Joint Statement Announcing The New Day's WWE Departures Was Planned But Didn't Happen

Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods of the New Day exited WWE on Saturday, May 2, with it emerging the company had approached the tag team about pay cuts. This approach was turned down by Woods and Kingston and they subsequently asked for their releases in a request that was accepted by WWE, with Kofi and Woods subject to 90-day non-compete clauses.

Word of the New Day departing WWE emerged after Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston were moved to the alumni section of the roster on WWE.com, but this has been the only official acknowledgement by WWE of the duo's departures. Both Kingston and Woods have released statements about their departures, though.

According to Fightful Select, a joint statement from the New Day and WWE to announce their departures was planned but it ultimately didn't end up happening. It is unknown why the joint statement wasn't issued, but WWE did glowingly acknowledge Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods' contributions to the organisation privately.

Kofi Kingston exits WWE after 20 years, while Xavier Woods had been with the company for 16 years. There is already interest in the New Day from All Elite Wrestling, with talents in the promotion pushing for AEW to bring in Woods and Kingston when they are able to do so.