The New Day’s Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods Officially Cut Ties With the Company

After more than a decade of dazzling crowds, dominating tag team competition and redefining entertainment in professional wrestling, The New Day is no more. Reports confirmed Saturday that Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods have mutually agreed to part ways with WWE, bringing an end to one of the most celebrated factions in company history.

According to multiple sources, including Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, both Kingston and Woods were approached about restructuring their contracts. Negotiations ultimately fell apart when the longtime tag team partners declined to make the changes WWE sought. The decision marks the close of an era that stretched across prime years of both performers’ careers.

Kofi Kingston, who joined WWE in 2008, built an impressive solo resume before co-founding The New Day with Woods and Big E. Xavier Woods made his main roster debut in 2013, and together, the trio forged a bond that became iconic both in and out of the ring. Their chemistry and charisma transformed them into one of the most successful stables in WWE history.

The third member of The New Day, Big E, has been sidelined since suffering a broken neck in 2022, which ultimately forced his medical retirement. His absence from in-ring competition left Woods and Kingston carrying the banner for the beloved group over the past two years. Now, their exit means no member of The New Day remains on the active WWE roster.

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The group’s list of accomplishments stands among the most impressive in professional wrestling. The New Day captured multiple tag team championships, broke records for the longest title reign at the time, and became synonymous with the power of positivity. Their blend of humor, athleticism, and innovation made them timeless fan favorites and a merchandising juggernaut.

Both Kingston and Woods also achieved notable singles success during their tenure. Kingston famously captured the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35 in an emotional moment that resonated far beyond the squared circle. Woods, meanwhile, pursued multiple creative projects, including hosting the popular gaming channel “UpUpDownDown,” showcasing his personality and tech-savvy charm.

Reaction to the news of their departure has been immediate and widespread across the wrestling community. Many fellow wrestlers, fans, and industry insiders took to social media to express both surprise and excitement over what lies ahead for the two stars. The tone has been largely celebratory, reflecting appreciation for The New Day’s impact on the business and optimism for what comes next.

The timing of their release is notable, arriving amid a recent wave of departures from WWE’s tag team division, including well-known names such as the Motor City Machine Guns, DIY, the Wyatt Sicks, and others tied to the MFT group. Some analysts have suggested WWE is retooling its tag team landscape, which opens the door for new storylines but sends household names into free agency.

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For Kingston and Woods, a new chapter now looms. Under the standard 90-day non-compete clause, neither man will be eligible to appear on television until early August. Conveniently, that period would conclude just as All Elite Wrestling’s “All In” event in London approaches on August 30—a date many speculate could mark their reemergence into the spotlight.

Several AEW talents, including top names like MJF, have already teased interest in the duo, fueling speculation that The New Day’s next act might take shape within Tony Khan’s growing promotion. Such a move would be seismic for AEW, instantly injecting one of wrestling’s most recognizable teams into an already hotly competitive tag scene.

Beyond AEW, international promotions are also salivating at the possibility of bringing in Kingston and Woods. Both men carry unmatched credibility and fan appeal, making them prized additions for any company seeking to bolster its global profile. Whether they continue as a tag team or branch into solo projects, the wrestling world will be watching.

For WWE, losing The New Day underscores a changing of the guard. The company has often leaned on their reliability and charisma to anchor live events, merchandise, and fan engagement. Their absence leaves a sizable void, but it also cements their enduring legacy. When future Hall of Fame ballots are cast, there is little doubt The New Day will be first-round inductees.

As for Kingston and Woods, freedom may bring the creative latitude they have long craved. Wherever they land, their mix of athletic flair, humor, and heart guarantees they will make an impact. After spending years spreading positivity in WWE, the next stage promises to be an evolution—one fueled by the same energy that made them legends.

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