BREAKING: The New Day Depart WWE

Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods of The New Day have mutually agreed to part ways with WWE, according to Fightful Select and Cory Hays of Bodyslam. The former WWE Tag Team Champions have been released and, like the recent wave of departures, are under the standard 90‑day non‑compete clause.

Backstage reaction within WWE was described as “shock,” with many viewing both men, particularly Kingston, who has been on the main roster since 2008, as company lifers. Fightful Select noted, however, that the belief internally is that “nobody is considered a lifer in WWE anymore.”

Although Kingston and Woods cannot wrestle elsewhere until their non‑compete expires, there is already interest from AEW. Multiple major names within the company are said to be pushing for the duo to be signed as soon as they become available, and industry sources expect immediate interest from promotions across the board.

Wherever they land next, the pair will need new ring names. WWE owns the trademarks for “The New Day,” “Xavier Woods,” and the “Kingston” portion of Kofi Kingston’s name. Woods has already established “Austin Creed” through his online and non‑WWE work, making it the likely name he would use going forward.

Sources indicate that the former WWE Champion and former King of the Ring informed WWE of their decision to leave last Monday, with release paperwork finalised late this past week.

It is understood that both Kingston and Woods signed new contracts with WWE last year that would have seen them remain with the company until 2030, this puts an end to their new deal after just one year.