Dave Meltzer has provided more details on the circumstances surrounding Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods’ WWE departure, revealing that the duo were effectively told they were going to be cut but given the option to stay at a reduced rate with a limited role.
In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Meltzer wrote: “The New Day, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, left the company this past week just one year into a five year contract that was to run from 2025 to 2030 after being told that essentially WWE was going to cut them, but that they could get a new deal at a lower rate. They made the decision to leave since the company wasn’t doing anything with them. Immediately, a lot of AEW talent, notably The Young Bucks and FTR, started with tweets teasing the idea of wanting them in the company.”
Both men declined, opting to pursue opportunities elsewhere, given that WWE had no significant plans for them creatively, and the financial terms of their original deal were no longer being honored.
The reaction from AEW talent was quick. The Young Bucks and FTR were among those who took to social media to publicly tease interest in having Kingston and Woods in AEW, adding further momentum to the widespread expectation that the duo’s next destination will be AEW once their 90-day non-compete clauses expire.
