• WWE Locker Room’s Reaction To The New Day Leaving Revealed
Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods are set to leave WWE after reaching a mutual agreement with the company, bringing an end to The New Day’s run. Their exit will include the standard 90-day non-compete period.
According to Fightful Select, the news caught a lot of wrestlers in WWE off guard, especially since both were seen as long-term fixtures, with many believing Kingston in particular would never leave. At the same time, there’s now a growing feeling internally that no one is truly a “lifer” in WWE anymore.
The departures are said to be part of a wider effort to cut costs, with TKO pushing WWE to reduce payroll. Both Kingston and Woods were earning high salaries (both of them were making 7-figures), and their exits are part of a larger wave of releases over the past week.
In terms of names, Kingston can still use “Kofi” since it’s his real name, but likely not “Kingston.” Woods won’t be able to use “Xavier Woods,” though he already has “Austin Creed” established outside WWE. The “New Day” name also remains owned by WWE.
Despite signing new deals in 2025 that were expected to keep them with the company at least until 2030, both had reportedly decided earlier in the week that they were ready to move on, with their release process finalized soon after.
Interest in them is already expected to be strong across the wrestling industry, including within AEW.
• Today’s 5th WWE Departure Announced
As previously reported, The New Day’s Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods have mutually decided to leave WWE. They were moved to the alumni section on WWE’s website this morning.
JC Mateo and Tonga Loa of The MFTs are gone from the company as well. They were moved to the alumni section as well.
In an update, another WWE departure has been confirmed now. After spending 25 years with WWE, Gavin O’Shea has confirmed that he is no longer with the company.
O’Shea, who most recently worked as WWE’s Director of TV Production, shared the news in a post on LinkedIn, saying his exit was unexpected after such a long run. He described WWE as a place where he grew up professionally, built friendships, and gained years of experience.
He admitted the change has been difficult, calling it unsettling and even a bit scary, especially after tying so much of his identity to his work. However, he also spoke about what he’s taken from the experience, saying moments like this help build resilience and can open the door to new opportunities.
O’Shea added that he is now taking time to reset and figure out what he wants to do next, while also thanking the people he worked with over the years and expressing interest in new opportunities moving forward.
You can read his complete post below:
“After 25 years, losing my job wasn’t part of the plan. For those memorable 25 years at WWE, I’ve seen, heard and experienced it all. After all, I grew up there, made friends and learned by doing.
Like many people, I tied a piece of my identity to what I do every day. So when that suddenly changed, it felt unsettling, humbling… and honestly, a little scary.
But here’s what I’m learning in real time:
• Your job is something you do — not who you are
• Setbacks can create space for better opportunities
• Resilience isn’t a buzzword — it’s a skill you build through moments like this.
I’m taking this time to reflect, reset, and refocus on what I truly want in my next chapter. I’m incredibly grateful for the people I’ve worked with, the lessons I’ve learned, and the support I’ve already received.
If you know of opportunities or just want to connect, I’d love to hear from you.
Onward.
Gavin.”
Also Read: John Cena Is Very High On New WWE Wrestler
