Xavier Woods and the singles run we all want to see

There are moments in professional wrestling where performers have those breakout moments. Xavier Woods has long been a fan favorite, but he has not had that individual breakout moment as a member of the WWE roster. That moment came on Monday Night Raw when he and Matt Riddle put on a show during their singles match. Even in defeat, he put on a showcase against Riddle, and hopefully, this is the start to seeing Woods do more as a singles competitor.

The New Day have long established themselves as exceptional tag team performers. They are multiple-time champions and may go down as one of the best stables or factions in WWE history. But since the recent split that came via the WWE Drake, Woods, and Kofi Kingston were slotted as a tag team, while Big E is doing the singles thing over on SmackDown. Kingston’s inclusion in the main event scene between Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre created an opportunity for Woods to get some shine in a singles match and shine is just what he did.

Even in a losing effort, that match between Woods and Riddle was exceptional. Even if viewers cringed at some of the more dangerous spots, it showed that Woods has a lot to offer if he were to go on a run as an individual, with Kingston by his side as support – much like he has done for both Kingston and Big E. How could he get there? There are a few different ways WWE Creative could see this through to the end.

First, Woods in the King of the Ring is there for the taking. It seems like the tournament is being hinted at over at SmackDown, so if it becomes a cross-brand affair then Woods must be in the bracket. He is booked himself into a shoot that it is his destiny to be the King of the Ring, imagine him going on an underdog-type run like X-Pac back in 1999. The fans would get behind Woods winning the entire tournament, kicking off what would be a singles run with a fresh face in a new position on the roster.

Second, there is the United States title. Sheamus is battering Humberto Carrillo each week, which will probably result in Carrillo getting the last laugh. However, instead of that set the stage where Sheamus creates another open challenge that Woods answers after being inspired by Kingston answering Lashley’s open challenge. Again, the path is there for Woods to grab his first singles title within the WWE.

Third, and this is a long shot, but imagine Woods versus Kushida back on NXT for the Cruiserweight title. Corey Graves made it a point to say that Woods weighs 205 pounds, putting him right at the limit for that division. Would they move Woods and Kingston as a duo to NXT to spice things up? Probably not, but it would be a boost akin to when Sasha Banks and Bayley were added to the show in 2020. Again, it is a long shot but imagine the buzz that would create with Woods answering another open challenge, this time facing Kushida for his belt.

It’s rare that the WWE succeeds in getting a wrestler over in a loss. However, Woods looked great in this match with Riddle. He took the loss, but the positive response shows that fans want to see more of Woods as a singles performer. The opportunities are there, but it is up to the WWE to pull the trigger on the third member of the New Day, giving him his time to stand tall in the spotlight.