In the high-stakes world of professional wrestling, the distance between two promotions can often feel like a continental divide. For years, the gap between World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and the international scene—specifically New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where the Young Bucks and Kenny Omega built their legacies—was guarded by a strict corporate philosophy of exclusivity.
However, a recent revelation from Matt Jackson has pulled back the curtain on a nearly realized “dream match” from 2018 that would have bridged that divide. Jackson disclosed that he and his brother, Nick, along with Kenny Omega, went as far as calling Triple H to pitch a crossover match between their faction, The Elite, and WWE’s New Day.
The timing of this disclosure is particularly poignant. While the match never materialized during the peak of The Elite’s run in Japan, the landscape has shifted dramatically. With the recent departures of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods from WWE, the possibility of a collaboration—once a corporate impossibility—has suddenly moved from a “what if” to a tangible potential reality.
The Phone Call That Almost Changed the Map
Speaking on a recent episode of Being The Elite, the Young Bucks and Kenny Omega sat down with the New Day to review old footage and reflect on their long-standing relationship. During the segment, Matt Jackson detailed the lengths they went to in 2018 to make a cross-promotional bout happen.
“We truly were trying to get a New Day, Young Bucks, Kenny match to happen. An Elite vs. New Day match actively,” Jackson said, according to a transcription by WrestlingNews.co. “They said they were trying on their side. We were definitely talking to our bosses.”
The effort culminated in a direct line to the top of the WWE hierarchy. Jackson revealed that they personally contacted Triple H, the current Chief Content Officer of WWE, to propose the match. At the time, the Young Bucks and Omega were the faces of a global movement in wrestling, blending high-flying athleticism with a self-aware, internet-driven presentation that mirrored the New Day’s own charismatic and innovative approach.
“Even to the point in 2018 when we got on the phone with Triple H and we talked to him and said, ‘Hey, we would really like to do this match.’ I don’t know if he was necessarily interested in just doing that match. I think he was more interested in pursuing us to work for him, but we talked to him about it,” Jackson explained.
The disconnect, as Jackson notes, was a matter of intent. While The Elite were seeking a collaborative artistic moment—a “super-show” style clash of styles—WWE’s interest appeared to be focused on recruitment. In the corporate structure of 2018, a one-off appearance by outside talent was a rare occurrence, usually reserved for legacy acts or strategic business partnerships.
A Friendship Built Outside the Ring
To the casual observer, a match between The Elite and The New Day would have been a clash of the two most influential groups of their generation. To the wrestlers themselves, it was simply a desire to work with friends. The bond between the two groups extends far beyond the squared circle, rooted in a shared passion for gaming and digital content creation.
The Young Bucks, Omega, and the New Day members have spent years appearing in each other’s social media content and competing in high-profile video game tournaments. This genuine camaraderie is a rarity in an industry often defined by territorialism and ego. It is this organic friendship that fueled the 2018 attempt to bypass traditional promotional barriers.
Timeline of a Dream Match That Wasn’t
| Period | Status | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-2018 | Informal Bond | Groups develop friendship through gaming and social media. |
| 2018 | Active Pursuit | The Elite call Triple H to pitch a cross-promotional match. |
| 2019-2023 | Stalemate | The Elite found AEW. New Day remain WWE cornerstones. |
| 2024/2025 | New Opportunity | Kingston and Woods depart WWE; AEW stars express interest. |
The Current Landscape: Open Doors and New Opportunities
The narrative has taken a sharp turn in recent weeks. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods departed WWE earlier this month after reportedly declining a request to restructure their contracts. Their exit marks the end of an era for one of the most decorated teams in WWE history and opens a door that had been bolted shut for nearly a decade.
Almost immediately following the news, the wrestling community—specifically within All Elite Wrestling (AEW)—began voicing their desire to work with the duo. The Young Bucks, who now serve as both top-tier talent and executive figures within AEW, have been among the most vocal in expressing interest in collaborating with Kingston and Woods.
They are not alone. Other prominent names, including FTR and Swerve Strickland, have publicly signaled that they would welcome the opportunity to share a ring with the New Day members. The irony is palpable: the remarkably match that Triple H was reportedly hesitant to book as a one-off in 2018 is now a highly coveted prospect for the industry’s other major player.
Why This Match Still Matters
For sports journalists and wrestling historians, the significance of an Elite vs. New Day match isn’t just about the moves in the ring; it is about the cultural shift in the industry. In 2018, the idea of “Forbidden Door” collaborations was a fringe concept. Today, it is a viable business model.
The New Day brought a level of positivity and versatility to WWE that allowed them to thrive in any environment, from comedy segments to main-event championship matches. Similarly, The Elite redefined the “modern” wrestler as a brand-builder and entrepreneur. A clash between them would have been a celebration of the “indie” spirit meeting the “corporate” machine at its most creative peak.
While the 2018 window closed, the current state of the industry suggests that the “Forbidden Door” is not just ajar, but wide open. Whether Kingston and Woods choose to sign with a new promotion or work as independent contractors, the groundwork laid by a phone call six years ago has set the stage for one of the most anticipated pairings in modern wrestling.
Industry observers will be watching closely for any official announcements regarding the future bookings of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. As they navigate their first period of free agency in years, the possibility of finally answering that 2018 phone call remains the most intriguing plot line in the sport.
Do you think a match between the New Day and The Elite would still hit the same way today as it would have in 2018? Let us know in the comments and share this story with your fellow fans.
