Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods Among New Round of WWE Releases
Sports Illustrated • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, members of the acclaimed WWE tag team The New Day, have mutually departed WWE after over a decade, marking a significant shift as both are considered future WWE Hall of Famers.
- Their exit follows WWE's recent cost-cutting measures under TKO, leading to numerous releases, including other talents like JC Mateo and Tonga Loa, with many top wrestlers reportedly making seven-figure salaries.
- The New Day's departure has drawn notable reactions from the wrestling community, with AEW stars like MJF and Cash Wheeler hinting at potential interest in signing them, highlighting WWE's loss as AEW's gain.
- Despite having signed contract extensions until 2030 less than a year ago, Kofi and Woods are now subject to a 90-day non-compete period before appearing elsewhere, with WWE retaining rights to their ring names.
- WWE has seen over two dozen talent departures recently, including Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, and Kairi Sane, amid ongoing roster changes and financial restructuring within the company.
