King of the Ring Rumble
Height: 5 ft 11 in
Age: 38
Retired? NO - Active in WWE
Real Name: Austin Watson
Net Worth: $2 million (2023)
Tattoos: Multiple, including gaming and pop culture designs
Xavier Woods is a professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, where he performs as part of the New Day. Known for his charisma and in-ring versatility, he is also recognized for his work outside wrestling, including hosting the YouTube channel UpUpDownDown. Woods has held multiple championships throughout his career, both as a singles competitor and in tag team action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Xavier Woods in wrestling?
Xavier Woods is the ring name of Austin Watson, a professional wrestler currently signed to WWE. He is best known as a member of the popular faction The New Day alongside Kofi Kingston and Big E.
What is Xavier Woods' real name?
Xavier Woods' real name is Austin Watson. He was born on September 4, 1986 in Columbus, Georgia.
How tall is Xavier Woods?
Xavier Woods is 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall according to his WWE profile.
What championships has Xavier Woods won in WWE?
Xavier Woods has won multiple championships in WWE including the WWE Tag Team Championship (11 times with The New Day), the NXT Tag Team Championship, and the 2021 King of the Ring tournament.
Does Xavier Woods have a YouTube channel?
Yes, Xavier Woods runs a popular gaming YouTube channel called UpUpDownDown where he plays video games with other WWE wrestlers and celebrities.
Wrestler Connections:
Xavier Woods: Key Connections in WWE
Xavier Woods, known for his charisma and in-ring prowess, has formed significant alliances and rivalries throughout his WWE career. Below are some of his most notable connections with other wrestlers.
Kofi Kingston
Woods is best known as a member of The New Day alongside Kofi Kingston. Their partnership has led to multiple Tag Team Championship reigns and memorable moments, showcasing incredible chemistry both in and out of the ring.
Big E
Another integral part of The New Day, Big E, completed the trio with Woods and Kingston. Together, they revolutionized tag team wrestling with their entertaining promos and cohesive teamwork.
AJ Styles
Woods has faced AJ Styles in several competitive matches, highlighting their technical skills and athleticism. These encounters have often been praised by fans and critics alike.
Randy Orton
Woods has had notable interactions with Randy Orton, including matches and segments that added depth to both their characters and storylines.
Sheamus
Rivalries with Sheamus have tested Woods' resilience and in-ring ability, contributing to his growth as a singles competitor while maintaining his tag team success.
Controversial Moments:
Xavier Woods' Controversial Moments in Wrestling
1. The "Titantron" Incident
In 2015, Xavier Woods faced backlash after WWE removed fan-made Titantron videos from YouTube. Woods had encouraged fans to create custom entrance videos for him, but WWE's legal team issued copyright strikes, leading to accusations of hypocrisy. Woods later clarified that he had no control over WWE's policies but acknowledged the frustration.
2. Backlash Over "New Day" Gimmick
When The New Day debuted as a heel faction in 2014, their preacher-like personas drew criticism for perceived racial stereotypes. Fans accused WWE of tone-deaf writing, though Woods, Kofi Kingston, and Big E eventually turned the gimmick into a comedic, fan-favorite act. Woods later defended the group's evolution, emphasizing their creative input.
3. Social Media Feud with Ryback
In 2016, Woods engaged in a heated Twitter exchange with former WWE star Ryback. The argument began over wrestling psychology and escalated into personal jabs. Ryback accused Woods of being a "yes man" for WWE, while Woods fired back about Ryback's attitude. The feud highlighted tensions between WWE loyalists and outspoken alumni.
4. UpUpDownDown and Sponsorship Drama
Woods' gaming channel, UpUpDownDown, faced controversy in 2020 when fans noticed WWE removed references to sponsors like G Fuel. Speculation arose about WWE restricting Woods' outside ventures, but he downplayed the issue, stating it was a mutual decision to align with WWE's partnerships.
5. Past Tweets Resurfacing
In 2021, old tweets from Woods (under his real name, Austin Watson) containing crude jokes resurfaced. Critics called the tweets offensive, while supporters argued they were taken out of context. Woods addressed the situation by acknowledging his growth since the tweets were posted.
Entering 2025 Wrestling Season
Xavier Woods in 2025: Career Overview
Positioning in WWE
Entering the 2025 wrestling season, Xavier Woods remained a key member of WWE's tag team division. As part of The New Day alongside Kofi Kingston, Woods continued to be a fan favorite, known for his charisma, in-ring versatility, and entertaining persona.
Championship Pursuits
Woods and Kingston were consistently in contention for the WWE Tag Team Championships. Their experience and chemistry made them perennial threats, often serving as gatekeepers for newer teams while still being credible title challengers.
Expanding Beyond Wrestling
Outside the ring, Woods further solidified his reputation as a multimedia personality. His YouTube channel, UpUpDownDown, remained a major success, and he continued to make appearances in gaming and entertainment circles, broadening his influence beyond wrestling.
In-Ring Evolution
By 2025, Woods had refined his in-ring style, blending high-flying maneuvers with technical prowess. His matches showcased a balance of athleticism and storytelling, earning respect from both fans and peers.
Future Prospects
Speculation surrounded whether Woods would pursue a singles run or maintain his tag team focus. Regardless, his versatility and popularity ensured he would remain a prominent figure in WWE's 2025 landscape.
Awards and Honors:
WWE Tag Team Championship:
Won multiple times as part of The New Day with Kofi Kingston and Big E.
WWE Raw Tag Team Championship:
Held the title multiple times with The New Day.
WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship:
Won with The New Day, further solidifying their dominance in the tag team division.
NXT Tag Team Championship:
Won with partner Kofi Kingston during their time in NXT.
King of the Ring:
Won the 2021 King of the Ring tournament, earning the moniker 'King Woods.'
Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) Tag Team of the Year:
Awarded to The New Day in 2015 and 2016 by Pro Wrestling Illustrated.
WWE Year-End Award for Tag Team of the Year:
The New Day won this award multiple times, including in 2015 and 2016.
WWE Year-End Award for Fan Participation of the Year:
Recognized for engaging with fans through social media and in-ring antics.
Net Worth:
Xavier Woods Net Worth: An Overview
Xavier Woods, born Austin Watson, is a professional wrestler, entertainer, and content creator best known for his work in WWE. As of 2023, his estimated net worth is approximately $2 million. His wealth stems from his wrestling career, YouTube ventures, and other entertainment projects.
WWE Career Earnings
Woods joined WWE in 2010 and became a key member of The New Day, one of the most popular factions in wrestling history. His annual WWE salary is estimated to be between $500,000 and $750,000, including bonuses and merchandise sales.
YouTube and Gaming Ventures
Outside wrestling, Woods runs the successful YouTube channel UpUpDownDown, which focuses on gaming. The channel boasts millions of subscribers and generates significant ad revenue. Additionally, Woods has appeared in gaming-related TV shows and streams, further boosting his income.
Other Income Sources
Woods has diversified his earnings through:
- Acting roles in TV and film
- Podcast appearances and brand endorsements
- Public speaking at gaming and pop culture events
Investments and Assets
While specific details are private, Woods has invested in real estate and gaming-related startups. He also owns a collection of rare video games and memorabilia, adding to his net worth.
Philanthropy
Woods is known for his charitable contributions, supporting causes like Make-A-Wish Foundation and Connor’s Cure. While these efforts don’t increase his net worth, they highlight his commitment to giving back.
Watch this video about the wrestler Xavier Woods:
Action Figure of Xavier Woods
