Kofi Kingston is a Ghanaian-American professional wrestler currently signed with WWE. He is best known for becoming the first African-born WWE Champion, widely recognized for his entertaining in-ring style and resilience.
Kofi Nahaje Sarkodie-Mensah was born on August 14, 1981, in Kumasi, Ghana. He is the son of Kwasi and Elizabeth Sarkodie-Mensah. Along with his siblings, Kwame and Nana Akua, Kofi spent his early years in Ghana before the family relocated to the United States. Raised in Massachusetts, he attended Winchester High School, where his love for wrestling intensified. He later earned a degree from Boston College, continuing to pursue his wrestling aspirations throughout his academic years.
Kofi Kingston began his professional wrestling career in 2005, starting on the independent circuit with promotions such as Chaotic Wrestling, New England Championship Wrestling, the National Wrestling Alliance, and Millennium Wrestling Federation. In September 2006, he signed a developmental contract with WWE, marking a major turning point in his career.
In 2008, Kofi debuted on WWE's main roster under the Raw brand. Over the years, he became a mainstay in WWE programming, known for his high-flying agility and creative maneuvers, particularly during Royal Rumble matches. His work as part of the stable The New Day, alongside Xavier Woods and Big E, has been lauded for its charisma and longevity.
By 2019, Kofi Kingston had earned 14 WWE championships. These include four WWE Raw Tag Team Championships (two with The New Day, and one each with R-Truth and Evan Bourne), four WWE Intercontinental Championships, three WWE United States Championships, and one World Tag Team Championship with CM Punk. He also secured two WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships as part of The New Day.
His career reached new heights in April 2019 at WrestleMania 35, where he defeated Daniel Bryan to win the WWE Championship. This victory made him the first African-born wrestler to hold the title. He successfully defended the championship against Dolph Ziggler in a steel cage match at WWE Stomping Grounds in June that year. This milestone solidified his status as one of WWE’s most decorated and groundbreaking superstars.
Kofi Kingston married actress Kori Campfield in 2010. Despite occasional rumors about trouble in their marriage, the couple put such speculation to rest with a memorable moment at WrestleMania 35. After Kofi's championship win, Kori and their two sons joined him in the ring to celebrate in a heartfelt family reunion.
Outside the ring, Kofi shares a close bond with his New Day teammates, Xavier Woods and Big E. Frequently appearing on Woods’ YouTube gaming channel, UpUpDownDown, Kofi is known by the nickname “Mr. 24/7.” The channel has become a popular platform for WWE talent to connect with fans through video game competitions and behind-the-scenes content.
| Birth Date: | 14 Aug, 1981 |
| Age: | 39 yrs |
| Occupations: | Professional wrestler |
| Citizenship: | Ghana United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Kumasi |
| Education: | Boston College |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | Ghanaian-American professional wrestler |
| twitterID: | Truekofi |
| Net Worth 2021: | 3 million |
