Early Life and Education

Born Austin Watson on September 4, 1986, in Columbus, Georgia, Xavier Woods is notable not just for his athletic achievements but also for his academic accomplishments. While many WWE superstars pursue wrestling at the expense of formal education, Watson followed a different path. He earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and philosophy from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, and later obtained a master's degree in psychology. He also completed a Ph.D. in educational psychology from Capella University, an accredited online institution.

Professional Wrestling Career

Watson launched his professional wrestling career in 2005 after graduating from Sprayberry High School. He began working with NWA Anarchy under the ring name Austin Creed, a persona inspired by the Rocky film character Apollo Creed. In 2007, he signed with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), adopting the ring name Consequences Creed. His work in TNA included teaming with Jay Lethal and capturing the TNA World Tag Team Championship.

After a stint with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Watson joined WWE in 2010. Initially wrestling under his real name, he later transitioned to the ring name Xavier Woods. In 2014, he formed The New Day alongside fellow wrestlers Kofi Kingston and Big E. The group rapidly gained popularity and went on to become one of WWE’s most successful and beloved factions, known for their charisma, comedic skits, and impressive tag team performances.

UpUpDownDown and Gaming Ventures

In addition to his wrestling career, Xavier Woods is a passionate gamer. In 2015, he launched the YouTube gaming channel UpUpDownDown, which quickly amassed a large following and now boasts over 2 million subscribers. The channel features gaming sessions, interviews with fellow WWE superstars, and esports content. Woods also streams on Twitch, where he regularly engages with fans and contributes to gaming culture.

In June 2019, The New Day faced Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens in a tag team match at WWE Stomping Grounds, which they lost. Despite setbacks in the ring, The New Day continues to be a significant presence in WWE programming.

Personal Life and Relationships

Xavier Woods married Jess Watson in October 2015. The couple has largely kept their relationship private and away from public scrutiny. In a December 2016 announcement, Jess revealed that she was expecting their first child, marking a joyful chapter in their personal lives.

In March 2017, private videos involving Woods and fellow WWE performer Paige were leaked online. While the incident generated media attention, it was later clarified that the footage pre-dated his marriage. The couple remained together, with no public statements indicating any lasting impact on their relationship.