Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods have mutually decided to leave WWE after 16 years as part of The New Day. This marks the end of one of the most iconic tag teams in professional wrestling history, especially amid a wave of roster cuts.
The New Day debuted in 2014 and quickly became a fan favorite, winning 13 tag team championships along the way. Their longest Raw tag team title reign lasted an impressive 483 days, showcasing their dominance in the ring.
Kofi Kingston made his main roster debut in 2008, while Xavier Woods joined in 2013. Together with Big E—who is now retired due to injury—they formed a trio that captivated audiences worldwide. Their last championship win was at WrestleMania 41, a highlight in their storied career.
However, recent developments led to their departure. WWE’s parent company TKO requested that both wrestlers restructure their contracts, which they ultimately did not accept. Bryan Alvarez noted, “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.”
As part of the release process, both Kingston and Woods are currently under 90-day non-compete deals. This means they will not be able to join another promotion immediately. Speculation is already rife among fans and wrestlers about their potential next steps, particularly regarding a possible move to AEW.
Xavier Woods has been sidelined with an injury since January 2025 but won the King of the Ring title in 2021. Meanwhile, Kofi Kingston holds four Intercontinental titles and three United States titles, alongside his reign as WWE Champion.
The wrestling community has reacted strongly to this news. MJF tweeted, “It’s a new day … yes it is,” while Cash Wheeler echoed sentiments with his own take: “Cot Damn. It’s a new day. Cot damn.” Such reactions highlight the impact The New Day has had on professional wrestling.
With their departure confirmed and no immediate plans disclosed by either wrestler, fans are left wondering about the future of both Kingston and Woods. The New Day’s legacy will undoubtedly remain influential in tag team wrestling for years to come.
