Report: More on the departures of The New Day from WWE

Fightful Select has published a new report providing more details on the departures of The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) from WWE.

As previously reported the departure was a mutually agreed-upon release. Both Kingston and Woods are expected to be under the standard 90-day non compete clause. The paper work finalizing their release was said to have been processed last week.

The report notes the immediate reaction backstage was that of genuine surprise, as multiple WWE talents were said to have expressed disbelief, noting Kingston, specifically seen as a “lifer” with WWE. It was also added many in the company have acknowledged that no one is untouchable.

Fightful Select further adds that behind the scenes, the recent departures are said to be part of a larger financial directive from TKO, with sources noting the company has told WWE that they must reduce the payroll by millions. Kingston and Woods reportedly were earning in the seven figure range from new contracts they signed back in 2025 that would have seen them stay with the company through 2030.

There is, as expected said to be high interest from AEW once Kingston and Woods are free agents. Fightful states that Kingston is expected to use “Kofi”. However the Xavier Woods name is trademarked by WWE, so he would resort mostly likely back to Austin Creed, the name he used while in TNA. As for “The New Day” name and gimmick, that of course is owned by WWE and cannot be used under any other wrestling promotion.

A report from Bryan Alvarez of F4WOnline/Wrestling Observer notes that he can confirm, The New Day chose to leave WWE based on TKO asking the tag team to restructure their current deals. It was added that neither Kingston, nor Woods like the deals, so they were then granted their releases.

“We can also confirm that in the case of New Day, it was their decision to leave based on what TKO was offering for a new deal. To be specific, New Day’s deals were not up. They were asked to restructure to TKO deals, they didn’t like the deals, so they were then granted their release.”