Edit filter log

'{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2015}} {{Infobox professional wrestler |name = Kofi Kingston |image = Kofi Kingston April 2014.jpg |image_size = 250px |caption = Kofi Kingston on ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' in April 2014. |birthname = Kofi Nahaje Sarkodie-Mensah<ref name=OWoW/> |names = '''Kofi Kingston'''<ref name=OWoW/><ref name=WWEkids>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwekids.com/superstars/kofikingston/|title=Kofi Kingston's WWE Kids profile|accessdate=November 21, 2009|work=Superstars|publisher=WWE Kids}}</ref><br />Kofi Nahaje Kingston<ref name=OWoW/> <!-- Please don't change the height or weight. These are the measures as officially stated and they should not be changed. --> |height = {{height|ft=6|in=0}}<ref name=wwebio>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/kofikingston|title=Kofi Kingston's WWE profile|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=January 29, 2012}}</ref> |weight = {{convert|212|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name=wwebio/> |birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1981|08|14|mf=y}} |birth_place = [[Kumasi]], [[Ghana]], [[West Africa]]<ref name="BBC News">{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7469398.stm|title=Wrestling's Ghanaian from Ghana|author=Goffee, Leslie|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=July 2, 2008|accessdate=December 2, 2012}}</ref> |resides = [[Tampa, Florida]], [[United States]] |billed = [[Kingston, Jamaica]]<br />'''[[Ghana]], [[West Africa]]'''<ref name=wwebio/> |trainer = [[Chaotic Wrestling]]<ref name=OWoW/><ref name="milford"/><br />[[Killer Kowalski]]<ref name=OWoW/><ref name="milford"/><br />[[Ohio Valley Wrestling]]<ref name=OWoW/> |debut = 2006<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/bios/k/kofi-kingston/|title=Kofi Kingston's Profile|publisher=[[Online World Wrestling]]|accessdate=January 29, 2012}}</ref> |retired = |spouse = {{Marriage|Kori Campfield|2010}} |children = 1 }} '''Kofi Nahaje Sarkodie-Mensah'''<ref name=OWoW/> (born August 14, 1981) is a [[Ghanaian American|Ghanaian-American]] [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. He is signed to [[WWE]] under the [[ring name]] '''Kofi Kingston''', where he is a part of [[The New Day]] stable along with teammates [[Big E Langston|Big E]] and [[Xavier Woods]]. Since debuting in WWE, Kingston has won 11 championships. He is a [[List of WWE World Heavyweight Champions|four-time]] [[WWE World Heavyweight Championship|WWE Intercontinental Champion]], a [[List of WWE United States Champions|three-time]] [[WWE United States Championship|WWE United States Champion]], a [[List of WWE Tag Team Champions|three-time]] WWE Tag Team Champion (once with [[Evan Bourne]] as [[Air Boom]], once with [[Ron Killings|R-Truth]] and once with [[Big E Langston|Big E]] and [[Xavier Woods]]) and a [[List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE)|one time]] [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|World Tag Team Champion]] with [[CM Punk]]. He is also known for his unique ways of avoiding his elimination from [[Professional wrestling battle royal|battle royal]] matches. == Background == Kofi Sarkodie-Mensah was born near the city of [[Kumasi]] in the [[Ashanti Region|Ashanti]] region of [[Ghana]]. His family [[Immigration to the United States|immigrated to the United States]] in 1982 when he was only one year old, and grew up in [[Winchester, Massachusetts]]. Upon graduating from [[Boston College]], Sarkodie-Mensah initially worked in an office before deciding to train as a professional wrestler.<ref name="BBC News" /> His father, Kwasi, works at the college.<ref>http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/rvp/pubaf/chronicle/v9/my10/service.html</ref> == Professional wrestling career == === Training and independent circuit (2006) === Sarkodie-Mensah made his official wrestling debut in 2006, when he faced Tony Omega at [[Chaotic Wrestling]] (CW) on February 24. He faced [[Evan Hatch|Evan Siks]] on June 4 for the PWF Mayhem Heavyweight Championship.<ref name="Xamin">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios//kingston-kofi.html|title=Kofi Kingston|last=Xamin|first=Mark|date=August 28, 2008|work=SLAM! Wrestling Bios and Stories|publisher=SLAM! Sports|accessdate=March 5, 2009}}</ref> He competed primarily in the [[New England]] area, including stints in [[National Wrestling Alliance]] (NWA) – New England (where he was briefly a member of Barry Ace's "A-List"), [[Millennium Wrestling Federation]] (MWF), [[New England Championship Wrestling]] (NECW), the Eastern Wrestling Alliance (EWA), and CW.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chaoticwrestling.com/profiles/kofi.htm|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20071209162804/http://www.chaoticwrestling.com/profiles/kofi.htm|archivedate=December 9, 2007|title=Kofi Nahaje Kingston|accessdate=December 9, 2007|work=Chaotic Wrestling Profiles|publisher=Chaotic Wrestling}}</ref> === World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE=== ==== Deep South Wrestling (2006–2007) ==== In September 2006, he signed a developmental contract with [[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) and was assigned to [[Deep South Wrestling]] (DSW), a [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]-based developmental federation.<ref name=OWoW/> He debuted in the new company, as Kofi Nahaje Kingston, in a [[dark match]] loss to [[Montel Vontavious Porter]] on September 21.<ref name=DSW2006>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/deepsouth/2006.html|title=DSW results – 2006|accessdate=December 10, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> For the rest of 2006 and the beginning of 2007, he appeared in DSW, as well as its [[Kentucky]]-based sister promotion [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] (OVW), where he was in a [[tag team]] dubbed the Commonwealth Connection with [[David Hart Smith|Harry Smith]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2006/|title=OVW results – 2006|accessdate=December 10, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref name=DSW2007>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/deepsouth/2007.html|title=DSW results – 2007|accessdate=December 10, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref name="OVW2007">{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2007/|title=OVW results – 2007|accessdate=December 10, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> In 2007, under the ring name Kofi Nahaje Kingston, he had his first exposure to the main WWE roster, when he worked dark matches on March 5 and 26 before episodes of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' against [[Charlie Haas]] and [[William Mueller|Trevor Murdoch]], respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070305.html|title=RAW results – March 5, 2007|accessdate= December 12, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070326.html|title=RAW results – March 26, 2007|accessdate=December 12, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> When he returned to the developmental federations, he shortened his original ring name to Kofi Kingston and continued to alternate between both ring names throughout his duration there.<ref name=OWoW/> He also worked [[house show|live events]], defeating [[Shelton Benjamin]] on May 5,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/?aID=19457|title=WWE house show report 5-5 Greenville, SC|accessdate=December 9, 2007| last=Simpson|first=Thomas|date=May 6, 2007|publisher=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer]]}}{{Dead link|date=May 2010}}</ref> and [[Sean Morley|Val Venis]] on May 6.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/?aID=19469|title=WWE house show report 5-6 Roanoke|accessdate=December 9, 2007|date= May 6, 2007|publisher=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}{{Dead link|date=May 2010}}</ref> ====Florida Championship Wrestling (2007)==== When the [[Florida]]-based developmental territory [[Florida Championship Wrestling]] (FCW) opened in June, Kingston was relocated there, appearing at their inaugural show on June 26 where he teamed with [[Eric Pérez]] against [[Keith Walker]] and [[Ezekiel Jackson|Rycklon Stephens]] in a losing effort.<ref name=FCW>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2007/|accessdate=December 6, 2007|title=Florida Championship Wrestling results – 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Kingston worked there for most of the remainder of the year.<ref name=FCW /> ==== ECW (2007–2008) ==== A series of [[Vignette (wrestling)|vignettes]] for Kingston's television debut began airing on the weekly ''[[ECW (WWE)|ECW on Syfy]]'' television show starting on December 6, 2007.<ref name=ECW2>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/12042007/|accessdate=December 6, 2007|title=ECW Results 12/06/2007|last=Rote|first=Andrew|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|date=December 6, 2007}}</ref>^{[http://web.archive.org/web/20080108235250/http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/vms/ecw/2007/december1-7/5984980?zone=ecw_index view]} During this introduction phase, his videos, the official website and commentators noted he would be the first [[Jamaican]] to wrestle for WWE. He debuted on the January 22, 2008 ''ECW'' as a [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] with a win over local wrestler David Owen in [[Charlottesville]], [[Virginia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/01222008/|accessdate=January 22, 2008|title=Ain't no stoppin' him|last=Medalis|first=Kara|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment| date= January 22, 2008}}</ref> After wrestling sporadic matches, Kingston was involved in his first major match, a 24-man [[Professional_wrestling_battle_royal|battle royal]] during the [[WrestleMania XXIV]] pre-show with the winner receiving an [[ECW World Heavyweight Championship|ECW Championship]] match, but was eliminated by [[Mark Henry]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/2008/matches/6514336/results/|accessdate=March 30, 2008|title=Big Red Champion|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|date=March 30, 2008}}{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref> Kingston remained undefeated in singles competition in ECW for months and was placed into a [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] with [[Shelton Benjamin]] at the end of April 2008. After two straight losses, Benjamin got a win over Kingston on the May 20 ''ECW'', ending his undefeated streak.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ecw-wwe/_080520/|title=ECW results – May 20, 2008|accessdate=May 21, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> On the June 24 ''ECW'', Kingston defeated Benjamin in an Extreme Rules match to end their feud.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/06242008/|title=Mark Henry makes a huge statement|accessdate=January 18, 2009|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> ==== Early title reigns and feud with Orton (2008–2010) ==== [[File:Kofi USA Champion.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Kingston as United States Champion.]] As part of the [[2008 WWE Draft#Supplemental draft|2008 WWE Supplemental Draft]], Kingston was drafted to the Raw brand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/wwedraft2008/7505418/|title=Official 2008 WWE Supplemental Draft Results|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=June 25, 2008}}</ref> In his first match as a member of Raw roster, he defeated [[Chris Jericho]] for the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]] at [[Night of Champions (2008)|Night of Champions]] .<ref name="IC1"/> The win made him the first Ghanaian wrestler to hold a championship in World Wrestling Entertainment and it was also the first Championship in his wrestling career.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/nightofchampions08/|title=WWE Night of Champions 2008|accessdate=July 5, 2008|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling}}</ref> Kingston held the championship until [[SummerSlam (2008)|SummerSlam]], where he and [[WWE Women's Championship|Women's Champion]] [[Mickie James]] both lost their championships in an [[Intergender wrestling|intergender]] "winner take all" [[Tag team#Tag team match rules|tag team match]] to [[Beth Phoenix]] and [[Santino Marella]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/summerslam08/|title=SummerSlam 2008|accessdate=October 30, 2008|work=Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|date=August 17, 2008}}</ref> At [[Unforgiven (2008)|Unforgiven]], he appeared backstage, coming to the aid of then-[[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Champion]] [[CM Punk]], who had been attacked by [[Afa_Anoa%CA%BBi_Jr.|Manu]], [[Randy Orton]], and the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|World Tag Team Champions]] [[Cody Rhodes]] and [[Ted DiBiase, Jr.|Ted DiBiase]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/2008/punkout|title=Punk possibly unable to compete?|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=June 16, 2012}}</ref> Soon after coming to his rescue, Punk and Kingston were paired together more often, and on the October 27 ''Raw'', the duo won the World Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/10272008|title=Just Desserts|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=October 27, 2008}}</ref> He was also involved at [[Survivor Series (2008)|Survivor Series]] in the traditional ten-men elimination tag team match on the side of Team [[Dave Batista|Batista]], but was eliminated by Orton.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2008/matches/8643102|title=Team Orton def. Team Batista (Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match)|date=November 13, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=June 16, 2012}}</ref> Kingston and Punk lost the World Tag Team Championship to [[John Morrison and The Miz]] at a WWE live event on December 13.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/20081213WorldTagChamps|title=History Of The World Unified Tag Team Championship – The Miz & John Morrison|date=December 13, 2008|accessdate=March 6, 2009|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> [[Image:Regallayla.JPG|thumb|right|Kingston wrestling [[William Regal]].]] At [[No Way Out (2009)|No Way Out]] in 2009, Kingston won a spot in the World Heavyweight Championship [[Elimination Chamber]] by defeating [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]], but was unable to officially enter the match, as he was ambushed by [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]], who took Kingston's place and eventually won the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/2009/9229100|title=Edge wins World Heavyweight Title Elimination Chamber Match|date=February 15, 2009|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=June 16, 2012}}</ref> Kingston defeated [[Chris Jericho]], after interference from [[Ric Flair]], to earn a spot in the [[Money in the Bank ladder match]] at [[WrestleMania XXV]], but the match was won by [[CM Punk]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/03092009|title=In Your House|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=March 9, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/25/matches/9426648|title=CM Punk wins Money in the Bank Ladder Match|date=April 5, 2009|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=June 16, 2012}}</ref> After winning a [[Triple Threat match|Triple Threat]] Number One Contender's match the week before, Kingston defeated [[Montel Vontavious Porter]] on the June 1 ''Raw'' to win the [[WWE United States Championship|United States Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06012009|title=Crime against nature|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=June 1, 2009}}</ref> For the next several months, he went on to defend and retain his title at pay-per-views such as [[Extreme Rules (2009)|Extreme Rules]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/history/2009/matches/10387896|title=United States Champion Kofi Kingston wins Fatal Four Way Match|date=June 7, 2009|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=May 3, 2012}}</ref> [[Night of Champions (2009)|Night of Champions]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2009/matches/10907940|title=United States Champion Kofi Kingston def. Primo, MVP, Carlito, Jack Swagger and The Miz (Six Pack Challenge)|date=July 26, 2009|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=May 3, 2012}}</ref> [[WWE Breaking Point|Breaking Point]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebreakingpoint/2009/11640458|title=United States Champion Kofi Kingston def. The Miz|date=October 4, 2009|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=June 16, 2012}}</ref> and [[Hell in a Cell (2009)|WWE Hell in a Cell]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/history/hellinacell/matches/11769584|title=United States Champion Kofi Kingston def. The Miz and Jack Swagger (Triple Threat Match)|date=October 4, 2009|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=May 3, 2012}}</ref> until losing the championship to [[The Miz]] on the October 5 ''Raw'', ending his four-month reign. On the October 12 ''Raw'', Kingston defeated [[Evan Bourne]] to qualify for Team Raw at [[Bragging Rights (2009)|WWE Bragging Rights]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1254798846.php?style=dark|title=Raw Results – 10/5/09|publisher=Wrestle View|first=Hunter|last=Golden|date=October 5, 2009|accessdate=October 7, 2009}}</ref> Team Raw lost the match, however, when the [[Big Show (wrestler)|Big Show]] betrayed them by [[chokeslam]]ming Kingston, allowing [[Chris Jericho]] to pick up the win for Team SmackDown.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebraggingrights/2009/team-smackdown-team-raw|title=Team SmackDown def. Team Raw|date=October 25, 2009|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=May 3, 2012}}</ref> [[File:Aerial Assault.jpg|thumb|left|Kingston in a match against [[Jack Swagger]] and [[The Miz]].]] During WWE Bragging Rights, Kingston and Raw teammate [[Cody Rhodes]] argued about Kingston losing their match. So, when Rhodes and [[Ted DiBiase]] interfered on [[Randy Orton]]'s behalf during his [[WWE Championship]] match, Kingston ran out with a chair and chased them out of the arena. Orton later lost the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebraggingrights/2009/john-cena-randy-orton|title=John Cena def. WWE Champion Randy Orton (One Hour, Anything Goes WWE Iron Man Match)|date=October 25, 2009|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=May 3, 2012}}</ref> On the October 26 ''Raw'', Kingston began a feud with Orton, who believed Kingston cost him the WWE Championship. After Kingston defeated Chris Jericho, Orton attacked him from behind, eventually throwing him against the side of the entrance ramp. Later that night, Kingston destroyed Orton's car <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/10262009/|title=The fast & the suprious|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=October 26, 2009}}</ref> On the November 16 ''Raw'', Kingston saved guest host "Rowdy" [[Roddy Piper]] from an assault by Orton then performed a [[Kofi Kingston#In wrestling|Boom Drop]] from a rail in the crowd onto Orton, through a table.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/11162009/|title=Stark raving plaid|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=November 16, 2009}}</ref> Kingston went on to lead his [[Survivor Series (2009)|Survivor Series]] team to victory against Orton's team, where he was the sole survivor, last eliminating Orton.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2009/matches/12468432|title=Team Kingston def. Team Orton (Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Tag Team Match)|date=November 22, 2009|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=May 3, 2012}}</ref> On the November 30 ''Raw'', Kingston was scheduled to face Orton in a one on one match, only to be assaulted from behind by Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase. Despite the assault, Kingston still wished to continue, and was quickly defeated by Orton.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/11302009/|title="Mini Me," mega show|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=November 30, 2009}}</ref> The following week, Kingston defeated Orton in a rematch where guest host [[Mark Cuban]], who had a grudge against Orton since their encounter at [[Survivor Series (2003)|Survivor Series in 2003]] when Orton performed an RKO on him, gave Kingston a fast count. With one victory apiece, the two wrestled again at [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2009)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/12072009/|title=Texas two-stomp|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=December 7, 2009}}</ref> and Orton won.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/history/2009/matches/orton-kingston|title=Randy Orton def. Kofi Kingston|date=December 13, 2009|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=June 16, 2012}}</ref> On the December 28 ''Raw'', Orton interfered in Kingston's match for the United States Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/12282009/|title=Timbaland shocks the house|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=December 28, 2009}}</ref> On the January 4 ''Raw'', Orton once again defeated Kingston.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01042010/|title=Hit Man, baby, one more time|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=January 4, 2010}}</ref> The next week, Kingston and John Cena lost a Triple Threat match, which determined a challenger for [[Sheamus]]' WWE Championship at [[Royal Rumble (2010)|Royal Rumble]], to Randy Orton, who pinned Kingston.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01112010/|title=Tyson's rope=a-dope|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=January 11, 2010}}</ref> On the February 1 ''Raw'', Kingston won a qualifying match by defeating the Big Show via disqualification to advance to the WWE Championship [[Elimination Chamber]] match at the inaugural [[Elimination Chamber (2010)|Elimination Chamber]] event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/01/12701546.html|title=RAW: Boldly going into the Elimination Chamber|date=February 1, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=June 16, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Kingston, however, failed to win after being eliminated by [[Sheamus]]. The following night on the February 22 episode of ''Raw'', Kingston teamed up with [[Yoshi Tatsu]] and [[Evan Bourne]] against Randy Orton, Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes in a six man tag team match. During the match, Orton turned face by attacking Rhodes and DiBiase, which Orton allowed Kingston, Tatsu and Bourne to win. ==== Championship reigns (2010–2011) ==== On the March 22 episode of ''Raw'', Kingston defeated [[Vladimir Kozlov]] to qualify for the [[Money in the Bank ladder match]] at [[WrestleMania XXVI]]. At the event however, Kingston was unsuccessful as the match was won by [[Jack Swagger]]. On April 26, as part of the [[2010 WWE Draft]], Kingston was drafted to the [[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]] brand. In his debut match for the brand, he defeated [[Chris Jericho]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04302010/|title=The new faces of SmackDown|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> On the following ''SmackDown'', Kingston was entered into a four-man tournament for the vacant [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]] after [[Drew McIntyre]] had been stripped of the title earlier in the show. He went on to defeat [[Dolph Ziggler]] in the first match of the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05072010/|title=Out of control; Over the Limit|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> [[Christian (wrestler)|Christian]] defeated [[Cody Rhodes]] in the second match. As a result, Kingston faced and defeated Christian in the finals of the tournament to seemingly win his second Intercontinental Championship on the May 14 ''SmackDown''. However, moments later, McIntyre came out with a letter, signed by [[Vince McMahon]], saying that [[Theodore Long]] was irresponsible and abused his power. The letter also stated that McIntyre was reinstated to the active roster and that Kingston was stripped of the Intercontinental Championship, which returned to McIntyre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05142010/|title=With help from above|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> [[File:Kofi Kingston 2010 Tribute to the Troops.jpg|thumb|upright|Kingston in December 2010.]] At [[Over the Limit (2010)|Over the Limit]], Kingston defeated McIntyre to win his second official Intercontinental Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/currentepisode/14443544|title=Kofi Kingston def. Drew McIntyre (New Intercontinental Champion)|accessdate=June 6, 2012|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> Kingston mentored [[Michael McGillicutty]] on the second season of ''[[WWE NXT]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/archive/06012010/|title=Wade Barrett wins WWE NXT|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> At [[WWE Fatal 4-Way|Fatal 4 Way]], Kofi defended the Intercontinental Championship against [[Drew McIntyre]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/fatal4way/2010/14717770|title=Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston def. Drew McIntyre|date=June 20, 2010|accessdate=June 16, 2012|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> On July 18 at [[Money in the Bank (2010)|Money in the Bank]], Kingston lost the SmackDown [[Money in the Bank ladder match]] when [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] grabbed the briefcase.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/currentepisode/14864414|title=Kane won SmackDown Money in the Bank Ladder Match|date=July 18, 2010|accessdate=June 16, 2012|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> The following ''SmackDown'', Kingston lost to Dolph Ziggler in a non-title match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07232010/|title=Big heart in Little Rock|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> On the July 30 ''SmackDown'', Kingston faced Ziggler in a rematch but lost via disqualification, resulting in Ziggler earning a title match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07302010/|title=Throwing out the rules|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> On August 6 ''SmackDown'', Ziggler defeated Kingston to win the Intercontinental Championship. Kingston got his rematch for the title August 15 at [[SummerSlam (2010)|Summerslam]], which ended in a no contest after [[Nexus (professional wrestling)|The Nexus]] interfered. On the August 20 ''Smackdown'', Kingston faced Ziggler once again for the Intercontinental Championship defeating Ziggler by disqualification, but by rule, Ziggler retained his Intercontinental Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/21/15096036.html|title=Smackdown: Time for 2010, part two|date=August 21, 2010|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|accessdate=June 16, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The following week, Kingston faced Ziggler once again for the Intercontinental Championship, with the match stipulation that if Ziggler was disqualified, the title would change hands. Vickie Guerrero intervened during the match and got Ziggler counted out, so he kept the title. At [[Night of Champions (2010)|Night of Champions]], Ziggler again faced Kingston for the title; if Dolph was either counted out or disqualified, Kofi would win the title. Ziggler retained by pinfall. On the October 15 ''Smackdown'', Kingston defeated [[Drew McIntyre]] to earn a spot on [[WWE SmackDown|Team Smackdown]] at [[Bragging Rights (2010)|Bragging Rights]]. Team SmackDown won the match, with [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] and [[Rey Mysterio, Jr.|Rey Mysterio]] the final survivors. On the December 3 ''SmackDown'', Kingston defeated Jack Swagger to become the number one contender for the Intercontinental Championship but failed to win back the title when Swagger attacked him during the match. At [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2010)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]], Kingston and Swagger lost a ladder match for the title, as he and Swagger unhooked the belt but dropped it to the mat and Ziggler grabbed it for the win. On the January 7, 2011 ''SmackDown'', Kingston defeated [[Dolph Ziggler]] to become the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Champion]] for a third time. Immediately following the match, acting General Manager [[Vickie Guerrero]] ordered that Ziggler invoke his rematch clause straight away, but Kingston quickly pinned Ziggler again to retain his championship. Kingston then moved into a feud with [[Alberto Del Rio]], which culminated in a non-title match at [[Elimination Chamber (2011)|Elimination Chamber]] which Kingston lost. On March 22 at the tapings of the March 25 ''SmackDown'', Kingston lost the Intercontinental Championship to [[Wade Barrett]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_48672.shtml|title=WWE News: Smackdown spoilers 3/25 – Quick Smackdown results for Friday's show including a significant development|date=March 22, 2011|last=Tucker|first=Benjamin|accessdate=March 23, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On April 1 ''SmackDown'', Kingston won his rematch against Wade Barrett by disqualification. After Vladimir Kozlov was injured at the hands of [[The Corre]], Kingston was chosen as Kozlov's replacement in an eight-man tag team match involving Kofi, Kane, Big Show and Santino Marella versus The Corre at [[WrestleMania XXVII|WrestleMania 27]], which Kingston's team won.<ref>{{cite web|title=Big Show, Kane, Santino Marella & Kofi Kingston def. The Corre|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/27/eight-man-tag|date=April 3, 2011|accessdate=June 16, 2012|publisher=WWE}}</ref> On April 26, 2011, Kingston was drafted back to the Raw [[WWE Brand Extension|brand]] as part of the [[2011 WWE Draft#Supplemental draft|2011 Supplemental Draft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_49587.shtml|title=WWE News: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of WWE Supplemental Draft – Daniel Bryan first draft pick|date=April 26, 2011|accessdate=April 26, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On May 1, Kingston defeated [[Sheamus]] in a Tables Match at [[Extreme Rules (2011)|Extreme Rules]] to win his second United States Championship, in the process returning the title to Raw.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2011/tables-match|title=Kofi's Red, White and Boom|last=Murphy|first=Ryan|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the May 9 ''Raw'', Kingston successfully defended his championship against Jack Swagger.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 5/9: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live Raw – Three-way #1 contender match, Over the Limit hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_49922.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 19, 2012}}</ref> At [[WWE Capitol Punishment]], Kingston lost the title to Dolph Ziggler.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/capitolpunishment|title=Red, White and Blond|last=Passero|first=Mitch|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Kingston faced Ziggler in a rematch for the title on the June 20 ''Raw'' in a 2-out-of-3 Falls match, but Ziggler retained the United States Championship as the match ended with Ziggler being disqualified.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 6/20: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live three-hour Raw – "Power to the People" theme, PPV fall-out|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_50915.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 19, 2012}}</ref> ==== WWE Tag Team Champion (2011–2012) ==== {{See also|Air Boom}} On the August 22 ''Raw'', Kingston won the [[WWE Tag Team Championship]] with [[Evan Bourne]] when they defeated [[David Otunga]] and [[Michael McGillicutty]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 8/22: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Cena-Punk #1 contender re-match, new tag champions, lies & conspiracies|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_52454.shtml|publisher=PW Torch|accessdate=August 29, 2011}}</ref> On the August 29 ''Raw'', the duo was called "Air Boom", and they had their first successful title defense when they defeated Otunga and McGillicutty in a rematch.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 8/29: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw on USA Network|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_52726.shtml|publisher=PW Torch|accessdate=August 29, 2011}}</ref> At [[Night of Champions (2011)|Night of Champions]] Air Boom retained their titles against The Miz & R-Truth by disqualification after Miz attacked a WWE referee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2011/wwe-tag-team-title-match|title=WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne def. The Miz & R-Truth by Disqualification|accessdate=December 5, 2011|last=Adkins|first=Greg|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[Hell in a Cell (2011)|Hell in a Cell]] and [[Vengeance (2011)|Vengeance]], Air Boom retained their titles twice against Dolph Ziggler and [[Jack Swagger]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Hell In A Cell PPV Results 10/2: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_53872.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=October 12, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Vengeance PPV Results 10/23: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Triple H & Punk, Cena vs. Del Rio, Henry vs. Show|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_54494.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=October 24, 2011}}</ref> Bourne was suspended throughout November for his first violation of the company’s Wellness policy.<ref>{{cite web|title=Evan Bourne suspended|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/evan-bourne-suspended|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=November 3, 2011}}</ref> At [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2011)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]] Air Boom successfully retained their titles against [[Primo and Epico]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/air-boom-primo-epico|title=WWE Tag Team Champions Air Boom def. Primo and Epico|publisher=WWE|last=Melok|first=Bobby|date=December 18, 2011|accessdate=December 18, 2011}}</ref> On January 15, 2012, Air Boom lost the Tag Team titles to Primo and Epico at a house show.<ref>{{cite web|title=Primo & Epico crowned WWE Tag Team Champions at WWE Live Event!|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-01-09/primo-epico-new-wwe-tag-champions|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=January 16, 2012}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Air Boom were awarded a rematch but failed to regain the titles.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 1/16: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Kane-Cena latest, Jericho Week 3, Clay Week 2|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_57029.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 17, 2012}}</ref> The following day, Bourne was suspended again for his second violation of WWE's Wellness Policy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2012/2012_01_17.jsp|title=WWE Suspends Evan Bourne|publisher=[[WWE]]|date=January 17, 2012|accessdate=January 19, 2012}}</ref> [[File:Kofi Kingston and R-Truth.jpg|thumb|Kofi Kingston and R-Truth as the [[WWE Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Champions]].]] At [[Royal Rumble (2012)|Royal Rumble]], Kingston participated in the Royal Rumble match and although he did not win, he had a stand-out moment when he saved himself from elimination by [[Hand walking|walking on his hands]] to reach the ring steps and re-enter the ring.<ref name="Caldwell">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE ROYAL RUMBLE REPORT 1/29: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Rumble match, Punk-Ziggler, Cena-Kane, steel cage|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_57526.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 31, 2012}}</ref> At [[Elimination Chamber (2012)|Elimination Chamber]], Kingston failed to capture the [[WWE Championship]] after being eliminated third by [[Chris Jericho]].<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE Champion CM Punk won the Raw Elimination Chamber Match|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2012/raw-elimination-chamber-2012|publisher=[[WWE]]|last=Herrera|first=Tom|date=February 19, 2012|accessdate=February 19, 2012}}</ref> Kingston then began teaming with R-Truth, facing the likes of Primo and Epico and Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger which they both won and lost, respectively. On the February 27 ''Raw'', Kingston and Truth failed to capture the WWE Tag Team Championship from Primo and Epico in a Triple Threat Tag Team Match, also involving Ziggler and Swagger. On the April 30 ''Raw'', Kingston and Truth defeated Primo and Epico to win the WWE Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/30: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw Starring Brock Lesnar – PPV fall-out, Triple H returns|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_60937.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=May 1, 2012|date=April 30, 2012}}</ref> At [[Over the Limit (2012)|Over the Limit]], Kingston and R-Truth successfully defended the titles against Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger and then again in a rematch on the May 28 ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/2012/kingston-truth-swagger-ziggler|title=WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston & R-Truth vs. Jack Swagger & Dolph Ziggler|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=May 10, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-05-28/wwe-raw-results/page-3|title=The World's Largest Athlete goes on a rampage}}</ref> In the pre-show of [[Money in the Bank (2012)|Money in the Bank]], Kingston and Truth defeated [[Hunico]] and [[Camacho (wrestler)|Camacho]] in a non-title match.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2012/truth-kingston-hunico-camacho|title=WWE Tag Team Champions R-Truth & Kofi Kingston vs. Hunico & Camacho|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=July 11, 2012}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', they successfully defended the WWE Tag Team Championship against [[Prime Time Players]] ([[Thaddeus Bullard|Titus O'Neil]] and [[Darren Young (wrestler)|Darren Young]]).<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/16: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #998 – MITB PPV fall-out, Cena's announcement|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63388.shtml}}</ref> At [[SummerSlam (2012)|SummerSlam]], Kingston and Truth defeated Prime Time Players to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE SUMMERSLAM PPV REPORT 8/19: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Lesnar vs. Triple H, Punk vs. Cena vs. Show|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_64430.shtml}}</ref> At [[Night of Champions (2012)|Night of Champions]], Kingston and Truth lost the Tag Team Championship to the team of [[Daniel Bryan]] and Kane<ref name="PSBR">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2012/pre-show-battle-royal-26050963|title=Zack Ryder won a Pre-Show Battle Royal to become No. 1 Contender for the United States Championship|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=September 16, 2012}}</ref> and failed to regain the titles from the new champions the following night on ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|title= CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 9/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – PPV fall-out, Cena & Sheamus vs. Punk & Del Rio "super main event"|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65279.shtml}}</ref> Both Kingston and Truth were defeated by The Primetime Players in the first round of the Tag Team Tournament to determine the number one contenders for the Tag Team Championships, causing both Kingston and Truth to disband as a team and each returning to being single competitors. ==== Various feuds and championship pursuits (2012–2014) ==== After defeating Michael McGillicutty on the October 10 episode of ''[[WWE Main Event|Main Event]]'', Kingston was confronted and insulted by commentator and Intercontinental Champion [[The Miz]], prompting Kingston to challenge for the title which Miz accepted.<ref>{{cite web|title=CUPACH'S "WWE MAIN EVENT" REPORT 10/10: Orton vs. Show goes 22, IC Title match set for next week|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_65863.shtml}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw'', Kingston defeated Miz in a non-title match.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 10/15: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – what was McMahon's "decision?," ten matches|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65969.shtml}}</ref> Two days later on ''Main Event'', Kingston defeated Miz to win the Intercontinental Championship for the fourth time in his career.<ref>{{cite web|title=CUPACH'S WWE MAIN EVENT RESULTS 10/17: Kingston captures IC Title, WM29 preview?, Mike's Reax|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_66019.shtml}}</ref> Kingston then defeated Miz in two rematches, the first on October 28 at [[Hell in a Cell (2012)|Hell in a Cell]], and the second on the November 6 ''SmackDown'' to retain his title.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE HELL IN A CELL PPV REPORT 10/28: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Will WWE pull the trigger on Ryback as top champ?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_66245.shtml}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 11/6: Complete "virtual time" coverage of the Tuesday Super Smackdown special, including Orton vs. Del Rio in a Street Fight|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_66471.shtml}}</ref> Kingston then began feuding with Wade Barrett when the two were placed on opposing teams in the traditional five-on-five elimination tag team match on November 18 at [[Survivor Series (2012)|Survivor Series]]. Kingston's team, led by [[Mick Foley]], was defeated by Barrett's team, led by Dolph Ziggler, during which he was eliminated by Barrett.<ref name=Results>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE SURVIVOR SERIES PPV REPORT 11/18: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Punk-Cena-Ryback|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_66714.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=November 19, 2012}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Kingston was defeated by Barrett in a non-title match.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 11/19: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Survivor Series fall-out|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66731.shtml}}</ref> Four days later on ''SmackDown'', Kingston defeated [[Damien Sandow]] to retain the Intercontinental Championship whilst Barrett was on commentary.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE SMACKDOWN RESULTS 11/23: Complete coverage of Ziggler vs. Orton main event, Cena on Miz TV|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_66816.shtml}}</ref> Kingston, still the Intercontinental Champion, received a shot at the United States Championship on the December 3 ''Raw'', against champion [[Antonio Cesaro]], R-Truth, and Wade Barrett in a fatal four-way match, but was unsuccessful after Cesaro pinned Kingston for the win.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 12/3: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – McMahon returns, Punk takes a Test|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66980.shtml}}</ref> On December 16 at [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2012)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]], Kingston successfully defended his title against Barrett.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE TLC PPV RESULTS 12/16: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of final 2012 PPV – Cena vs. Ziggler main event, Shield makes a statement|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_67280.shtml}}</ref> Two weeks later on the December 31 ''Raw'', Kingston lost the Intercontinental Championship to Barrett.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-12-31/wade-barrett-wins-the-intercontinental-championship-26080727|title=Wade Barrett wins the Intercontinental Championship|last=Murphy|first=Ryan|date=December 29, 2012|accessdate=December 30, 2012}}</ref> Kingston received his rematch four days later on ''SmackDown'', but was again defeated by Barrett.<ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 1/4: Complete coverage of Friday night show, including Sheamus & Orton vs. Big Show & Cesaro (updated w/Box Score)|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_67666.shtml}}</ref> At the [[2013 Royal Rumble]] event, Kingston had another stand-out moment in the Rumble match. After eliminating [[Matt Bloom|Tensai]], he was pushed out of the ring but Kingston jumped on Tensai's back, landed on the announce table and used an office chair from [[John Layfield|John "Bradshaw" Layfield]] to hop to the ring apron before being eliminated by Cody Rhodes.<ref name="Caldwell"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Valentino|first=Shawn|title=VALENTINO'S MAGIC, MEMORIES, AND MANIA: Live at the Royal Rumble – A Rocky Start on the Road to WrestleMania|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/absurityofitall/article_68215.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 29, 2013|quote=Kofi Kingston once again had a show-stealing move when he jumped atop Tensai’s back to avoid touching the ground}}</ref> On the April 12 ''SmackDown'', Kingston defeated United States Champion Antonio Cesaro in a non-title match.<ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 4/12: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday night show, including Dolph Ziggler's first Smackdown as champion and Triple H addresses Lesnar match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69993.shtml}}</ref> Three days later on ''Raw'', Kingston defeated Cesaro to win his third United States Championship.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/15: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Punk returning, WM29 fallout, new U.S. champion, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70029.shtml}}</ref> Kingston made his first televised title defense on the May 1 ''Main Event'', defeating Cesaro in a rematch.<ref>{{cite web|title=CUPACH'S MAIN EVENT RESULTS 5/1: Kofi and Cesaro go 20 minutes for the U.S. Title, Corre Collision!|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_70330.shtml}}</ref> On May 19 at [[Extreme Rules (2013)|Extreme Rules]], Kingston lost the United States Championship to [[Dean Ambrose]] of [[The Shield (professional wrestling)|The Shield]], ending his reign at 35 days.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE EXTREME RULES PPV RESULTS 5/19 (Hour 1): Jericho vs. Fandango starts the PPV, U.S. Title match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_70697.shtml}}</ref> Kingston received his rematch on the following ''SmackDown'', defeating Ambrose via disqualification after Shield members [[Roman Reigns]] and [[Seth Rollins]] interfered, but not regaining the title as a result. The Shield would continue their assault on Kingston until Randy Orton and Sheamus made the save. Theodore Long then came out to set up a six-man tag team match that ended with Ambrose pinning Kingston for the win.<ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 5/24: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including the Intercontinental and U.S. Titles on the line, plus PPV fall-out|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70839.shtml}}</ref> Three days later on ''Raw'', Kingston failed again to reclaim the United States Championship from Ambrose.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 5/27 (Hour 1): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Memorial Day Raw – Cena returns, U.S. Title match, Bret Hart cameo|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70879.shtml}}</ref> Four days later on ''SmackDown'', Kingston was defeated by [[Ryback (wrestler)|Ryback]] and was afterwards, powerbombed through three tables by him, injuring Kingston in storyline.<ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 5/31: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Ambrose vs. Orton|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70988.shtml}}</ref> This was done to write Kingston out, as he was undergoing elbow surgery and was expected to be out for four to eight weeks.<ref>{{cite web|title=KOFI KINGSTON OUT ONE TO TWO MONTHS WITH AN ELBOW INJURY|author=Jason Namako|date=May 29, 2013|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/41740-kofi-kingston-out-one-to-two-months-with-an-elbow-injury}}</ref> Kingston returned from injury, sporting new gear on the August 5 ''Raw'', defeating [[Fandango (wrestler)|Fandango]].<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 8/5 (Hour 3): The Shield vs. Cena & Bryan & Orton main event, Ziggler vs. Big E.|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72509.shtml}}</ref> On the September 6 episode of ''SmackDown'', Kingston defeated Intercontinental Champion [[Curtis Axel]] in a non-title match, thus earning him a future title match.<ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 9/6: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Triple H Town Hall Meeting, Rob Van Dam vs. Randy Orton|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_73198.shtml}}</ref> Kingston received his title shot on September 15 at [[Night of Champions (2013)|Night of Champions]], but was defeated by Axel.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE NOC PPV RESULTS 9/15 (Hour 1): Del Rio vs. RVD World Title match, plus IC & Divas Title matches, Hunter-Heyman opens the PPV|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_73320.shtml}}</ref> In late September, [[Bray Wyatt]] would start delivering cryptic messages to Kingston after his matches,<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 9/30 (Hour 1): Punk opens the show, Los Matadores debut, Kofi, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_73643.shtml}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE SMACKDOWN RESULTS 10/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Big Show getting a payday vs. The Shield, final Battleground PPV hype, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_73721.shtml}}</ref> leading to a match between the two on October 6 at [[Battleground (2013)|Battleground]], which Wyatt won.<ref>{{cite web|title=BATTLEGROUND PPV RESULTS 10/6 (Hour 2): Rhodes Bros. vs. The Shield in a big tag match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_73742.shtml}}</ref> On the October 18 ''SmackDown'', Kingston and Miz lost to Erick Rowan and Luke Harper in a tag team match. The following week on Raw, Kingston and Miz lost to the Real Americans after Miz turned on Kingston. At [[Survivor Series (2013)|Survivor Series]], Kofi was defeated by The Miz. In the upcoming weeks, Kingston would lose to The Miz in multiple matches. Kingston would finally win a rematch against The Miz at [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2013)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]] in a No Disqualification Match. On the January 13 episode of ''Raw'', Kingston defeated WWE World Heavyweight Champion [[Randy Orton]] in a non-title match; he faced Orton again the following week, but allowed himself to lose by disqualification by holding Orton in place to allow John Cena to attack Orton for attacking his father. Kingston entered at #8 at the Royal Rumble, and once again performed an amazing feat of avoiding elimination by landing on the crowd barricade and made an 11-foot jump to get back in the ring. He was later the seventh person eliminated by [[Roman Reigns]]. On the February 13 episode of ''Smackdown'', Kingston would tap out to Jack Swagger in a number one contender's match for the Intercontinental Championship in a match also featuring Mark Henry and Rey Mysterio; on the March 21 episode of SmackDown, Kingston was announced in the Andre the Giant memorial battle royal at [[WrestleMania XXX]]. Kingston would have a standout moment in the match, getting thrown of over the turnbuckles by Cesaro and to avoid elimination by keeping his toes on the steel steps, he would later be eliminated by Sheamus. At [[WWE Payback (2014)|Payback]], Kingston would compete in a match against [[Bo Dallas]], but he would be assaulted by [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] for his tweets against [[Stephanie McMahon]]. Kingston defeated Cesaro by reversing the Neutralizer into a sunset flip rollup for the win on the June 30 episode of ''Raw''. Kingston was in a rematch with Cesaro, which he won on the July 7 episode of ''Raw''. Kingston competed in the Intercontinental Championship Battle Royal at [[Battleground (2014)|Battleground]] where he again avoided elimination by being caught by [[Big E Langston|Big E]] and rode his shoulders to the ring. Despite this, he did not win. ==== The New Day (2014–present) ==== {{Main|The New Day}} [[File:WWE's The New Day Jan 2015.jpg|thumb|Kingston (left) with [[Big E Langston|Big E]] and [[Xavier Woods]] as [[The New Day]] in January 2015.]] On the July 21 episode of ''Raw'', after Big E and Kingston suffered another loss as a team, [[Xavier Woods]] confronted them, declaring that they could not "get ahead by kissing babies and shaking hands". Instead, it would be "their time" to "take". The duo accepted Woods' offer,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE Raw results – 7/21/14 (Brock Lesnar returns)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/49725|website=wrestleview.com|accessdate=September 27, 2014}}</ref> and on the next day's ''Main Event'', Woods managed Big E and Kingston to a decisive victory over [[Heath Slater]] and [[Titus O'Neil]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Main Event results 7/22: Rusev vs. Swagger PPV re-match, Kofi & Big E. reset, tag champ loses, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_79743.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=September 27, 2014}}</ref> However, Woods' group quickly and quietly disbanded, as on the August 8 episode of ''SmackDown'' and on the August 12 episode of ''Main Event'', both Big E and then Kingston reverted to wrestling singles matches with no sign or mention of the other two members of the group.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Parks|first1=Greg|title=Parks's WWE SmackDown report 8/8: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Dean Ambrose choosing the stipulation for his Summerslam match against Seth Rollins|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_80078.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=August 13, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Main Event results 8/12: Usos defend the Tag Titles against two teams, Rollins vs. Kofi, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_80150.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=August 13, 2014}}</ref> Despite being disbanded on WWE television, Big E, Kingston and Woods continued their alliance at live events. In October, WWE began airing vignettes for Kingston, Woods and Big E, with the stable now being billed as "[[The New Day]]".<ref>{{cite web|title=SHOW RESULTS – 8/22 WWE in Stockton, Calif.: Cena's in-ring return post-Summerslam, three title matches, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_80382.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=August 23, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=SHOW RESULTS – 9/13 WWE in Springfield, Mass.: Cena returns to college in main event, Ushow vs. Wyatts, NXT Title, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_80734.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=September 27, 2014}}</ref> The New Day eventually made their in-ring debut on the November 28 episode of ''SmackDown'' in a winning effort against Titus O'Neil, Heath Slater and [[Curtis Axel]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_82009.shtml|title=PARKS'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 11/28: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Luke Harper vs. Dolph Ziggler in an Intercontinental Title match|author=Parks, Greg.|date=November 28, 2014|accessdate=November 30, 2014|website=PWTorch.com}}</ref> The trio started a feud with [[Gold and Stardust]], after their interfering ways cost Kingston and Big E an important tag team turmoil match. A match between the two teams was scheduled for the [[TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs (2015)|TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs]] kick-off show on December 14, where Big E and Kingston defeated Gold and Stardust. In March 2015, The New Day participated in two matches on the pre-show to [[WrestleMania 31]] in a losing effort. The New Day turned heel, which would mark Kingston and Woods first heel turn ever in WWE.<ref>http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2015-04-06/wwe-raw-results-27275873/page-7</ref> At [[Extreme Rules (2015)|Extreme Rules]], Kingston and Big E defeated [[Tyson Kidd]] and [[Antonio Cesaro|Cesaro]] to win the [[WWE Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Championships]].<ref>http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2015/wwe-tag-team-championship-match-27298251</ref> At [[Payback (2015)|Payback]], The New Day defeated Kidd and Cesaro to retain their titles. At [[Elimination Chamber (2015)|Elimination Chamber]], The New Day defeated Kidd and Cesaro, [[The Lucha Dragons]], [[The Ascension]], [[Los Matadores]], and [[The Prime Time Players]] to retain their titles in the first ever tag team [[Elimination Chamber|Elimination Chamber match]]; all three members were allowed to compete in a pre-match stipulation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_85340.shtml#.VWut7s9Viko|title=CALDWELL'S WWE E. CHAMBER PPV REPORT 5/31: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of WWE Title match, Cena vs. Owens, two Elimination Chamber matches, more|author=Caldwell, James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=31 May 2015|accessdate=31 May 2015}}</ref> At Money in the Bank, Kingston participated in the [[Money in the Bank ladder match]], which was won by [[Sheamus]]. Later in the show, his stablemates Big E and Woods lost the WWE Tag Team Championship titles against [[The Prime Time Players]]. <ref>{{cite web|last1=Burdick|first1=Michael|title=WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day vs. The Prime Time Players|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2015/wwe-tag-team-champions-the-new-day-vs-the-prime-time-players-27464705|publisher=WWE|accessdate=5 June 2015}}</ref> On July 4, at [[The Beast in the East]] live event in [[Tokyo, Japan]], Kofi was quickly defeated by [[Brock Lesnar]] despite interference by Big E and Woods. <ref>http://www.wwe.com/shows/beast-in-the-east/results-july-4-27593949/page-3</ref> == Other media == Kingston participates in [[Xavier Woods]]' YouTube channel ''UpUpDownDown'' as, simply, Kofi. He makes his debut on June 15, 2015. == Personal life == Kofi Sarkodie-Mensah began wrestling professionally in 2005, under the ring name of Kofi Nahaje Kingston.<ref name=OWoW>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/k/kofi-kingston.html|accessdate=December 8, 2007|title=Kofi Kingston profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Kingston's country of birth was billed as [[Jamaica]] because of [[Bob Marley]] and [[Reggae|reggae music]].<ref name=OWoW/><ref name="BBC News"/><ref name=Rajah>{{cite web|url=http://rajah.com/base/node/10229|accessdate=December 8, 2007|title=Kofi Kingston Debuts On WWE TV: News On Who He Is|publisher=Rajah.com|date=December 7, 2007|first=Michael|last=Bluth}}</ref> Kofi has training in the Brazilian martial art of [[capoeira]].<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngrP6AD_YUY</ref> He is married and has a son. In 2012, Kingston appeared on an episode of [[Disney XD]]'s karate sitcom [[Kickin' It]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Kofi Kingston stars on Disney XD's "Kickin' It" |url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/kofi-kingston-stars-on-disney-xds-kickin-it-26068998}}</ref> He is a fan of the [[Boston Red Sox]] and [[New England Patriots]].<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo-m6Lb9AbU</ref> == In wrestling == [[Image:KofiBoomDrop.JPG|thumb|Kingston performing the ''[[Leg drop#Double leg drop|Boom Drop]]'' on [[Shelton Benjamin]].]] [[File:Kofi-Kicks-Nash.jpg|thumb|Kingston dropkicking [[Kevin Nash]].]] * '''Finishing moves''' ** ''Trouble in Paradise'' ([[540 kick|Jumping corkscrew roundhouse kick]])<ref name=OWoW/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/just-for-kicks-wwes-top-10-kicks/page-2|title=Just for Kicks: WWE’s top 10 kicks|date=January 3, 2014|accessdate=January 5, 2014|publisher=WWE}}</ref> ** ''SOS'' ([[Professional wrestling throws#Ranhei|Ranhei]])<ref name=OWoW/><ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_76063.shtml|title=PARKS'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 1/31: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including The Shield vs. Daniel Bryan & Sheamus & Rey Mysterio|date=January 31, 2014|accessdate=February 1, 2014|publisher=PWTorch}}</ref> – also used as a signature move * '''Signature moves''' <!-- Please Do NOT change the order of the moves, as they comply with Wikipedia's Manual of Style. --> ** ''Boom Drop'' ([[Leg drop#Double leg drop|Jumping double leg drop]], with theatrics)<ref name="observer1">{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/6600/105/|accessdate=September 9, 2008|date=September 1, 2008|last=Martin|first=Todd|title=Todd Martin's Labor Day Raw Report|publisher=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> ** [[Professional wrestling attacks#Double foot stomp|Double foot stomp]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 6/20: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live three-hour Raw – "Power to the People" theme, PPV fall-out|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_50915.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=September 23, 2011}}</ref> ** [[Dropkick]]<ref name=OWoW/><ref name="observer1"/> ** [[DDT (professional wrestling)#Float-over DDT|Float-over DDT]]<ref name=PW1 /><ref>{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=Smackdown Results – 2/4/11|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1296894927|publisher=Wrestleview|accessdate=July 16, 2011}}</ref> ** [[Professional wrestling attacks#Flying forearm smash|Flying forearm smash]]<ref name=OWoW/><ref name="observer1"/> ** [[Professional wrestling throws#Hurricanrana|Hurricanrana]]<ref name="Trionfo">{{cite web|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|title=WWE SUPERSTARS REPORT: CAN YOU SAY VICTORY IN FIVE LANGUAGES?; DAMIEN SANDOW IN ACTION; TAG TEAMS AND DIVAS IN ACTION TOO|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/71720/wwe-superstars-report-can-you-say-victory-in-five-languages-damien-sandow-in-action-tag-teams-and-divas-in-action-too.html?p=1|accessdate=September 8, 2013|publisher=PWinsider}}</ref> ** [[Professional wrestling attacks#Back elbow|Jumping back elbow]]<ref name=PW2 /> ** [[Professional wrestling attacks#Koronco buster|Koronco buster]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|title=Superstars Results – 12/1/11|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1322843197|publisher=Wrestleview|accessdate=December 3, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 3/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Big Show & Kane vs. Corre for the tag titles|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_48577.shtml|publisher=PW Torch|accessdate=July 16, 2011|quote=Kofi jumped on Sheamus’ shoulders in the corner and began punching}}</ref> ** [[Professional wrestling attacks#Flying clothesline|Leaping clothesline]],<ref name=PW2>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 11/12: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Edge vs. Otunga|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_45250.shtml|publisher=PW Torch|accessdate=July 16, 2011}}</ref><ref name="pwinsider.com"/> sometimes while [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Springboard|springboarding]]<ref name=OWoW/> ** [[Professional wrestling attacks#Mounted punches|Leaping mounted punches]] followed up a [[Professional wrestling attacks#European uppercut|European uppercut]]<ref name="pwinsider.com">{{cite web|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|title=COMPLETE WWE RAW REPORT: CHANGES FOR SURVIVOR SERIES; THE BARRAGE COMES HOME; BRAD MADDOX SPEAKS AND GETS A MATCH NEXT WEEK; 3MB HAVE A FOLLOWING IN THE UK; VICKIE'S QUEST FOR JUSTICE CONTINUES|url=http://pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=73146&p=2|accessdate=November 6, 2013|publisher=PWInsider}}</ref> ** [[Professional wrestling throws#Monkey flip|Monkey flip]]<ref name=OWoW/> ** Multiple [[Professional wrestling attacks#Crossbody|crossbody]] variations *** [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving crossbody|Diving]],<ref name=OWoW/> *** [[Moonsault#Double jump moonsault|Double jump]] reverse<ref name="James">{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=JAMES'S WWE SUPERSTARS REPORT 12/29: a/k/a Second Hour of NXT, Tag Champs in main event|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_56415.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 4, 2012}}</ref> *** [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Plancha|Slingshot]]<ref name="James"/> *** [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Springboard|Springboard]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|title=COMPLETE WWE RAW REPORT: A CHANGE TO THE WRESTLEMANIA CARD; MORE MATCHES ANNOUNCED; THE STIPULATION FOR TRIPLE H VERSUS LESNAR IS ANNOUNCED; A NEW MEMBER OF THE HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCED; IC TITLE MATCH; AND MORE|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=76217&p=2|accessdate=March 21, 2013|publisher=PWInsider}}</ref> ** [[Professional wrestling attacks#Pendulum|Pendulum]] [[Professional wrestling attacks#Kick|kick]] from out of the corner, as a counter to an oncoming opponent<ref name=ECW>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/vms/ecw/2007/december1-7/5984980?zone=ecw_index|accessdate=December 6, 2007|title=Video: Kofi Kingston is bringing trouble|publisher=WWE|date=December 6, 2007 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071209133841/http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/vms/ecw/2007/december1-7/5984980?zone=ecw_index <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = December 9, 2007}}</ref> ** [[Professional wrestling throws#Russian legsweep|Russian legsweep]]<ref name=OWoW/><ref name="observer1"/> ** [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Somersault|Somersault]] [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Plancha|plancha]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|title=COMPLETE WWE RAW 1009 REPORT: CM PUNK TALKS A LOT; BECOME A RHODES SCHOLAR; KANE AND DANIEL BRYAN SHARE A MEAL AND GET A TEAM NAME; AN INTERESTING TWIST AT THE END|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/72185/complete-wwe-raw-1009-report-cm-punk-talks-a-lot-become-a-rhodes-scholar-kane-and-daniel-bryan-share-a-meal-and-get-a-team-name-an-interesting-twist-at-the-end.html?p=1|accessdate=September 29, 2013|publisher=PWInsider}}</ref> ** [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Suicide|Suicide dive]]<ref name=OWoW/> ** [[DDT (professional wrestling)#Tornado DDT|Tornado DDT]], sometimes while [[DDT (professional wrestling)#Springboard DDT|springboarding]]<ref name=PW1>{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=WWE FATAL 4-WAY PPV RESULTS: Keller's complete report on Cena vs. Sheamus vs. Orton vs. Edge, Swagger vs. Rey vs. Show vs. Punk|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_42084.shtml|publisher=PW Torch|accessdate=July 16, 2011}}</ref> ** [[Professional wrestling attacks#Backhand chop|Two-handed chop]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE FATAL FOUR-WAY PPV RESULTS 6/20: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_42078.shtml|publisher=PW Torch|accessdate=July 16, 2011}}</ref> * '''With [[Ron Killings|R-Truth]]''' ** '''Double team signature moves''' *** [[Professional wrestling attacks#Crossbody|Aided crossbody]]<ref name="Trionfo"/><ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|title=COMPLETE WWE RAW 1008 REPORT: NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS REMATCH; SMACKDOWN REMATCH; MAIN EVENTS COMBINED INTO A TAG MATCH; MIZTV DEBUTS; THE TAG TEAM DIVISION HEATS UP; UPDATES ON JERRY LAWLER; AND WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU PUT JBL, JIM ROSS, AND MICHAEL COLE TOGETHER ON COMMENTARY|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=72022&p=2|accessdate=September 22, 2014|publisher=PWInsider}}</ref> *** [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Senton|Aided slingshot senton]]<ref name="http">{{cite web|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|title=WWE RAW 1007 REPORT: BRET HART RETURNS TO MONTREAL; ANGER MANAGEMENT CREATES A NEW NUMBER ONE CONTENDER; IS THE IC TITLE COMING HOME?; CENA AND PUNK HAVE VERBAL CONFRONTATION; JERRY LAWLER SUFFERS MEDICAL EMERGENCY DURING SHOW|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/71823/wwe-raw-1007-report-bret-hart-returns-to-montreal-anger-management-creates-a-new-number-one-contender-is-the-ic-title-coming-home-cena-and-punk-have-verbal-confrontation-jerry-lawler-suffers-medical-emergency-during-show.html?p=1|accessdate=September 12, 2013|publisher=PWInsider}}</ref> *** [[Professional wrestling throws#Hip toss|Double hip toss]]<ref name="Trionfo"/> *** [[Professional wrestling throws#Russian legsweep|Double Russian legsweep]] followed by a simultaneous [[Professional wrestling attacks#Elbow drop|elbow drop]] (Kofi) and [[Professional wrestling attacks#Knee drop|knee drop]] (R-Truth) combination<ref name="http"/> *** R-Truth [[Professional wrestling throws#Scoop slam|scoop slams]] Kofi onto a grounded opponent<ref name="ReferenceA"/> * '''[[Nickname]]s''' ** "The Dreadlocked Dynamo"<ref name=wwebio/><ref>{{cite web|last=Wortman|first=James|title=Name the new WWE Tag Champs|url=http://us.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-08-22/kofi-bourne-need-name|publisher=WWE|accessdate=August 30, 2011}}</ref> ** "The Wildcat"<ref name=wwebio/> ** "The Boom Squad General"<ref name=wwebio/> ** "'''Real Mega Dad of the Year'''"<ref>27 July 2015 on Raw, sign held by Xavier and Big E pointing to Kofi</ref> <!-- Controlled Frenzy is not a nickname, it's what Kofi does. See these quotes from wwe.com: Ziggler can't contain Kingston's controlled frenzy... battering The Miz with his patented controlled frenzy... attacking Orton with a controlled frenzy of kicks and punches... --> * '''Managers''' ** Barry Ace ** '''[[Xavier Woods]]''' ** '''[[Big E Langston|Big E]]''' * '''[[Music in professional wrestling|Entrance themes]]''' ** "Confrontation" by [[Damian Marley]]<ref name="milford">{{cite web|url=http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x602864320|title=Wrestle mania|date=August 16, 2006|author=Chris Bergeron|accessdate=February 22, 2008|publisher=The Milford Daily News}}</ref> (CTC/[[Deep South Wrestling|DSW]]) ** "S.O.S." performed by [[Collie Buddz]] and composed by [[Jim Johnston (composer)|Jim Johnston]]<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE: SOS (Kofi Kingston) feat. Collie Buddz|url=http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/wwe-sos-kofi-kingston-feat./id441925411|publisher=iTunes|accessdate=September 2, 2011}}</ref> ([[WWE]]; January 22, 2008 – July 20, 2014) ** "Born to SOS" by [[Mutiny Within]] and [[Collie Buddz]]<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE: Born to SOS (Air Boom) – Single|url=http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wwe-born-to-sos-air-boom-single/id464427010|publisher=iTunes|accessdate=September 14, 2011}}</ref> (September 5, 2011 – October 3; used while a part of [[Air Boom]]) ** "Boom" by Jim Johnston<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wwe-boom-air-boom-kofi-kingston/id473281573 |title=WWE:Boom (Air Boom – Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne) – Single}}</ref> (October 7, 2011 – January 16, 2012; used while a part of Air Boom) ** '''"New Day, New Way"''' by Jim Johnston<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wwe-new-day-the-new-day-single/id948034779 |title=WWE: New Day (The New Day) – Single}}</ref> (November 28, 2014–present; used while a part of The New Day) == Championships and accomplishments == [[File:Kofi Kingston as Intercontinental Champion.jpg|thumb|right|Kingston is a four-time Intercontinental Champion.]] * '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]''''' ** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Tag Team of the Year|Tag Team of the Year]] (2012) {{small|with R-Truth}} ** PWI ranked him #'''20''' of the best 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2013.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2013|accessdate=August 22, 2013|work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref> * '''[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE]]''' ** [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE)|1 time]]) – with [[CM Punk]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldtagteam/|accessdate=October 28, 2008|title=World Tag Team Championship history|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> ** [[WWE Intercontinental Championship]] ([[List of WWE Intercontinental Champions|4 times]])<ref name="IC1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/|accessdate=July 1, 2008|title=WWE Intercontinental Championship history|date=June 29, 2008|publisher=WWE}}</ref> ** [[WWE Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of WWE Tag Team Champions|3 times]]) – with [[Evan Bourne]] (1), [[Ron Killings|R-Truth]] (1), [[Big E Langston|Big E]] and [[Xavier Woods]] (1)¹<ref name="Tag History">{{cite web|title=WWE Tag Team Championship history|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwetag/|publisher=WWE|accessdate=August 30, 2011}}</ref> ** [[WWE United States Championship]] ([[List of WWE United States Champions|3 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates|title=WWE United States Championship history}}</ref> ** [[Bragging Rights (2010)|Bragging Rights Trophy (2010)]] – with Team SmackDown <small>([[Big Show]], [[Rey Mysterio]], [[Jack Swagger]], [[Alberto Del Rio]], [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]], and [[Tyler Reks]])</small> ** [[Slammy Award]] for "Tell Me I Did Not Just See That" Moment of the Year ([[Slammy Award#2012 Slammy Awards|2012]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-12-17/wwe-raw-results-26077585/page-2|title=Kofi Kingston won the "Tell Me I Did Not Just See That" Moment of the Year Slammy|publisher=WWE.com|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|date=December 17, 2012|accessdate=December 18, 2012}}</ref> <small>[[Hand walking]] during the [[Royal Rumble (2012)|Royal Rumble match]] to avoid elimination</small> ¹<small> Kingston defended the championship with either Big E or Woods under the [[The Fabulous Freebirds#Freebird Rule|Freebird Rule]].</small> == Notes == {{Reflist|30em}} == External links == {{Portal|Professional wrestling}} * {{twitter|truekofi|Kofi Kingston}} * {{WWE superstar|kofikingston|Kofi Kingston}} * {{IMDb name|2932655|Kofi Kingston}} {{Navboxes| |list1= {{WWE personnel}} {{WWE Intercontinental Championship}} {{WWE United States Championship}} {{WWE Tag Team Championship}} {{World Tag Team Championship (WWE)}} }} {{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. --> | NAME = Kingston, Kofi | ALTERNATIVE NAMES = | SHORT DESCRIPTION = Professional wrestler | DATE OF BIRTH = August 14, 1981 | PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Ghana]] | DATE OF DEATH = | PLACE OF DEATH = }} {{DEFAULTSORT:Kingston, Kofi}} [[Category:1981 births]] [[Category:African-American professional wrestlers]] [[Category:American male professional wrestlers]] [[Category:American people of Ashanti descent]] [[Category:American people of Ghanaian descent]] [[Category:Boston College alumni]] [[Category:Ghanaian emigrants to the United States]] [[Category:Ghanaian professional wrestlers]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:People from Ashanti Region]] [[Category:People from Kumasi]] [[Category:Professional wrestlers from Florida]]'