Add as a preferred source on Google Kofi Kingston has broken his silence after leaving WWE, ending a near two-decade run with the company. The former WWE Champion posted on Instagram for the first time since his exit. He thanked fans for their support and said he feels overwhelmed with gratitude after stepping away from social media for two days.
Kingston called his career remarkable and said he lived out his childhood dream. He also shouted out Xavier Woods and Big E directly. That bond alone, he wrote, made the entire journey worth it.
The closing line drew attention for its clear New Day nod:
“And so…as the sun sets on one chapter, so too must it rise in another. Tomorrow is indeed…a New Day.”
Kofi Kingston speaks for the first time since leaving WWE.
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) May 4, 2026
“And so…as the sun sets on one chapter, so too must it rise in another. Tomorrow is indeed…a New Day”
(truekofi | Instagram) pic.twitter.com/7YnMyLBnaR
Reports described Kingston and Woods’ exits as mutual decisions. Fightful Select and Bodyslam reported WWE tried to restructure the duo’s deals under new TKO-influenced terms. Both rejected the offers and requested their releases.
Kingston signed with WWE in 2006 and became one of the most decorated stars of the modern era. He captured the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35. He also held the Intercontinental and United States titles. His tag team success spanned multiple reigns with different partners.
Neither Kingston nor Woods has announced what’s next. If WWE enforces the standard 90-day non-compete, both will remain sidelined until that clause expires.