Kofi Kingston is focusing on his job (Picture: WWE)
Kofi Kingston has weighed in on the gap Stephanie McMahon leaves after leaving WWE.
The New Day star, who is a former world champion and currently holds the NXT Tag Team Titles with Xavier Woods, has responded after Stephanie resigned from her roles as co-CEO and chair as her father Vince McMahon returned as executive chairman.
Kofi reflected on the passion she has for the company, and the way she was able to share a lifetime of experience.
‘I’ve been so lucky to have gotten to know Stephanie very well over the past 15 years, and her passion for the industry is just undeniable. Obviously it’s a family business, but just listening to her talk,’ he told CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri for SHAK Wrestling.
‘I’m even getting goosebumps thinking about it right now, but going to different events and listening to her talk about the impacts that we’ve made as a company and just her experience going from a youth all the way to an adult, WWE is her life.
‘So she means a lot. She does so much for the company, whether a lot of it gets seen or not. She is part of the lifeblood that allowed the WWE to exist.
Stephanie McMahon stepped down last week (Picture: WWE)
‘So her presence will definitely be missed, for sure, but she’s earned the right to retire and enjoy her family life, and I’m happy for her in that sense.’
Stephanie stepped down from her WWE roles last week, with her dad Vince returning to power as executive chairman days after his comeback to the board of directors following his retirement in July 2022 amid an investigation into allegations of misconduct.
In a lengthy statement, she referenced her ‘leave of absence’ around eight months ago before taking up her roles following Vince’s retirement, and said: ‘Our Founder, Vince McMahon, has returned as Executive Chair and is leading an exciting process regarding strategic alternatives.
‘And with [CEO Nick Khan’s] leadership and Paul “Triple H” Levesque as Chief Content Officer, I am confident WWE is in the perfect place to provide unparalleled creative content and drive maximum value for shareholders.’
Mr. McMahon announced his plans to return to the board to work ‘collaboratively with the Board and management team’ to explore options for the company, including rights deals and a potential sale.
While the future is uncertain, Kofi insisted WWE’s roster of stars is simply focused on doing their jobs ‘regardless of what’s going on around’ them.
‘We’ll see kinda where things go,’ he said. ‘Our role as superstars remains constant. We’re gonna go out and put on the best matches possible, and tell stories in the ring, and give people incredible memories, and give them reason to come back and invest in our product.
‘That’s what we do, regardless of what’s going on around us, we go out there and we put on a great show. So I’m looking forward to being able to continue to go out and do there on the grandest stage of then all.’
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The New Day star reflects on her resignation.