The Dream Match That Could Have Been: New Day vs. The Elite
The world of professional wrestling is full of 'what ifs' and unfulfilled fantasies, and one such dream matchup was between the New Day and The Elite. While fans never got to witness this clash in the ring, a unique gaming rivalry provided a glimpse into what could have been.
In 2018, at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), the New Day and The Elite faced off in a Street Fighter V tournament, streamed on Xavier Woods' YouTube channel, UpUpDownDown. This event was more than just a gaming competition; it was a showcase of the wrestlers' personalities and a rare instance of WWE talent collaborating with outside performers.
What makes this particularly intriguing is the WWE's notoriously strict control over their talent. The company rarely allows its wrestlers to interact with performers from other promotions, so the fact that the New Day was given the green light to work with The Elite is quite remarkable. It speaks to the growing influence of gaming culture within professional wrestling and the unique opportunities it presents.
According to Big E, the E3 event was a stepping stone to something bigger. He believed that this gaming rivalry could pave the way for a real match between the two trios. In his words, 'We were trying to slowly find a way to see if we could push it.' This reveals a strategic approach to building a narrative and a potential crossover that fans would have loved.
However, the timing was crucial. Big E acknowledged that with the establishment of AEW, such a match would likely never happen. This raises questions about the evolving landscape of professional wrestling and the impact of new promotions on dream matchups. It's a reminder that the business is ever-changing, and opportunities can be fleeting.
Personally, I find it fascinating how the gaming world has become a platform for wrestlers to connect with fans in a different way. It allows for these unique crossovers and blurs the lines between sports entertainment and gaming culture. The New Day vs. The Elite gaming rivalry was more than just a one-off event; it was a symbol of the evolving nature of professional wrestling and the creative ways wrestlers can engage with their audience.
While we may never see the New Day and The Elite in the ring together, the gaming world provided a unique alternative, offering a different kind of dream match. It's a testament to the wrestlers' adaptability and the power of embracing new mediums to create memorable moments.
