Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods have mutually decided to leave WWE after 16 years as part of The New Day. This departure marks the end of one of WWE’s most iconic tag teams amid a wave of roster cuts. The New Day debuted in 2014 and quickly became a cornerstone of tag team wrestling, winning 13 championships along the way.
The decision comes after Kingston and Woods were asked to restructure their contracts by WWE’s parent company TKO, which they did not accept. Bryan Alvarez confirmed that it was their choice to leave based on what TKO was offering for a new deal.
Both wrestlers are currently under 90-day non-compete deals following their release, which means they will not be able to join another promotion—like AEW—immediately. Speculation about their potential next steps has already begun among fans and wrestlers alike.
The New Day’s legacy includes the longest Raw tag team title reign at 483 days. They utilized the ‘Freebird Rule’ for title defenses, allowing any member to compete for the championships. Kofi Kingston is also known as a former WWE Champion, having held four Intercontinental titles and three United States titles.
Xavier Woods made history by winning the King of the Ring in 2021 but has been sidelined with an injury since January 2025. Their last championship win came at WrestleMania 41, sealing their status as legends within professional wrestling.
As observers reflect on this significant change, MJF remarked, “It’s a new day … yes it is,” while Cash Wheeler added, “Cot Damn. It’s a new day. Cot damn.” These sentiments capture both the nostalgia and uncertainty surrounding their departure.
The New Day’s last appearance on WWE television was on April 27, 2026. With Big E now retired due to injury, this marks a profound shift for the group and its fans.
The future remains uncertain for Kingston and Woods, but one thing is clear: The New Day is over.
