Big E has revealed that The New Day almost debuted with a very different, far more controversial concept before becoming one of WWE’s most successful factions.
Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, the former WWE Champion explained that the group’s original idea dates back to FCW, where it was envisioned as a modern version of the Nation of Domination, featuring Abraham Washington, Byron Saxton, Xavier Woods, and Big E.
According to Big E, the faction’s original name was quickly rejected by WWE officials.
“We originally called the group the Klan, and it stood for Citizens Liberation of American Nationalism. It was supposed to be this militant black group,” he said. “The office said we’re not doing that. So we exchanged Citizens for Peoples.”
The concept was eventually scrapped in FCW, but Woods attempted to revive a similar idea after both he and Big E found themselves struggling on WWE’s main roster in 2014.
Big E Says Xavier Woods Pitched A Different Version Of The New Day That Was Ultimately Rejected
Big E recalled Xavier Woods pitching a new version of the faction to WWE’s writing team, only for the idea to be dismissed.
“Woods goes in and pitches the writers that day, pitches them this idea of doing a new Nation of Domination. They essentially laugh him out of the room,” he said.
With little direction for either performer, Woods approached Big E about forming a group together.
“He said, ‘What do you think about starting this group?’ And I said, ‘I got nothing, I got nothing else, man.'”
Big E also revealed that Road Dogg encouraged him to experiment with different characters during the period, leading him to develop the preacher-style promos that eventually became part of The New Day’s presentation.
Kofi Kingston later joined the group, although Big E admitted he initially had concerns, believing Kingston would never be allowed to turn heel.
The group briefly debuted with elements of the original concept, with Woods promising they would stop “glad-handing and kissing babies,” but WWE quickly abandoned that direction. The act eventually evolved into the upbeat version of The New Day that went on to become one of the most decorated factions in company history.
He also credited WWE writer Mike Notarile for helping the group survive its early struggles.
“If it wasn’t for him, we never would have gotten off the ground,” he said.
