’s so much fun and we think about it all the time, but these people won’t stop cheering for us. These people like their pancakes and their Booty-Os too much.’

As one of WWE’s most beloved acts, it’s understandable that the powers that be don’t want to split up not only a popular team, but one that makes a lot of money and works well with extracurricular appearances on kids TV.

So, is this something they actually pitch, or just something for themselves?

‘A little bit of both. It’s not a realistic pitch, because usually if you go to pitch something, what you’re doing usually shouldn’t be working. Ours is working a little bit too well,’ he admitted.

It’s a far cry from the situation when they debuted as ‘power of positivity-preaching preachers’ and Vince McMahon wanted them to be cheered – but the fans had other ideas.

‘We went to Europe and got booed out of the building,’ Kofi beamed, recalling a stint in Europe.

They immediately went up to Vince and told him to turn them heel, but the former WWE Champion doesn’t think the same tactic would work today.

He explained: ‘You have to be able to provide the evidence, you have to be able to make your case. “OK, why do you wanna change what’s working so well for me and making me so much money?” “Oh, we just wanna yell at kids, Vince!”

Kofi is gunning for world title gold (Photo: WWE)

‘No, he’s not gonna let us do it! So, it’s a fantasy but I dunno… I don’t think it’ll ever happen again, unfortunately.’

For all the trio might want to flip sides, they’re more than happy and fulfilled with what they’re doing, with Big E in this weekend’s Money In The Bank Ladder Match and Woods sure to accompany Kofi as he battles Bobby Lashley for the WWE Championship.

All three are getting a chance to shine lately, with Woods impressing in recent matches against Riddle and Lashley on Raw – something that feels long overdue.

‘We joke about it, but Woods’ been the one who’s been wrestling the longest out of all three of us, he’s the veteran of the group! People forget about that,’ Kofi suggested.

More: US TV news

‘He’s done a lot of crazy and cool things in his time, and somehow worked his way into this underdog role, where you’re like, “He’s not gonna be good, he’s just a trombone player” – which is actually a very hard thing to be! It’s great to see him getting his spot now and hopefully that continues.’

For Kofi, his focus is on this weekend’s title match with The All Mighty, and he’s hoping to have enough about him to knock off the WWE Champion to claim the gold for a second time.

‘Bobby is a fantastic competitor, a phenomenal athlete. He’s been doing this for so long at so many different places around the world – really, everywhere he goes, he ends up making it to the top of the card,’ he said.

‘It’s obviously going to be a very difficult mountain to climb, but I’m up to the challenge. I think it’s gonna be an amazing match.’

*Kofi Kingston faces Bobby Lashley for the WWE Championship at Money In The Bank on Sunday (July 18). Tune in on the WWE Network or BT Sport Box Office.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : WWE’s Mustafa Ali thought he’d be facing Kofi Kingston at WrestleMania 37

MORE : WWE’s Kofi Kingston thinks Big E world title run is ‘necessary’ for New Day legacy