Kofi Kingston isn't worried about recent criticism aimed at him by WWE legends.
Ever since he became WWE Champion, Kofi Kingston has had to deal with criticism from unlikely sources. "Superstar" Billy Graham stated on Facebook that Kingston needed to take steroids and "bulk up" now that he's champion. Meanwhile, Jim Ross wants Kingston to adopt a more serious persona now that he's carrying around the WWE Title.
Speaking to TalkSport, Kingston addressed the comments of Graham and Ross.
"The New Day has been the New Day because what we have done. We can be entertaining but then we can get serious, too. I think it’s awesome that after all these years, guys like JR, guys like Superstar Billy Graham can still be fans. Superstar Billy Graham is almost like Superfan Billy Graham right now!" exclaimed Kingston. "Everyone has the right to have their opinion, you know what I’m saying? And that’s great. They’re not talking to me, they’re talking about me – as they should be because I’m the champ – so I welcome all criticism and opinions, I think it’s great. For me personally, I’m going to continue to do what I do in the ring. I didn’t need their help or advice getting to this point and I certainly don’t need it now, to tell me how to be a champion."
Kingston continued, "What I’m trying to do is reinvent what the face of a champion looks like. I’m out there trying to represent for the people who question whether they can become a champion or not. I want guys like Ali, guys like Gentlemen Jack [Gallagher] or guys like Buddy Murphy; just guys who are looking at the screen and they’re wondering if they can become champion because they’re too small, or too this or too that, or not serious enough – I want to be living proof for everybody out there, number one in the locker-room, and then also for fans and people who have been told that they can’t do something in life. I want to be the guy that they can look to and believe that they can. So that’s what I’m focused on and that’s what I’m doing this for.
“As far as the other guys that are critical go, their opinions don’t affect me at all in the slightest. I have a bigger mission, it’s a bigger picture type of thing for me. So, again, I welcome all their criticism and feedback and again, I’m glad that guys like JR and other people are still fans of the product after all these years.”
Kingston showed off a more serious side last on SmackDown in his feud with Kevin Owens. Kingston is set to defend the WWE Title against Owens at Money in the Bank.
