Kofi Kingston Speaks On Current NXT Stint, Which Pairing Impresses Him Most

Two-thirds of the New Day in Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods are currently serving as the new NXT Tag Team Champions, and the former is quite happy with where he is at this point in his illustrious career.

Speaking on the "Out of Character" podcast hosted by Ryan Satin, Kingston confirmed that working in NXT has left him feeling rejuvenated because of the young energy surrounding him in WWE's exclusive developmental territory.

"I love it. I really do. It's a different energy that's there... You feel people's nerves and excitement for what is to come and them just trying to throw stuff at a wall. They're trying to make it. They're trying to get to the main roster," Kingston told Satin.

"For us to be there and bask in that energy is a pleasure, it's a privilege, and it's an honor."

Kingston and Woods made their NXT debuts on the December 6, 2022 episode by interrupting a Christmas-themed segment by then-NXT tag team kings Pretty Deadly.

The shock debut sent those watching live at the Capitol Wrestling Center (formerly known as the WWE Performance Center) into a frenzy and the match for the titles was later made official for NXT Deadline on December 10.

The pairing would go on to claim the victory and the Tag Team Titles in stunning fashion after a back-and-forth match between the WWE veterans and NXT stars.

Kingston, 41, has been with WWE since 2006 and has experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows as both a singles performer and tag team star.

Four-time Intercontinental Champion and three-time United States Champion along with a one-time WWE Championship reign has put Kingston amongst the most recognizable stars in the pro wrestling industry.

But those accolades pale in comparison to his 15 total tag team title reigns, allowing him to be the first-ever WWE superstar to be a Triple Crown Champion in both the singles and tag team divisions.

With nearly 20 years of WWE experience under his belt, Kingston has kept his eye on one tag team in particular: Kayden Karter and Katana Chance.

"I love their team, I love their energy, and even their ability to be on the same page in the ring. You can tell they're actually friends," he beamed.

"If you were to turn the volume down and watch the way that they move and interact with each other, you could tell that they're actually friends and that is so important to have as a tag team."

Karter and Chance are currently enjoying their time as women's tag team champs after defeating the teams of Ivy Nile and Tatum Paxley, Yulisa Leon and Valentina Feroz and Toxic Attraction (composed of Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne) in a fatal four-way tag team match on the August 2, 2022 episode of NXT.

Much like Kingston mentioned, fans have taken note of Karter and Chance's dynamic together and many have become highly convinced that their pairing has a lot of potential for the future.

Industry veterans like Kingston, who has stayed under one promotion, have become few and far between because of the many options available to performers in the modern day.

The experience and mentorship that he and Woods can bring to young tag team performers in NXT are going to be invaluable as WWE continues to build its future stable of stars.