Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods Leave WWE After Nearly Two Decades

Key facts

• Kofi Kingston signed with WWE in 2006 and last wrestled on April 17, 2025.
• Xavier Woods signed in 2010 and last wrestled in a dark match at the Royal Rumble; he is injured.
• The New Day formed in 2014, originally including Big E, who retired due to a neck injury.
• JC Mateo signed in 2025 and last wrestled on April 24, 2025.
• Tonga Loa signed in 2024 and last wrestled on April 13, 2025.
• The departures were confirmed by Fightful Select on May 2, 2025.
• The split is described as a mutual decision to part ways.

End of an Era for The New Day

Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, two-thirds of the iconic New Day, have left WWE after a combined 37 years with the company. The departures were confirmed on May 2 by Fightful Select, which reported that the split was a mutual decision. Kingston, a former WWE Champion, last wrestled on the April 17 episode of SmackDown. Woods, who is sidelined with an injury, last appeared in a dark match at the Royal Rumble. The New Day, which debuted in 2014, became one of the most decorated factions in WWE history. The group originally included Big E, who was forced to retire due to a neck injury. Kingston and Woods together held multiple tag team championships, while Kingston also captured the United States and Intercontinental titles.

MFT Members Also Depart

Alongside The New Day, two members of the MFT group — JC Mateo and Tonga Loa — have also exited WWE. Mateo, who signed in 2025, last wrestled on the April 24 SmackDown. Loa, who returned to WWE in 2024 after an earlier stint, last competed on the April 13 Raw. Both were part of the MFT faction led by Solo Sikoa. The departures come just one week after a large round of post-WrestleMania talent cuts, though these exits are described as mutual rather than outright releases. It remains unclear whether more wrestlers will follow.

A Shock to the WWE Universe

The news of Kingston and Woods leaving has sent shockwaves through the wrestling world. The duo had been with WWE since 2006 and 2010, respectively, and were considered pillars of the company. Their departure marks the end of an era for The New Day, a group that transcended wrestling with its positivity and charisma. Fightful Select broke the story, but the exact reasons for the mutual decision have not been disclosed. Speculation is rife, but no official statements have been made by WWE or the wrestlers.

Timeline of Recent Events

Kingston's last match was on April 17, 2025, on SmackDown. Woods last wrestled at the Royal Rumble in a dark match. Mateo's final bout was on April 24, and Loa's on April 13. The departures were confirmed on May 2, 2025. The post-WrestleMania period traditionally sees roster changes, but the scale of these exits — involving top-tier talent like Kingston and Woods — is unusual. The New Day had been a constant presence on WWE programming for over a decade.

What Comes Next

With Kingston and Woods now free agents, the wrestling world will be watching to see where they land. Both are in their prime and could potentially join AEW or other promotions. For WWE, the loss of The New Day leaves a void in the tag team division and the midcard. As for the MFT departures, Mateo and Loa's exits may signal a restructuring of that group. Solo Sikoa's faction loses two members, potentially altering storylines. Fightful Select has promised to provide further updates as more information becomes available.

Legacy of The New Day

The New Day's legacy is secure: they are one of the greatest tag teams in WWE history, with multiple championship reigns and a lasting impact on the industry. Kingston's journey from a midcarder to WWE Champion at WrestleMania 35 remains one of the most inspiring stories in wrestling. Woods, meanwhile, brought intellectual depth and athleticism to the group, becoming a fan favorite. Their departure closes a chapter, but their influence will be felt for years to come.

The bottom line

• Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods have left WWE after long tenures, ending The New Day's run.
• The departures are described as a mutual decision, not a release.
• JC Mateo and Tonga Loa also left the company, impacting the MFT faction.
• Kingston last wrestled on April 17, 2025; Woods is injured and last appeared at the Royal Rumble.
• The exits follow a wave of post-WrestleMania cuts, but these are separate.
• Future plans for Kingston, Woods, Mateo, and Loa are unknown.