• Top Star Apologizes For Turning Heel On Kofi Kingston, Randy Orton Reacts To New Day Departure
WWE and The New Day recently parted ways after Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods were asked to transition to new deals under TKO’s structure, which they were not satisfied with, bringing an end to their long run with the company.
Kofi Kingston spoke about his departure by expressing gratitude for his career, his journey from childhood dream to reality, and his bond with his teammates, while also encouraging others to know their worth and never settle.
Xavier Woods also looked back on his 16-year run, calling WWE his home, thanking fans and colleagues, and highlighting the lifelong bond of The New Day along with the success of UpUpDownDown.
Several WWE stars reacted to the news. Randy Orton responded with heart emojis under Kingston and Woods’ posts on X.
Kevin Owens wrote:
“Fantastic wrestler and an even better human being. Same can be said for Woods.
Thank you guys for allowing me to join you guys for that one week…and seriously, I’m so sorry for turning on you.”
Bayley tweeted the following:
“Thank you for everything. I’ve shared a locker room for you for the last 13 years and you were always there for us. Made us laugh, reminded us of our worth, and got us PAID to have fun with our friends. One in a million!”
Charlotte Flair also reacted with a heart emoji.
• WWE Offering Xavier Woods Unique Deal To Stay With The Company
After 16 years with WWE, Xavier Woods decided to leave the company due to TKO’s cost-cutting measures. Woods and his New Day partner Kofi Kingston were both earning seven-figure salaries, but TKO pushed for restructured deals that the duo ultimately rejected.
The former Tag Team Champions are currently under a 90-day non-compete clause before they can appear elsewhere.
According to Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer, WWE is still attempting to retain Woods with a unique arrangement similar to the “Tyler Breeze deal.” This setup would primarily involve Woods getting paid to contribute to things related to WWE’s video game.
Tyler Breeze worked for WWE from 2010 to 2021. He returned in 2022 and has been an important part of Xavier Woods’ UpUpDownDown YouTube channel. Breeze also began working as a writer for NXT last year, wrestled a match at NXT Homecoming, and has been allowed to compete on the independent scene.
Xavier Woods took to Instagram earlier today to thank everyone in WWE after his departure. There is speculation that The New Day could end up in AEW this summer.
