CURRENT EVENTS

Why did Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods leave WWE?

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Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods mutually decided to part ways with WWE on May 2, 2026.

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Departure TypeMutual decision to part ways
Last Televised MatchApril 17, 2026 SmackDown episode, teaming with Grayson Waller
Group AffiliationBoth were members of New Day
Kingston's WWE TenureSigned in 2006, 20 years with the company
Kingston's AccomplishmentsFormer Undisputed WWE Champion, 4-time Intercontinental Champion, 14-time Tag Team Champion, 3-time US Champion
StatusBoth moved to WWE alumni section

Mutual Departure Agreement

Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, both members of the stable New Day alongside Grayson Waller, mutually decided to part ways with WWE. Kingston was moved to the WWE alumni section of the website following the announcement on May 2, 2026.

Kingston's Final WWE Appearance

Kofi Kingston's last televised match was on the April 17, 2026 episode of SmackDown, where he teamed with Grayson Waller in a loss to WWE Tag Team Champions Damian Priest and R-Truth.

Kingston's WWE Legacy

Kingston signed with WWE in 2006 and became one of the most decorated superstars in company history. He won the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35, capping off KofiMania. His accolades include being a former Undisputed WWE Champion, four-time Intercontinental Champion, 14-time Tag Team Champion, and three-time United States Champion.

Other WWE Departures

The May 2, 2026 announcement also included releases of other WWE personnel. JC Mateo (Jeff Cobb) and Tonga Loa were released by WWE, with Cobb's tenure lasting less than a calendar year after debuting on May 10, 2025.

Sources

  1. Kofi Kingston Departs WWE (fightful.com)
  2. More WWE releases (gerweck.net)

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