The National Hockey League has fans around the world. Not only does it have a strong influence on the masses (it is, after all, one of the top five sports in the USA), but it also has fans from other sports. Case in point, Xavier Woods. He is a professional wrestler, currently signed with the WWE. However, Woods has his hands in all sorts of pies, and NHL is one of his favorites.

Woods, real name Austin Watson, has always been fascinated by the league. Watson has dabbled in many sports during his career. He played football at one point in time and has also remained a former eleven-time tag team champion, and the 2021 King of the Ring winner. However, it seems like he has a special kind of love for hockey.

Xavier Woods and his obsession with hockey

According to an interview conducted by ESPN, Woods would go to any extent to be a part of the NHL. In October 2019, he broke his Achilles tendon. As a result, he was unable to compete in wrestling. All he wanted to do then, was to become associated with NHL in any manner possible. He said, “I told WWE when I got hurt that I’d do anything hockey. Please dear lord, help me go to hockey stuff.” And as luck would have it, the universe gave him exactly what he wanted.

Xavier Woods became a part of NHL All-Star Weekend in St. Louis. During the weekend, EA Sports was conducting the “Chel Gaming Challenge”. Players and celebrities had to compete in NHL 20, a video game based on the league. When WWE approached him with the offer, his answer was a resounding yes. He said, “Absolutely. I’ve been playing! I’ll do well!” Not only did he play NHL 20, but he also met the one and only G.O.A.T. of ice hockey.

Yes, The Great One Wayne Gretzky. When ESPN inquired about his experience of meeting with Gretzky, he said, “Oh my god… Like, being in the same building as him was amazing. The fact that he was in the suite, and we got to go meet him and take pictures and talk to him and hear him say he was friends with a bunch of pro wrestlers back in the day was so cool. I’m semi-linked to Wayne Gretzky.” Throughout the entire interview, Woods’ love for the league was clearly visible.

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Woods and NHL: A love story

During the interview, Woods also recalled his first hockey game. According to him, it was an Atlanta Thrashers game. For him, it was memorable for some very hilarious reasons. He said, “They had college kids playing hockey in sumo suits. Literally one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen in my life.” He also shared the origin story of how he got into hockey.

Xavier Woods first came across a hockey game when he was with a friend and his friend put the game on TV. And Woods was instantly hooked. He recalls the incident saying, “But these guys are murdering each other. Why have I not been watching this?’ And they’re like, ‘That’s hockey.'” And that, as they say, was the beginning of the end. This encounter gave birth to an undying love for hockey in Woods’ soul, which continues to be a part of him today.

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