While there was some disappointment upon learning that WWE tapped The New Day to host WrestleMania 33 last night (Sun., April 2, 2017) at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, the trio proved to be the perfect choice. They were an integral part of the show without being overwhelming, visible without being shoved down our throats.
It started with an introduction, complete with Final Fantasy cosplay:
It turns out that was part of a partnership with Square Enix, as explained by WWE in a press release after the show:
WWE Superstars Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods, all members of “The New Day” were part of an exciting kick off to WrestleMania 33 tonight at the Orlando Citrus Bowl as part of a partnership between WWE and Square Enix®, makers of the popular FINAL FANTASY® video game franchise.
The trio, who hosted WrestleMania, dressed as characters from critically acclaimed online game FINAL FANTASY® XIV Online in a one-of-a-kind, FINAL FANTASY-themed entrance to WrestleMania 33, WWE’s biggest event of the year and pop culture spectacular that streamed live around the world on WWE Network.
Big E dressed as the Samurai, Xavier Woods as the Monk, and Kofi as the Red Mage entered riding their “POP-cycle” bike, which was styled with memorable FINAL FANTASY XIV Online characters – Moogles and Chocobos!
Later, they showed up just before the Raw tag team championship ladder match with one hell of a swerve. That they came out dressed to wrestle created just enough doubt to make the return of the Hardy Boyz that much more special.
They also did this while Matt and Jeff made their entrance:
The reaction from @XavierWoodsPhD, @WWEBigE and @TrueKofi to the #HardyBoyz return was fantastic. pic.twitter.com/OjjN9mq6vN
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) April 3, 2017
Lastly, they announced an attendance record that may or may not be accurate but did so in such a way that no one seemed to mind the interruption during a night that seemed to drag on forever.
This was, quite simply, the best we could hope for.