New details have emerged surrounding Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods’ departure from WWE, and all indications are that the two had to make their call after the company came to them with an offer that was viewed as disrespectful.
Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Kingston and Woods turned down a 50% pay cut to stay with WWE. That decision paved the way for both men to leave the company in May.
What makes the situation even more notable is that both New Day members had only signed new five-year deals in 2025. WWE’s proposal called for slashing the value of those contracts while gradually scaling back their in-ring roles, transitioning them into promotional duties for the remainder of their deals.
Their exits brought an end to two remarkably long runs with the company. Kingston had been with WWE for roughly 20 years, while Woods spent approximately 16. Alongside Big E, the two built the New Day into one of the most significant tag teams and factions in modern company history.
Among their biggest accomplishments, Kingston captured the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35, and Woods won King of the Ring in 2021. The New Day also put together a historic 483-day reign with the WWE Tag Team Championship.
As for what comes next, both men appear increasingly AEW-bound. Fightful Select reported this week that while no deal has been signed, there is an expectation that Kofi and Austin Creed, formerly Xavier Woods, will be joining the promotion soon.