In the world of professional wrestling, there are often dream matchups that fans yearn to see, and one such encounter was the potential feud between WWE's New Day and The Elite. While this highly anticipated battle never materialized in the ring, a glimpse of its potential was offered at the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2018.
The event, hosted by Xavier Woods' YouTube channel UpUpDownDown, featured a unique Street Fighter V team battle between the two trios. What made this event particularly fascinating is the behind-the-scenes story of how it came to be.
The Unlikely Collaboration
Many fans were surprised to see WWE give the New Day permission to work with outside talent, especially considering the competitive nature of the wrestling industry. According to Big E, the green light for this collaboration was a result of WWE's awareness and support of Woods' gaming endeavors.
"I was shocked... Woods had been really working hard on the gaming side, and Kenny [Omega] has done so much in that area too. It was a cool face-off to have." - Big E
This collaboration highlights the evolving nature of professional wrestling, where the lines between entertainment and gaming are blurring. It also showcases WWE's willingness to embrace new platforms and engage with its audience in innovative ways.
A Missed Opportunity?
While the E3 event was a unique and entertaining spectacle, it left many fans wondering what could have been. Big E himself admitted that a real match between the New Day and The Elite is highly unlikely today, especially with the establishment of AEW.
"I think if AEW was established, all of that would have been off the table." - Big E
The potential for a six-man tag team match, as envisioned by Big E, would have been a historic event, bringing together two of the most popular factions in wrestling. It's a missed opportunity that continues to spark the imagination of fans and wrestlers alike.
The Impact of Gaming
What many people don't realize is the significant role that gaming has played in the wrestling industry. It has not only provided a platform for wrestlers to connect with their fans but has also influenced the culture and dynamics of the sport.
The Elite, with their strong gaming presence, and the New Day's gaming channel, have helped bridge the gap between wrestling and gaming communities. This crossover has the potential to attract a new generation of fans and create unique, engaging content.
A New Era of Wrestling
As we reflect on the missed opportunity of a New Day vs. The Elite match, it's clear that the wrestling industry is evolving. The rise of gaming and the willingness of organizations like WWE to embrace new platforms and collaborations are shaping a new era.
While we may never see this particular dream matchup, the impact of gaming on wrestling is undeniable, and it will be fascinating to see how this relationship continues to develop and influence the sport.
Conclusion
The story of the New Day and The Elite's gaming rivalry is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in professional wrestling. It reminds us that, sometimes, the most exciting moments happen outside the ring, pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible.
So, while we may not get that six-man tag team match, the legacy of this unique collaboration will continue to inspire and entertain wrestling fans for years to come.