Kofi believes the energy in AEW is “different” than in WWE.
After 20 years in WWE, Kofi Kingston left the company in May alongside New Day teammate Xavier Woods after turning down new deals that would have seen them take 50% pay cuts. After months of speculation, the pair made their AEW debuts as Kofi and Austin Creed, The New Level, at All In London in August.
The stars joined forces with Swerve Strickland to capture the World Trios Championship at the event, and have been staples of AEW TV ever since.
Kofi recently appeared on The Mick and Kenny Show, where Mick Foley said that while he’s grateful for his time in WWE, he’s noticed something “different” about AEW. Kofi agreed, saying the energy is noticeably different, and it feels like a “team-driven environment.”
“The energy’s very different and it’s very noticeable. It’s like everybody is on the same page, working towards a common goal. It’s a real team-driven environment. Especially for us, the term that Austin’s been using is that we’re like the new kids at school. It’s very easy sometimes, you know, when you were young and you were the new kid at school, for people to either be mean, or you felt uncomfortable or unwelcomed or just out of place.
“It’s been the complete opposite of that for here with us. People embraced us so much from the locker room, all the way to the people in the crowd. It’s been awesome.”
Kofi Wants To Match Tony Khan’s Energy
Foley suggested the positive locker room attitude starts at the top, with AEW President Tony Khan and his enthusiasm. Agreeing, Kofi said Khan’s energy is “infectious” and makes him want to put his best forward.
“Yeah, it’s just, it’s different and in a good way. You know, it really makes you want to bring your best, in a different way. You always want to bring your best, but it’s very difficult to describe, but just like you were saying, the energy starts from the top down.
“So, when you see the person who is literally at the top as the boss exuding this energy, you want to match that energy, you know what I mean? It’s so contagious and infectious. So, yeah, man, we are really enjoying ourselves here thus far.”
In his most recent match, Kofi unsuccessfully challenged Bandido for the ROH World Championship at AEW Grand Slam France.
