The New Day’s Departure from WWE

One of the most recognizable tag teams in WWE history is parting ways.

According to reports from Fightful Select and Bodyslam.net, Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston of The New Day, along with WWE, have agreed to go their separate ways. They’ve already been relocated to the Alumni Section of the WWE Website.

This announcement comes amid a second wave of job cuts at WWE following WrestleMania. It’s not entirely clear if this was part of those cuts, if Woods and Kingston couldn’t come to terms on a new contract, or if they requested to be released.

The New Day, which also includes Big E (who is currently retired due to injury), made their debut in 2014 and embraced a message centered on the “power of positivity.” Together they hold impressive records, including 13 tag team championships, the second-longest reign at 438 days, a legendary rivalry with The Usos, and even their own cereal brand. Their last championship win came at WrestleMania 41 last year.

Kingston, now 44, has been with WWE for over 18 years and had a memorable “KofiMania” run when he captured the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35. He’s also a four-time Intercontinental Champion, three-time United States Champion, and has held a total of 16 tag team titles.

Woods, who is 39, has been sidelined with an injury since January but earned the title of 2021 King of the Ring. He joined WWE in 2010.

Recently, the duo has been trying to shift their characters to a more villainous role, which started around December 2024. Kingston’s last appearance on WWE programming was on April 27, where he teamed with Grayson Waller, who is part of the latest New Day lineup.

Speculation is already brewing among some AEW stars about a potential move for Kingston and Woods to their promotion, referencing catchphrases associated with the popular group. Typically, WWE contracts include a 90-day no-compete clause, so it might take a while before they show up elsewhere.

Cash Wheeler, one half of AEW’s FTR, shared a tweet hinting at the change, while former AEW Champion MJF also made a post referencing The New Day. Fans have long wanted a match between The Young Bucks and The New Day, and now that may finally become a reality.

Additionally, JC Mateo and Tonga Loa were reported among those released, adding to a total of 23 wrestlers let go in the first round of cuts.