The New Day, the most decorated tag team in WWE history, will be challenging for their 13th championship against the War Raiders. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods want to end Erik and Ivar’s second reign as champs on the “grandest stage of them all,” WrestleMania 41.
The defending champs will be on the card for the first time since WrestleMania 37 in 2021. The War Raiders have been carrying the Raw Tag Team Titles since December. What is the build-up to this match? Who will come out on top? Will we see history in the desert?
New Day Look to Regain Tag Titles
A few months back, it looked like the New Day was going to turn a new leaf (see what I did there?). The breakup tease lasted for weeks. Xavier Woods had changed his tune, having the WWE Universe thinking he was going to depart from his longtime friend Kofi Kingston. The build would last until the anniversary of the New Day segment when they brought back the charismatic Big E to celebrate. The duo then did the unthinkable, blaming Big E for all of their recent turmoil and lack of success.
The WWE Universe was absolutely shocked and appalled by Kofi and Xavier’s behavior. This heel turn was done so well that the New Day would receive the “Dominik Mysterio” treatment in the upcoming weeks. Every time one of them would try to explain themselves and their actions, boos would fill the arena. Even wrestlers in the backstage area would shame the duo for what they said about the beloved E.
War Raiders Enter WM as Champs
The War Raiders, the Vikings, the Viking Raiders, or whatever they call themselves these days, are looking to defend their titles at WrestleMania 41. This team is in their second reign as champions. This may be the best version of the team with more of a biker club gimmick. It reminds me of the ’90s team, D.O.A. Erik and Ivar, who are very athletic and large men who could be compared to smaller versions of Hall of Famer Vader.
The War Raiders find themselves defending their titles after the New Day demanded the opportunity to Raw GM Adam Pearce. This could be an uphill battle for the Raiders, who have their 4th opportunity at WrestleMania. They come in as the less experienced team. Luckily for Erik and Ivar, the team does hold the champions’ advantage, which could come into play.
Final Thoughts and Prediction
I don’t know what it is, but in my eyes, the War Raiders are not over. Yes, they are great in-the-ring talent, but something is not connecting. The lack of aura and charisma kills this team. They need a manager mouthpiece or a guy like Karrion Kross to align themselves with. I give them credit for having an old-school tag team feel, but something is missing for them to take the next step. They have changed names over and over again and still don’t get much of a reaction from fans.
The prediction is that the New Day will become 13-time Tag Team Champions. They deserve a run with the titles as a heel tag team. They have gotten a bunch of heat since turning on their brother Big E. That also makes me think E may get involved somehow. Imagine E admitting he was the problem and apologizing to Kofi and Xavier by helping them win. Or could he come back to get his revenge on his former brothers? Whether it is in WWE or the NFL, the Raiders seem to lose a lot in Vegas, and this weekend, we may see the same outcome.
