Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods’ departure from WWE marks the end of the iconic New Day tag team. The duo left as part of a recent string of releases on May 2, 2026.
Kingston and Woods became fan favorites as part of the New Day, winning multiple championships together. They captured four tag team championships as a duo, contributing to a total of eight tag team titles held by Kingston, Woods, and Big E.
Kingston’s accolades include winning the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35. He is also a four-time Intercontinental Champion and a three-time United States Champion.
Woods joined WWE in 2010 after stints in TNA and NJPW. He won the King of the Ring tournament in 2021, further solidifying his status in the wrestling world.
After their release, both Kingston and Woods were moved to the alumni section of the WWE website. They reportedly rejected new TKO deals before their exit.
According to reports, Kingston and Woods have a 90-day no-compete clause following their departure. This clause limits their ability to sign with other promotions immediately.
Big E reacted to the news with a poignant message: “New Day No More!” This statement reflects the emotional impact of their exit on fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
Loa and Mateo also departed WWE around the same time as Kingston and Woods. Their exits contribute to a shifting landscape within WWE.
The future for Kingston and Woods remains uncertain as they navigate this new chapter in their careers. Observers will be keen to see where they land next.