Who is Xavier Woods? Xavier Woods, born Austin Watson, is a multi-talented professional wrestler known for his charisma and versatility. He’s a key member of WWE's The New Day, alongside Kofi Kingston and Big E, and has achieved numerous accolades, including 12 tag team championships. Beyond wrestling, Woods is a passionate gamer, hosting the popular YouTube channel UpUpDownDown. He’s also a dedicated scholar, pursuing a Ph.D. in educational psychology. His positive energy, rooted in his high school cheerleading days, has made him a fan favorite. Woods seamlessly blends his love for wrestling, gaming, and education, making him a unique figure in entertainment.
Key Takeaways:
- Xavier Woods, the WWE star, is not just a wrestler but also a dedicated scholar pursuing a Ph.D. in educational psychology, showcasing the importance of education and passion for learning.
- Beyond wrestling, Xavier Woods' vibrant personality shines through his gaming channel, charitable work, and positive impact on the community, making him a beloved figure in pop culture and beyond.
Early Life and Education
Xavier Woods, known for his vibrant personality and wrestling prowess, has a fascinating background that shaped his journey to WWE stardom.
- Birth and Early Life: Born on September 4, 1986, in Columbus, Georgia, Xavier Woods' early years were spent in the southern United States.
- Education: Woods graduated from Sprayberry High School in 2004, showcasing his academic dedication early on.
- Higher Education: He attended Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, earning a master's degree in psychology and a bachelor's degree in philosophy.
- Ph.D. Pursuit: Currently, Woods is pursuing a Ph.D. in educational psychology from Capella University in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Personal Life
Beyond the ring, Woods has a rich personal life that includes family and hobbies.
- Marriage and Family: Married to Jess Watson since 2015, Woods is a proud father of two children, a son born in 2017 and another child born later.
- High School Cheerleader: His high school cheerleading days contributed to his positive energy and charisma in the ring.
Wrestling Career Beginnings
Woods' journey in professional wrestling began long before his WWE fame.
- Professional Wrestling Debut: He made his debut in 2005 under the ring name Austin Creed.
- Independent Promotions: Woods wrestled for various independent promotions, including Deep South Wrestling (DSW) and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).
- Ring Names: Over the years, he has used several ring names, including Austin Creed, Consequences Creed, Rasheed Lucius Creed, King Woods, and Xavier Woods.
- Trained by Rob Adonis: His wrestling skills were honed under the guidance of Rob Adonis.
Rise to WWE Fame
Woods' WWE career is marked by significant achievements and memorable moments.
- Formation of The New Day: In 2014, Woods formed The New Day stable with Big E and Kofi Kingston, becoming one of WWE's most successful stables.
- Tag Team Championships: As part of The New Day, Woods has won a record seven WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships, four WWE Raw Tag Team Championships, and one NXT Tag Team Championship.
- King of the Ring: In 2021, Woods became the 22nd winner of the King of the Ring tournament, earning the ring name King Woods.
- Tag Team Triple Crown Champion: With his NXT Tag Team Championship win in 2022, Woods became a Tag Team Triple Crown Champion.
- WrestleMania Debut: Woods made his WrestleMania debut at WrestleMania XXX in 2014.
Memorable Feuds and Matches
Woods has been part of several high-profile feuds and matches that have defined his career.
- Feud with Alexander Rusev: After WrestleMania XXX, Woods and R-Truth began a feud with Alexander Rusev.
- Hosting WrestleMania: The New Day has hosted WrestleMania multiple times, adding their unique flair to the event.
Pop Culture Impact
Woods' influence extends beyond wrestling into pop culture and gaming.
- Booty-O’s Cereal: The New Day released their own cereal, Booty-O’s, which became a fan favorite.
- YouTube Channel UpUpDownDown: Woods hosts a popular YouTube gaming channel called UpUpDownDown, with nearly 2.5 million subscribers and over 500 million views.
- Gaming Contests: He has participated in various gaming contests, including a Street Fighter V tournament against Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks.
- G4 Network Host: Woods was a host on the G4 television network until its revival ended in 2022.
Academic Achievements
Woods' commitment to education is as impressive as his wrestling career.
- Educational Psychology Ph.D.: He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in educational psychology.
- Positive Character: His positive and cheerful character is attributed to his high school cheerleading days.
Wrestling Accolades
Woods has earned numerous accolades throughout his wrestling career.
- ECWA Super 8 Tournament Winner: In 2010, Woods won the ECWA Super 8 Tournament.
- NWA Anarchy Tag Team Championship: He won the NWA Anarchy Tag Team Championship once with Hayden Young.
- DSW Heavyweight Championship: Woods held the DSW Heavyweight Championship once.
- FCW Florida Tag Team Championship: He won the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship once with Wes Brisco.
- TNA World Tag Team Championship: As Consequences Creed, Woods won the TNA World Tag Team Championship once with Jay Lethal.
Recognition and Awards
Woods and The New Day have received numerous awards and recognition for their contributions to wrestling.
- PWI Tag Team of the Decade: The New Day was ranked as the PWI Tag Team of the Decade (2010s).
- PWI Tag Team of the Year: Woods and The New Day were named PWI Tag Team of the Year in 2015 and 2016.
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter Award: The New Day won the Best Gimmick award in 2015.
- WWE Year-End Award: In 2019, The New Day was awarded the Men's Tag Team of the Year by WWE.
- Slammy Award: Woods and The New Day won the Slammy Award for Ring Gear of the Year in 2020.
- Longest Tag Team Title Reign: The New Day holds the record for the longest tag team title reign in WWE history.
Gaming and Community Engagement
Woods' passion for gaming and community engagement has made him a beloved figure beyond wrestling.
- Host of UpUpDownDown: Woods' gaming channel, UpUpDownDown, has become a platform for engaging with fans and other wrestlers.
- Gaming Community Involvement: Through UpUpDownDown, Woods has collaborated with numerous gaming personalities and WWE performers.
- Charitable Work: Woods has been involved in various charitable activities, supporting organizations that promote education and mental health awareness.
- Social Media Presence: With a significant following on social media, Woods uses his influence to promote positive messages and engage with fans.
Fan Favorite and Legacy
Woods' charismatic personality and dedication have made him a fan favorite and cemented his legacy in wrestling.
- Fan Favorite: Widely regarded as a fan favorite, Woods balances being a fierce competitor and a loyal companion to his New Day brothers.
- Philosophical Background: With a bachelor's degree in philosophy, Woods brings a unique perspective to his wrestling career.
- Psychological Studies: His master's degree in psychology provides a deeper understanding of human behavior.
- Community Engagement: Regularly engaging with his community through events and charity work, Woods demonstrates his commitment to making a positive impact.
- Gaming Competitions: Participating in several gaming competitions, Woods showcases his skills in various video games.
- Collaborations with Other Wrestlers: Woods has collaborated with other wrestlers on gaming projects, highlighting his versatility.
- Hosting G4 Network: His role as a host on the G4 network solidifies his position as a versatile personality.
Future Endeavors
Woods continues to pursue his passions and expand his influence in various fields.
- UpUpDownDown’s Success: The success of UpUpDownDown is a testament to Woods' ability to connect with fans.
- Impact on WWE: The New Day's impact on WWE is significant, contributing to the company's growth and popularity.
- Legacy in Professional Wrestling: Woods' legacy in professional wrestling is cemented with numerous accolades.
- Future Endeavors: As Woods continues to pursue his Ph.D., his future endeavors will be shaped by his education, gaming passion, and dedication to wrestling.
- Versatile Personality: Woods' ability to excel in multiple fields makes him a compelling figure in professional wrestling.
Xavier Woods: A Multifaceted Talent
Xavier Woods isn't just a wrestler; he's a powerhouse of talent and charisma. From his early days as Austin Creed to becoming a key member of The New Day, Woods has left an indelible mark on WWE. His achievements include multiple tag team championships, winning the King of the Ring, and hosting WrestleMania. Beyond wrestling, Woods shines in the gaming world with his YouTube channel UpUpDownDown and his stint as a G4 host. His academic pursuits, including a Ph.D. in educational psychology, showcase his dedication to personal growth. Woods' positive energy, community involvement, and unique blend of education and entertainment make him a standout figure. Whether in the ring, on YouTube, or in academia, Xavier Woods continues to inspire and entertain, proving he's a true renaissance man in the world of professional wrestling.
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