When it comes to wrestling audiences, some of the best ones are in the South.
“Crowds are rowdy – in the best way possible,” said Kofi Kingston, a 14-time WWE tag team champion, who is looking forward to the WWE’s Sept. 19 return to the James Brown Arena. “They cheer loudly. They boo. We appreciate the energy they bring.”
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Kingston and New Day are scheduled to be part of the main event against Roman Reigns and The Usos. Other action includes the Triple Threat for the WWE Championships with Bobby Lashley, Damien Prince and Sheamus and the Raw Women’s Championship with Charlotte Flair versus Alexa Bliss.
Kingston’s wrestling story is one of a man who decided to follow after his dreams.
In 2006, he was working in a corporate cubicle when he decided to try out for the WWE.
“Working and doing the same thing every day wasn’t for me,” said Kingston, who turned 40 last month.
Kingston said people often tell children they can do whatever they want to when they grow up, but once they’re adults, they hear a different story. People are told they’re too short, too slow, too young, too old or some other excuse why they can’t do what they do.
At 6’ tall and 212 pounds, Kingston has been told he’s too small to be a wrestler, but he’s never listened to the naysayers.
His first title was the WWE intercontinental champion in 2008.
That meant a lot to him, he said, because it came at the WWE level not in any other wrestling organization. From there, he’s won other titles, been in the ring with greats such as Rey Mysterio and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
One of the things he’s known for is his inventive moves in Royal Rumble matches. In a Royal Rumble, a wrestler isn’t considered out of the match until both feet hit the floor outside the ring.
Kingston has “walked” on his hands while doing a handstand, borrowed a commentator’s chair and bounced it back to the ring and leaped several feet to make it back.
“It’s my trademark of sorts,” said Kingston.
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He said people have asked him if he plans out what he’s going to do. He said about a week before a Royal Rumble he might try to think of something new and unusual. And whenever he thinks he’s running out of things, people will send suggestions via social media.
Doors for the WWE will open at 3:30 p.m. with the event beginning at 5 p.m. Tickets are $23-$103 and are available at aectix.com.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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