AEW has always been the expected landing spot for the New Day, even while the duo was still under contract with WWE.
Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, now once again going by Austin Creed, are closing in on AEW after wrapping up their lengthy WWE tenures.
According to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, since both men chose to leave WWE after turning down pay cuts reportedly as steep as 50%, the expectation within the industry has always been that AEW would be the next stop.
Back in May, WON reported that Kingston and Woods had signed five-year deals in 2025 but were later offered reduced pay, a gradual wind-down of their in-ring roles, and a shift toward more promotional duties. Both turned it down and chose to walk.
The situation has progressed even further since then. Fightful Select reported this week that while its sources have not officially confirmed a deal, the expectation is that Kofi and Creed will be joining AEW soon. Both are already free and clear of their WWE contracts.
WrestlePurists @WrestlePurists Follow The Young Bucks have wanted to do a program with them for years.
- @WONF4W
2:10 PM · Aug 14, 2026One of the first major feuds for the duo could come against the Young Bucks. Matt and Nick Jackson have wanted this matchup for years.
In May, Matt revealed that back in 2018, he, Nick, and Kenny Omega tried to turn the rivalry between The Elite and The New Day into an actual match. The Bucks even approached Triple H directly about the possibility, but nothing ever came of it.
That same year, the two groups did officially face off in a Street Fighter V competition during E3 in Los Angeles, put on by WWE’s UpUpDownDown channel.
More recently, Matt brought up Kingston and Creed again, saying it would be an honor to step in the ring with them if the opportunity actually materializes.