Within the WWE Universe, Xavier Woods has created the UpUpDownDown Universe. Woods, along with a handful of WWE superstars, compete in video game competitions and series to see who the best gamer is and just have fun with their friends.
Speaking to Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Woods discussed the UUDD Universe and how he puts things together.
“D-Von Dudley has served as a mentor and pointed me in the right direction to do work I enjoy,” Woods said. “It evolved into this creative plain with UpUpDownDown, a blueprint for excitement. The WWE roster is incredible, just so talented. You see that on Raw and SmackDown, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. The people in pro wrestling can do anything, and I’m hoping people also see a piece of that here. Having the UpUpDownDown YouTube channel, and having the incredible team behind that that I do, from editors to producers to the talent on the roster who are fine with me calling them at 3 a.m. asking them to play in a Pokémon tournament the next day, I’m very grateful. This new opportunity is a testament to how strong our roster is and the bond we have together, and how we are so willing to help each other ascend to that next level in whatever we do. I am so grateful to the wrestlers for being on my show, and that’s also helped show me how to carry myself as a host.”
In April 2019, Woods introduced the UpUpDownDown Championship with Sarath Ton (Mikaze) becoming the inaugural champion. Tyler Breeze is the longest-reigning UUDD Champion, holding the belt for over 500 days before losing it at UUDDMania 2 to Mia Yim.
“I’m begrudgingly saying this because I can’t stand him, but Tyler Breeze was the UpUpDownDown champion for over 500 days. He defended the title in random games, and he ran through opponents, so I’ll have to say Breeze," Woods replied when asked about the best gamer in WWE. "And even though he hasn’t been champion, I’ll also say Adam Cole. I would throw Cesaro in there, but he’s focused on very specific games, and he is very talented at those.”
Breeze and Woods are engaged in a weekly rivalry as part of the Battle of the Brands series. Meanwhile, Woods, Breeze, Cole, and Cesaro entertain in weekly UNO games as DaParty.
You can view the history of the UUDD Championship by clicking here.
